Transcript Document
Germany Exchange
Leslie Blanton & Nilay Woodbury
What is an exchange?
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German students come to visit us.
American students go to Germany in exchange.
The stay is no more than 3 weeks.
Focus is on fostering cultural understanding.
Increases knowledge of the German language.
Which program does it?
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GAPP – German American Partnership Program.
The Friendship Connection.
And many others!
Tell me more about GAPP
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Founded in 1972.
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Works with the Educational Exchange Service (founded in 1952).
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Sponsored and subsidized by German & American governments.
Exchange is Important!
“I encourage Americans of all ages and from all walks of life to consider participating in an exchange or an international education program. Host a visitor from abroad for an evening or a school year. Learn a foreign language.Take
advantage of study and professional development programs that help you better understand another country and its people. You will serve as bridges from your communities to individuals and societies abroad, demonstrating our values but also bringing new insights that will enrich your lives and enhance our nation.”
– Colin Powell, International Education Week, Nov 03
Development of School Partnerships 800 750 700 650 600 550 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Year
How does it work?
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Under GAPP guidelines the German and American coordinator (exchange teacher) designs the exchange program.
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It is very affordable!!!
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Chaperoning teachers and students get government assistance.
Costs for Participants
• Airfare • Spending Money • Day Trips (optional)
Host family provides free room and board!
Is it successful?
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YES!
Has grown from 150 to 800 partnerships.
Students’ language skills improve tremendously.
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Students build lifelong friendships and therefore increase their language capacity.
Whom does it benefit?
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EVERYBODY!!!
Exchange offers:
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School stimulation
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Enrichment
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Internationalization
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Foreign language and Social Studies Curricula stimulation – particularly during their stay at our school!!!
Enhances Perception of Germany
Key Benefits
Promotes Global Awareness Fosters Foreign Language Enrollment Increases Motivation Involves Community
What is the Exchange about?
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Quote (GAPP): "The people we met have become more than partners, they became best friends and family. One of the greatest things about the trip is the friendships that were made. I had so much fun I didn’t realize how much I had learned until I got back.“
Guidelines in A Nutshell
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Minimum stay in Germany 21 days
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Recommended group size 10 – 20 students
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Attend school for two weeks
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Exchange occurs annually or every other year
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GAPP Coordinator is responsible for organization of exchange
Host Family’s Responsibilities
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Involvement in the school’s preparation for exchange
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Integration of guest student into their family life
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Granting of free room and board for guest students
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Communication in the language of the host country
Host School’s Responsibilities
• Reception and farewell events for guests • Integration of guest students into school life • Press release in local media
Contact Information
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Dr. Sabina Margalit, GAPP Executive Director: 212-439-8717
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Stefanie Proessl, Program Officer, Councilor: 212-439-8715 Helga Lehmann, Administrative Assistant 212-439-8716 ______________________________________________ GAPP is located at: Goethe-Institut New York1014 Fifth Av. New York, NY 10028 Fax: (212) 439-8705 Phone: (212) 439-8700 e-mail: [email protected]