Interested in a virtual excursion?
Get on board:
- Use the links below.
- Click on the front door on the bus.
- Choose a nickname.
- Enter the guest access code.
The Digital Wanderbus offers a 3D environment where students can immerse themselves in a variety of topics, from politics, science and history to culture and exercises on the German pronunciation.
The Wanderbus Karriere offers a virtual career center with information and resources on various career opportunities in Germany and the USA, from apprenticeships or studying to scientific research.
The Sustainability Lab offers a wide variety of information on the topic of sustainability in German and English.
For each of the 17 sustainability goals, you'll find videos, podcasts, games and more.
Speak with a Representative of the German Bundestag
We are pleased to resume live talks with German politicians to facilitate the transatlantic exchange and to strengthen interest in contemporary Germany.
If you are interested in joining a conversation with a representative of the German Bundestag, please let us know and we will contact you to facilitate a date. The live talks will begin in May 2024 and continue in the fall. The meetings will be conducted via Zoom and last approx. one hour. The conversation will be moderated and can be conducted in German or English.
What would you need to do to prepare:
Visit the original Wanderbus where you find materials for you and your students to learn more about the German political system.
Learn about the politician you are about to meet. All Bundestagsabgeordnete have websites, and many are active on social media.
Send us questions you would like to ask, ideally at least 2-3 weeks prior to the event. The event will be moderated; however, we strongly encourage your students to ask questions themselves and to engage in a dialogue.
Send us a brief description of your program, school and community. In German or English. This could be a fun project for your students. What are opportunities, what are challenges, what is the history and what are students' aspirations for their future?
Interested in participating in a live talk with a member of parliament in Germany? Please fill out the below form to submit your information: https://forms.office.com/e/82q11UteyP
We're happy to help you find a slot for your Wanderbus experience and facilitate a meeting between your class and a representative of the German Bundestag.
“How can we foster transatlantic relations, Mr. Fricke?”
The first conversation between German politicians and US students took place at the beginning of May and was a remarkable success. Led by the Goethe-Institut Washington, around 50 students from Stuyvesant High School in New York had the unique opportunity to speak directly with a member of the German Bundestag, Mr. Otto Fricke. Through a live Zoom call, they asked a variety of questions ranging from personal questions about their political careers to current political challenges.
One question was particularly interesting, focusing on future cooperation between the US and Germany: “How can young people help strengthen the transatlantic dialog and usher in a new era of cooperation between our countries?” In his response, Mr. Fricke emphasized that the active participation of young people is crucial to keeping the transatlantic dialogue alive and bringing in new perspectives. He encouraged the students to remain interested in political issues and to actively participate in shaping transatlantic relations.
Mr. Fricke was very positive after the transatlantic discussion and emphasized the importance of such dialogues for the future of transatlantic relations. He praised the students' commitment and emphasized the relevance of their questions for the political discussion. A student from Stuyvesant High School was also convinced of the significance of this encounter and emphasized the importance of such transatlantic dialogues for his generation. “It was inspiring to engage directly with a German politician and discuss important issues that affect both our countries,” he said. “Such conversations open up new perspectives and help to strengthen understanding and cooperation between the U.S. and Germany.”
Rebecca Lindemulder, PASCH teacher at Stuyvesant High School, reported, “It was an intense experience, but also extremely rewarding,” Ms. Lindemulder said. “The students showed exceptional interest in the discussions and asked smart questions that enriched the conversation.”
The Goethe-Institut is planning more conversations with German politicians leading up to the election and looks forward to the positive momentum these conversations will provide for German language learners in the United States. The next conversation is scheduled for May 30 at the Goethe-Institut New York.
What's new in the Digital Wanderbus?
Tutorials on the German Pronunciation
Practice your German pronunciation with our new tutorials. Here you will receive useful tips and exercises for difficult phenomena of German pronunciation. The trio Mario and the Muckemacher present the content in a motivating way and with musical accompaniment.
Teaching Material in German and English
With our additional material you can prepare motivating and informative lessons easily and in very little time. Material is available in German and English. Please, don't hesitate to contact us on the email provided above.
Get together
Meet German politicians and classmates from across the pond for live virtual discussions.
This year, we would like to continue our popular conversations with politicians. You can find out more about this in our relaunch events in September.
Further information and additional materials for teachers
Visit the digital Wanderbuses with your class and perpetuate your school on the Wanderbus map! We are happy to send you additional information about school visits and materials for use in the classroom.