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The International Visitors Programme

Information and network tours give visitors a special, authentic experience of Germany. The Goethe-Institut International Visitors Programme develops tailored, thematically diverse visitors programmes and digital encounter formats for international multipliers on behalf of the German Federal Foreign Office and other clients. 

Das internationale Besucherprogramm © Goethe-Institut e. V.

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Bespoke programmes in live, digital and hybrid format

With the help of a network of experienced experts from the fields of politics, business, culture, academia, the media and society, the programmes give participants a nuanced picture of Germany. They also provide an opportunity for the invited guests from around the world to make lasting professional contacts and are the starting point for diverse forms of cooperation.

Impressions

Guests from Benin, Cameroon, the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda visit the Bundestag during the information tour on the theme of “Control of the Public Finance System in the Federal Republic of Germany“

Guests from Benin, Cameroon, the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda visit the Bundestag during the information tour on the theme of “Control of the Public Finance System in the Federal Republic of Germany“ | © Goethe-Institut e. V.

Bauhaus Earth welcomed representatives of United States cities to Marienpark LAB during the networking tour on “Common Challenges and Transatlantic Solutions for Cities” at the invitation of the Federal Foreign Office.

Bauhaus Earth welcomed representatives of United States cities to Marienpark LAB during the networking tour on “Common Challenges and Transatlantic Solutions for Cities” at the invitation of the Federal Foreign Office. | © Goethe-Institut e. V.

Guests from Ghana in front of the Brandenburg Gate during their visitors tour on “Formats of Cooperation on the Subject of Hydrogen” at the invitation of the Federal Foreign Office.

Guests from Ghana in front of the Brandenburg Gate during their visitors tour on “Formats of Cooperation on the Subject of Hydrogen” at the invitation of the Federal Foreign Office. | © Goethe-Institut

Representatives of United States cities engaged in lively discussions during the networking tour on “Common Challenges and Transatlantic Solutions for Cities” at the invitation of the Federal Foreign Office.

Representatives of United States cities engaged in lively discussions during the networking tour on “Common Challenges and Transatlantic Solutions for Cities” at the invitation of the Federal Foreign Office. | © Goethe-Institut e. V.

During the networking tour on the theme of “Diversity in an Open Society“ at the invitation of the Federal Foreign Office, the guests from Japan, Korea and Taiwan took part in Christopher Street Day in Berlin.

During the networking tour on the theme of “Diversity in an Open Society“ at the invitation of the Federal Foreign Office, the guests from Japan, Korea and Taiwan took part in Christopher Street Day in Berlin. | © Goethe-Institut e. V.

At the invitation of the regional institute Subsaharan-Africa, eight dancers and curators with disabilities travelled to the Tanzmesse NRW and took part in a five-day exchange programme.

At the invitation of the regional institute Subsaharan-Africa, eight dancers and curators with disabilities travelled to the Tanzmesse NRW and took part in a five-day exchange programme. | © Goethe-Institut e. V.

Representatives of United States cities explore Mannheim’s industrial port during the visitors tour on “Common Challenges and Transatlantic Solutions for Cities” commissioned by the Federal Foreign Office.

Representatives of United States cities explore Mannheim’s industrial port during the visitors tour on “Common Challenges and Transatlantic Solutions for Cities” commissioned by the Federal Foreign Office. | © Goethe-Institut e. V.

Guests of the global tour at the invitation of the Federal Foreign Office on the theme of “Adapting to Climactic Changes“ (2024) following an exchange with members of parliament at the German Bundestag.

Guests of the global tour at the invitation of the Federal Foreign Office on the theme of “Adapting to Climactic Changes“ (2024) following an exchange with members of parliament at the German Bundestag. | © Goethe-Institut e. V.

Curators from Saudi Arabia during the information tour with stations at the Berlin Biennale, Berlin Art Week and documenta fifteen. As well as talks, there were many opportunities for participation.

Curators from Saudi Arabia during the information tour with stations at the Berlin Biennale, Berlin Art Week and documenta fifteen. As well as talks, there were many opportunities for participation. | © Goethe-Institut e. V.

Guests from the Philippines during the visitors tour on the German school system at the invitation of the Federal Foreign Office.

Guests from the Philippines during the visitors tour on the German school system at the invitation of the Federal Foreign Office. | © Goethe-Institut e. V.

Guests, themes and clients

Our tours are developed for our clients in close consultation. The concept and content of all our tours are tailored to the specific target group and tour objective.

Voices, stories and projects

What inspires the guests of the Visitors Programme during their stay in Germany – and how does digital encounter work?

Thailand
 Skate Diplomacy

A group of Thai skateboarders travelled to Germany in May 2023 for an exchange of experience. Of course, they brought their skateboards along.

Visit to the DIY Skate Spots on Greifswalder Straße in Berlin © Goethe-Institut e.V.

Bolivia
 Elvira Espejo Ayca – the Bridge Builder

Bolivian multi-artist and museum director Elvira Espejo Ayca was awarded the Goethe Medal in 2020. In May 2022, she visited Berlin and Dessau on a networking tour in connection with this award.
 

Elvira Espejo Ayca with figures by Oskar Schlemmer in the Bauhaus building in Dessau © Goethe-Institut e.V.

Worldwide
 Constructive Climate Anxiety

Climate experts from eight countries gathered information during a thematic tour of Germany on international climate policy, and exchanged ideas and experience.
 

The SPREEAKADEMIE’s tiny house – a model house for building and living sustainably in rural areas © Goethe-Institut e.V.

Namibia
 Account by a GDR child of Namibia

When Nangula Costa was asked whether she would like to go on a trip into her past, she hesitated. Many versions of the story of the GDR children of Namibia are circulating and also many rumours.

Nangula Costa © Tina Hüttl/Goethe-Institut e.V.

Testimonials

I had actively avoided visiting Germany as my dad had always said we wouldn’t be welcome. I am really glad I went and my opinion has completely changed purely because of who we met on this trip.
Participant of the trip “Jewish Life in Germany – Explorative information trip to initiate future exchange activities between German and British synagogues”
I am very grateful to the German government for allowing me to visit their country and learn about your country in general. The trip was very educative and important for my country. It will help my country to improve the delivery of vocational education and training and produce graduates with skills needed for the industry in formal or informal self-employment.
Participant of the trip “Dual Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Germany,” 2022

External Reports on Information Tours

Contacts

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