Our GAPP short-term exchange program is for teachers, schools, and coordinators, who organize student exchanges. GAPP does not act as an organizer for travel, nor for the exchange itself. Instead, we offer assistance to teachers, schools, and coordinators in navigating the framework of an exchange. We also grant financial assistance to groups and chaperones, as well as individual scholarships for qualifying students.
GAPP supports individuals and schools that organize a student-exchange for a group of 10-20 students. These exchanges must be a minimum of 14 days in duration. Financial support can include travel grants for exchange groups and chaperones, as well as individual scholarships for qualifying students. GAPP coordinators can be provided with professional liability insurance at no cost to them. Click on plan your next exchange below for a range of important documents, such as starter kits, timelines, guidelines, teacher handbooks, materials on how to promote the exchange at your school, materials for students, travel and accommodation details, insurance information, visa information and so much more.
You should hear back with a reponse about the status of your application in early March 2025.
We invite all coordinators/teachers in the U.S. – with or without German language program – to apply for German American Partnership Program (GAPP) scholarships. You may apply for two kind of grants/scholarships: Group grants for your entire group (includes a teacher grant and student grants) or individual scholarships on behalf of your students.
In order to become eligible for the GAPP program, the exchange must include a theme that is covered throughout the exchange in the form of activities, field trips, or a project. Our GAPP travel journal can also fulfill this requirement. If you are interested in working on a project with your students, your partner school is able to apply for extra funding from the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (PAD) for this purpose.
Schools without a German program are encouraged to work with their German counterparts so that the Americans can participate in a crash course in German at their partner school in Germany. This should be documented and turned in to the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (PAD) by the German coordinator after the exchange is complete.
Most U.S. schools find their partner schools through www.partnerschulnetz.de — an online forum that enables German and foreign schools worldwide to establish international partnerships. Create your school's profile and get in contact with German schools looking for a partner school in the U.S.
Teachers and schools are responsible for coordinating their exchanges. The flexibility allows you to arrange your group’s travel to Germany (and hosting of your German exchange partner group) to best fit the needs of your students and school.
The recommended group size is 10 to 20 participants. For a group of 11 students and more, two adult chaperones are required. Please contact our office should you have a group considerably smaller than 10 students. Students have the option to only host an exchange student without going on an exchange trip themselves. Details are subject to agreement between partner teachers.
GAPP exchanges must last 14 days or longer, with at least 10 days spent with a host family and 5 days attending their school.
GAPP Inc. offers travel grants and scholarships to qualifying schools and students. There are no application fees for grants or scholarships, and joining the GAPP network is entirely free.
GAPP exchanges cost each student $1,200–$3,200 on average. Exact pricing depends on the size of your student group and where in the US you’re flying out from. Costs are generally low because students stay with their host families free of charge for the majority of the trip.
Our goal is to continue supporting the majority of schools seeking assistance. If applications exceed our capacity, we will apply the following selection criteria:
1. All required documents are fully completed and submitted before the deadline.
2. Exchange parameters, including mandatory days spent in the host school and with host families, are met.
3. Title 1 schools and public schools are given precedence.
4. Schools with German programs are given precedence.
5. Schools in rural areas are given precedence.
6. Schools with well-defined exchange projects are given precedence.
GAPP Grants
We offer airfare subsidies for GAPP coordinators and their student groups, depending on their region of departure. GAPP also offers individual scholarships for students to promote diversity, equal opportunities and inclusion as well as a future career path with German(Y).
GAPP awards an average of $2,000 in travel grants and student scholarships to U.S. schools.
Grants for teachers and chaperones
Grants for students within short-term exchange groups
Accompanying GAPP teachers receive air subsidies. GAPP groups of more than 10 students are eligible for 2 teacher grants. The rate is calculated as a flat rate depending on the average regional fare.
GAPP students within groups receive airfare subsidies depending on their region of their departure. Finalize your participating students list and travel dates and apply for a travel grant.
We are happy to accept your application on behalf of your student for an individual scholarship. With our Scholarships for Individual Students we offer two options: 1. GAPP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarship (sponsored by Joachim Herz Foundation) 2. GAPP Future Career German(Y) Scholarship (sponsored by Max Kade Foundation Inc.)
You can submit an application on behalf of your student by filling out the from below. Students are asked to write a narrative of 700 words (max), outlining why they are applying for the specific scholarships.
GAPP is all about giving young students from diverse backgrounds and historically marginalized communities a chance to join our exciting international exchange program. We're looking for enthusiastic applicants who believe in making the world a more inclusive and diverse place. If you're passionate about learning from other cultures and want to be a part of building bridges between people from around the globe, we encourage you to apply. Show us your commitment to being a global citizen and explain how you think your participation in the program can help bring people together and create a more connected world.
Students facing financial hardship will be given priority, ensuring that the international exchange opportunity is accessible to all, regardless of economic challenges.
Eligibility criteria: Open to all students participating in GAPP exchanges Submission information: Student writes essay not to exeed 700 words. Teacher submits application form on behalf of student Supporting materials: Letter of references, teachers or parents/guardians Additional documentation (if applicable): Materials demonstrating financial hardship, such as tax returns, proof of unemployment, or other relevant information
Are you passionate about German language and culture, with a drive to possibly integrate it into your future career path? Perhaps you would like to study German in the US, become a German teacher or pursue study abroad opportunities that involve German? This scholarship is tailored for students who not only excel academically in German studies but also demonstrate a steadfast commitment to incorporating German into their future professional aspirations. Tell us about why you are excited about studying German and the path you´re envisioning for yourself with the language.
Eligibility criteria: Open to all students participating in GAPP exchanges Submission information: Student writes essay not to exeed 700 words. Teacher submits application form on behalf of student Supporting materials: Letter of reference from teacher Additional documentation: Academic transcripts
If you have very specific questions about exchange logistics (e.g. which carriers to use, best tours in Berlin/Munich/Cologne etc.) we would like to encourage you to join our GAPP Teacher Forum on Facebook. This FB forum is a closed group of currently 500+ American GAPP coordinators and teachers and it is administered by GAPP. Only members can see and submit posts; therefore, it is a safe and supportive environment where you can ask for advice from experienced GAPP colleagues, share your own experiences, and connect with fellow GAPP coordinators from around the U.S.
