Digital WanderbUS

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 a brief 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.

 

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. Interested in joining a conversation this fall? Please complete this short form: https://forms.office.com/e/82q11UteyP