German American Partnership Program

(GAPP)

Presented by: Brent MackeyGerman teacher

Webster Groves High School

Facts and figuresStarted in 1972Almost 800 school partnerships265,000 students have participated

What does the exchange look like?Home staysClassroom shadowing

Important to know

(Taken from www.goethe.de)

GAPP does not charge a fee for any of its services nor does GAPP make any arrangements for the exchange.

The implementation of the program is solely the responsibility of the school administrations.

A: Quite a bit.

1. Apply to be partnered with a school.2. Advertise the program to students.3. Select students (VERY CAREFULLY).4. Plan events/activities with coordinator

from Germany.5. Prepare students (for both sides of

exchange).

Q: So what do I have to do?

6. Book flights and trains7. Get travelers insurance for students.8. Apply for grants through GAPP9. Be a mediator for partners.

Q: So what do I have to do? (cont.)

1. Apply to be partnered with a school. Download form from www.goethe.de Answer questions regarding:

◦Characteristics of your school◦The surrounding area of your school◦Requests for partner school

Q: So what do I have to do? (cont.)

2. Advertise the program to students/parents through: School letters Emails Posters Homework website posts Mandatory informational meeting

Q: So what do I have to do? (cont.)

3. Select students (VERY CAREFULLY).ApplicationEssay/interviewSigned expectations sheetStudent Profile

Q: So what do I have to do? (cont.)

4. Plan events/activities with coordinator from Germany.

Welcome/Farewell gatheringsOne or two all-group events (for U.S. half only)

Excursions (in Germany)◦Hotels ◦Train tickets (German RailPass)

www.raileurope.com 7 days is $182

Q: So what do I have to do? (cont.)

5. Prepare students (for both sides of exchange).Meetings before after school to discuss:

◦ How to be a good host◦ What to expect as host◦ Culture shock◦ How to be a good guest◦ Airport/train station expectations◦ How to get the most from the exchange◦ Student projects

Q: So what do I have to do? (cont.)

6. Book flights and trains Lufthansa

75% off teacher’s ticket Free student ticket(Groups of 15 or more)

RailPass

Q: So what do I have to do? (cont.)

Connects language to real people (not just for GAPP students)

Encourages students to study abroad later

Encourages students to join German Encourages students to stick with

German Life-long friendships overseas Life-long vacation spot later in life!

Why it’s all worth it

WM Public-viewing

English Garden, Munich

Hohensalzburg

Dachau memorial site

Kölner Dom, Köln

QUESTIONS?