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GAPP German American Partnership Program for School Exchanges - get to know Germany, invite German students to experience the United States

The German American Partnership Program is administered by the Goethe-Institut U.S.A. and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and the U.S. Department of State. In Germany, GAPP is administered by the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (PAD). The program is further sponsored by the Joachim Herz Foundation and the Max Kade Foundation. 

Since its inception in 1972, more than 400.000 students and teachers have participated in this bilateral exchange program. Schools in the United States partner with a school in Germany to develop a sustainable usually long-term relationship and organize regular (yearly) student exchanges. This allows American students and teachers to experience Germany first-hand, to develop lasting friendships and relations across the Atlantic, and to invite their German counterparts to experience the United States. Students stay with host families during their exchange trips, experience the local way of life with their peers, and learn about the local culture and history of their partner school state or region through organized group outings and tours. 

If you would like to find out more or initiate an exchange program for your students, visit the Goethe-Institut GAPP website for more information. GAPP exchanges are initiated by teachers with the support of their school and parents of students in the German program.  

As cooperation partner of the Goethe-Institut, Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta hosted the 50-year GAPP program anniversary celebration for alumni and GAPP program teachers in the Southeastern United States in October 2022. 

GAPP has an alumni network for the more than 400.000 students and teachers who have participated in the program since 1972. If you are a current or former GAPP coordinator or student, join the alumni network to connect with your peers and reconnect to share memories. 

COVID-19 brought forward a virtual exchange program GAVE (German American Virtual Exchange) which can be a first step towards a full in-person exchange at your school. If this is an option of interest for your students and your school, see the GAVE website.

 

Youth and Schools

LANGUAGE

COURSES & EXAMS

Our German language courses range from beginner (A1) to full mastery (C2). Learn the language in a progressive course or practice your speaking in a conversation class. Interested in a specialized course such as German for Travel or Current Events? Need evidence of your language skills for living, working, or studying in Germany?

Register for in-person or virtual language courses 

and certified and internationally recognized Goethe Exams.

CULTURE

EVENTS & GATHERINGS

Our cultural program for all ages is continuously growing.

Exhibitions, literature, panel discussions, film screenings, heritage programs, festivals, lifestyle and sports, music and fairy tales. 

Interactive in-person events at our new cultural center location in Downtown Atlanta. 

Happenings at various locations in Metro Atlanta and throughout the Southeast.

Virtual programs.

Check out our upcoming events.

KULTUR ENSEMBLE

FRANCO-GERMAN CULTURAL CENTER

Founded in 1976 as a branch of the Goethe Institut, our organization has served the German-speaking community in Atlanta and the Southeast for more than 45 years. 

As of September 2022, we are officially a KULTUR ENSEMBLE!

1 of 9 globally, and the only in North America, together with the Alliance Francaise d'Atlanta, we are the center for German and French language, culture, heritage and experiences in the heart of Downtown Atlanta.

Come visit!