Established in October 2007, Germany Close Up – North American Jews Meet Modern Germany is an initiative created to enrich transatlantic dialogue and provide Jewish, North American students and young professionals in their twenties and thirties with an opportunity to experience modern Germany firsthand. A generous government scholarship (a part of the ERP Special Assets of the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action) covers more than two thirds of participation costs, which leaves a participation fee of $970 per person. At the same time, Germany Close Up is an independent body regarding the organization and content of its programs. The purpose of the program is to allow participants to gain their own perspective on Germany through individual experience.
Explore and experience contemporary Germany through meetings, site visits, and informal sessions with Jewish and non-Jewish young German peers.
The programs are designed to expose participants to a range of aspects that make up modern Germany, with both the past and present in focus. Program content is presented through various activities, tours, and meetings. All programs cover issues related to Germany’s reflection on its past and its efforts to deal with the memory of the Holocaust and the Nazi horror up to this very day. They also consider Germany’s transformation over the last decades into a modern, reunified, and democratic country in the heart of the European Union.
The seven day program between August 5 and 11, 2024 (arrival in Germany is possible from August 4) will expose participants to Berlin’s multicultural life, allow them to visit sites such as a former concentration camp, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the Jewish Museum in Berlin, and to experience other key historical sites and cultural venues. They will meet with German opinion-makers from the academic and political spheres, representatives of grass roots movements and the Jewish community, as well as German contemporaries. The role of Jewish voices in transatlantic relations will be explored as participants actively contribute to German-American dialogue.
The program will focus on the following topics:
- Berlin and united Germany
- The Holocaust and the Nazi Era (including a visit to a former Concentration Camp)
- Jewish Life in Berlin, past and present
- German Politics and Society today
- Transatlantic relations (including a meeting with officials of the German Federal Foreign Office)
- Visit to a city outside Berlin
Details
Cost
US$970
This fee includes airfare, hotel accommodation in double rooms (3 star), most meals, and ground expenses.
Flight reimbursement
If your air fare is lower than US$970, the remainder is due to Germany Close Up following the program’s conclusion. If your air fare is more than US$970, you may be eligible for a flight reimbursement from Germany Close Up for some of your costs above this amount.
Please note that this amount is capped and depends on your point of departure in the United States or Canada. For participants departing from the New York or Washington D.C. greater metropolitan areas the maximum reimbursement available is US$30. (max. flight costs for full reimbursement: US$1.000) For participants departing from elsewhere in the United States or Canada the maximum reimbursement is US$480 (max. flight costs for full reimbursement: US$1.450). Only flight costs above the US$970 participation fee are considered for reimbursement.
For example:
For flight costs from Cleveland of US$1.200, you will be reimbursed US$230.
For flight costs from Cleveland of US$1.400, you will be reimbursed US$430.
For flight costs from Cleveland of US$1.500, you will be reimbursed US$430.
Reimbursement will take place several weeks after the program’s conclusion and will be coordinated by The Bridge & B'nai Jeshurun. The reimbursement process can take up to three months.
Please note that miles, credit card points or trip insurances cannot be used for reimbursement purposes.
Duration
7 days. August 5-11, 2024
Further information
Application documents
Cover letter
Resume
A 500 word statement outlining your interest in the program
One letter of recommendation (The Bridge & B'nai Jeshurun external)
Application close
We are currently taking applications on a rolling basis.