By meeting real Germans and doing a deep dive into what it means to be a Jew in Germany, my experience transcended that of a typical tourist on an ordinary vacation. More so than I realized when I applied for this program, the Germany Close Up experience is truly one-of-a-kind.
Natan Wise

... a whirlwind of interesting conversations, interesting people, and being immersed in an entirely different culture that was unlike anything I've experienced before.
Nicole Kofman

There was one thing in particular that stood out for me regarding the German people we met. Every tour guide, every administrator - everyone - was so sensitive and well-spoken regarding the Holocaust and Jewish culture.
Vanessa Weber

News

About us

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD): Germany Close Up's new administrative organization

We are pleased to announce that as of March 1, 2021, Germany Close Up is now a program of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), a joint organization of German institutions of higher education and their student bodies, devoted to internationalizing the academic and scientific research system.

Alumni

Remain Part of our Alumni Network

Due to European data protection regulations, we have had to delete the contact details of all our program alumni who did not send us their permission to transfer their data to our new administrative organization, the DAAD, by February 28, 2021. If this effects you and you would like to remain part of our alumni network and receive invitations to our events, as well as information on our alumni activities, such as our essay competition, please email our office to learn how to have your data reinstated.

Send an email to Germany Close Up Germany Close Up Office

Current Programs

Program update due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we have had to cancel all on the ground programs through the first half of 2021. We are continually reassing the situation and plan to begin running programs as soon as transatlantic travel becomes possible again.

Essay Collections

Publication of our third volume of essays

We are pleased to announce the publication of our third volume of essays “From Generation to Generation: Encountering Germany” featuring the writings and reflections of our Germany Close Up alumni. These essays offer personal reflections on the intense, emotional journey participants experience while in Germany on Germany Close Up and how this journey continues long after participants have returned home.

Partners

Become a Community Partner

The majority of Germany Close Up groups are organized together with Jewish partner organizations based in North America. These organizations represent a wide spectrum of Jewish life in the United States and Canada to ensure that our programs reach out to and reflect the diversity of Jewish life in North America today. Whilst we have many longstanding partnerships, we also welcome inquiries from potential new partners.

Upcoming Programs

2021 Programs

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently not running programs to Germany. We plan to resume programs as soon as transatlantic travel becomes possible again.

Alumni

Alumni Essays

Read the winning essays of our GCU alumni essay competitions here.

Apply now!