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

Alumni

Upcoming Alumni Events

We are excited to announce the dates for this year's alumni meetings:

Washington, D.C.: October 3
New York: October 7
Miami: October 10

Further details to follow!

Upcoming Programs

Open Program December 2018

We are currently accepting applications for our last program in 2018:
On Open Program for Students and Young Professionals running from December 16 - 22.
Take advantage of this great opportunity and spend your winter break or year-end holiday in Germany with us!

Current Programs

Program in Affiliation with the Pardes Institute

Applications are now open for our program in affiliation with the Pardes Institute, running from January 11 to 18. This program will have a special focus on Jewish heritage in Berlin, Worms, and Frankfurt. It will also explore questions of Holocaust remembrance and enable participants to experience contemporary Jewish Life in Germany.

Partners

Become a GCU 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

2018 Programs

Applications for our final program of 2018 are now open! The program is open to both students and young professionals and will take place from December 16 to 22.

Alumni

Alumni Essays

In 2014, Germany Close Up ran its third alumni essay competition. The winning essays can be read here.

Apply now!