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

GCU Alumni

Inaugural Germany Close Up Photo Competition 2019

Early 2019, Germany Close Up will be running its first photo competition for program alumni. The theme of the competition is ‘Encountering Germany.’
The photographer of the winning submission will receive a generous book prize and a return trip to New York to be presented at our alumni event in 2019!

Find more info here Inaugural Photo Competition
You can find the application form here. Application form

Upcoming Programs 2019

Applications Open

For many of our 2019 trips applications are already open. Take a look at our current programs page and get in touch with us!

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

2019 Programs

Applications for many of our 2019 programs are now open!

Alumni

Alumni Essays

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

Apply now!