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

Photo Competition

2020 Alumni Photo Comptition is now open!

We are currently taking submissions for our 2020 Alumni Photo Competition. Applications close January 3, 2021.

Current Programs

Program update due to the COVID-19 pandemic: We're moving online!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we have had to cancel all on the ground programs through to the end of 2020. As a result, we are moving our programming online! Join us this December for our first Germany Close Up Online Fellowship.

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.

Program History

Overview of past programs

Do you want to know more about the history of Germany Close Up and its past programs? Do you want to find out more about our cooperation with many different Jewish partner organizations from North America? Then check out our new overview of all past programs and get inspired about creating your own community partnership with Germany Close Up.

Staff News

Dr. Dagmar Pruin becomes President of Bread for the World

Germany Close Up and Action Reconciliation Service for Peace (ARSP) congratulate!

Our Executive Director, Pastor Dr. Dagmar Pruin, has been unanimously confirmed as President of Bread for the World (Germany) and Diakonie Emergency Aid by the Council of the German Protestant Church as of March 1st 2021. "This election is certainly an expression of recognition for her outstanding work at Action Reconciliation Service for Peace (ARSP) and Germany Close Up," says ARSP-Chairman Dr. Stephan Reimers. The board of directors of ARSP and the employees at Germany Close Up and ARSP express their heartfelt congratulations. For the time being we are looking forward to further cooperation in the coming months.

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

2020 Programs

Our programming continues despite current transatlantic travel restrictions. Join us online this December for a virtual encounter with contemporary Germany.

Alumni

Alumni Essays

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

Apply now!