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

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

As we are wrapping up the year with our 10th Anniversary celebration in New York and an Open Program running from December 9 - 17, application for the spring programs in 2018 is now open. In 2018, Germany Close Up will be running 12 programs for students and young professionals.

Alumni

Alumni Essays

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

Apply now!