Transatlantic Outreach Program

Today, 1 wrapped up its time in , our first host city. Before heading to our next destination, we had the opportunity to meet with the Frankfurt Jewish community for an insightful and productive discussion.

A big thank you for your hospitality and valuable perspectives. Onward to the next stop—the learning continues tomorrow!

had a fantastic first day of the !
After an orientation session, we explored on a city tour with and learned about the important role the city and its citizens played in shaping modern constitutional democracy in .
We then visited the europeancentralbank to discuss its role within the EU, as well as the growing importance of sustainability in the banking sector.
A big thank-you to our hosts for an insightful day. We're looking forward to continuing the learning journey tomorrow!

is on the ground in , ! We can't wait for the TOP 1 Fellows to arrive tomorrow and for the official program start Monday! Follow along for study tour updates and learn with us as we travel throughout Germany!

The final stop for all groups: , ! As Germany’s capital, Berlin remains a TOP favorite—rich with centuries‑old landmarks, pivotal historical sites, and a vibrant role in today’s global society. TOP participants explore how the city has shaped major moments in world history and continues to influence contemporary Germany.

We know this barely scratches the surface of how many have experienced Berlin with us. Share your memories and photos below—what moments from your time in Berlin still stay with you?

TOP 3 will leave Munich to make their way north to , . Leipzig stands at the heart of the peaceful revolution that helped bring down the Berlin Wall. The city’s Monday Demonstrations—rooted in the courage of everyday citizens gathering at St. Nicholas Church—sparked a movement that spread across East Germany and ultimately reshaped the course of history. For teachers, Leipzig offers a powerful look at how civic action can transform a nation and the impact those actions still hold today.

were you able to visit Leipzig on your TOP trip? What sites did you visit? What lessons came out of it for your classrooms? Tell us below!

TOP 3 will start in the largest state in : Bavaria! With a stay in , TOP participants will gain insight into Germany’s history and its influence on contemporary society. From its role in the rise of National Socialism to its post‑war transformation into a center of culture, learning, and democratic renewal, the city invites teachers to explore how the past continues to shape modern Germany. As you walk through Munich’s historic streets and visit key sites like the Glockenspiel, beer halls, Eisbach, and many museums and monuments, we hope the experience deepens your understanding and enriches the stories you bring back to your students. Munich is a favorite of – share your stories with us for TOP 3 2026!

TOP 2 will head to , and the surrounding area after starting in Frankfurt! Düsseldorf offers teachers a unique window into Germany’s past and present. From its roots as a historic Rhine‑side settlement to its role today as a center of art, politics, and innovation, the city shows how history continues to shape modern Germany. As you explore Düsseldorf, we hope its stories and perspectives enrich your understanding and spark new ideas for your classrooms.

did you travel to Düsseldorf or the Rhine region with TOP? If so, tell us your favorite memories!

TOP 1 will move on from Frankfurt to , – an absolute TOP favorite. Geisa and its neighboring towns sit directly along the former border between East and West Germany, a place where history is still felt in the landscape. During their time in the region, groups visit Point Alpha—once an American military observation post and known as the “hottest spot of the Cold War” due to its location near the Fulda Gap. Here, educators explore the role of the United States in the Cold War and gain insight into daily life in this border region, then and now.

How many TOP groups have stood at Point Alpha over the years? And for those who have — what moments from your visit have stayed with you the most?

The first stop for TOP 2026 for both TOP 1 AND 2 will be the great city of , where history meets the modern! Frankfurt’s reputation as a major financial center—home to the European Central Bank and a key player in international policy—is only part of its story. It is also the birthplace of German democracy and of our namesake, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, reminding us that the city has shaped global culture and ideas for centuries. Which past cohorts do you spot in the photos below—and which unforgettable groups are we missing? What moments from your own time in Frankfurt have stayed with you?

It is the ’s absolute pleasure to introduce you to our 2026 ! This summer, we will offer 3 study tours to with a total of 42 Fellows representing 30 US states and 1 Canadian province. The groups will be visiting businesses, museums, schools, government offices and getting to know all about contemporary Germany to bring back to their classrooms here in the and . We will be sharing their stops next week and cannot wait to greet the first group on June 13 in GERMANY!

https://www.goethe.de/ins/us/en/unt/aus/top/tso/2026-top-study-tours.html

2026 TOP Study Tours - Goethe-Institut USA The Goethe-Institut is the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institute, active worldwide. We promote the study of German abroad and encourage international cultural exchange.