The Well is going back to Germany in 2024 on our fourth trip with Germany Close Up!
We are so excited to share that we are taking another trip to Germany in the spring of 2024 with Germany Close Up! Check out all the details below, and apply by Sunday, February 25th, here.
WHEN: Our trip will take place May 21-28, 2024. Depending on your personal travel plans, you’ll likely depart the US on Sunday, May 19.
WHERE: The trip takes place mostly in Berlin, with one overnight or day trip to another city in Germany.
What do you do on the trip? The trip is organized chronologically and takes place mostly in Berlin. Each day addresses a new time period in German-Jewish history, beginning with the first Jewish communities in Berlin, WWI, WWII and the Holocaust, the Cold War, Reunification, all the way through modern day Germany. There are guided walking tours and bus tours, museum visits, panels with young adult community leaders and political figures, Shabbat experiences with a local synagogue, a visit to a concentration camp just outside Berlin, a visit to another German city, deep and meaningful discussions, lots of flexible/free time, beautiful sight-seeing, scenery, and the exciting culture of Berlin, and of course, lots of delicious meals. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or have never left the US, this trip is for you!
What is Germany Close Up? Established in 2007, Germany Close Up – North American Jews Meet Modern Germany is an initiative created to enrich transatlantic dialogue and provide Jewish-North American students and young professionals with an opportunity to experience modern Germany first hand. Germany Close Up is funded by a grant from the German Government's Transatlantic Program, which draws on funds from the European Recovery Program (ERP) Special Fund of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The program is currently administered by the German Academic Exchange Service.
Who is eligible to attend? Jewish young adults ages 18-39 are eligible to attend. As this trip is in partnership with The Well, participants also must live in the local Metro Detroit area, but do not need to be involved with The Well at any particular level. *If you've recently moved away or have other strong ties to Detroit you may still qualify - email marisa@meetyouatthewell.org to discuss!*
How much does it cost? The Germany Close Up program costs $950, which includes your airfare, hotel accommodations, most meals, transportation during the trip duration, admission fees, and event tickets. Things like personal spending money, a handful of meals, and transportation to and from the airport are not included.
How do I apply? Applications are now open and will close on Sunday, February 25th and can be submitted here. The application includes 4 parts:
1. Cover letter - (Not like a cover letter for a job application - this is the cover sheet of your application packet, and should include your name, the date, the trip you’re applying for, and a short bio that introduces you as a candidate for the trip.)
2. A copy of your resume.
3. Statement of Interest (500 words) - (This is the part that’s like a cover letter for a job application - tell the GCU staff why you are excited about this opportunity and what the experience would mean to you. They take the 500 word count seriously, please make sure to hit this mark!)
4. One letter of recommendation - (This should serve as a character reference. Letters should not be written by immediate family, staff of The Well, or other trip applicants. Letters don’t need to be more than 1 page long.)
Further questions? Email marisa@meetyouatthewell.org!