Student seminars
Students on, applying to, and returning from the VDAC program are invited to weekend seminars held for them throughout the year.
At an orientation seminar in early October, usually coinciding with the Federation’s celebration of German-American Day, the VDAC Student Exchange Committee gives newly arrived American students an in-depth introduction to living and studying in Germany. German and American students who were previously on the program share their tips for getting settled in, handling bureaucracy, saving money, and getting the most out of one’s stay.
The VDAC partners with the Atlantische Akademie Rheinland-Pfalz e.V. to enable our exchange students to participate in a seminar on current affairs. The multi-party parliamentary system in Germany is contrasted with the effectively two-party presidential system in the United States. Current-affairs topics include issues of trade, defense, culture, and other areas of cooperation between the US and Germany.
The VDAC’s Student Exchange Committee offers a cultural seminar for its students during the Federation’s annual convention. After catching up on their respective experiences and exploring the city where the convention is held, the students attend a formal banquet with representatives of the Federation.
At an orientation seminar in May or June, the VDAC Student Exchange Committee prepares the outgoing German students for living and studying in the United States. German students who were previously on the program as well as the current American students share their tips for getting settled in, for handling bureaucracy, saving money, and getting the most out of one’s stay.
Next student seminar: October 4–6, 2024 in Erfurt and Weimar | Register
German-American Day
Each year on the first weekend in October, the Federation celebrates German-American Day. Proclaimed by US President Ronald Reagan in 1983 (as an anniversary) and in 1987 (as a regular holiday), this occasion commemorates the arrival of the first German immigrants in the United States on October 6, 1683.
The Federation invites leading German and American politicians as well as political scientists, officers in the military, and business people to celebrate the broad spectrum of German-American relations in a suitable way. The city is determined by the club hosting the event.
The highlight of the event is the presentation of the Lucius D. Clay Medal for distinguished contribution to German-American friendship.
This event also includes a weekend seminar for the Federation’s exchange students from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning. At a formal banquet, the clubs get to know the students on the VDAC program, and the students become acquainted with the workings of the VDAC.
Next German-American Day: October 5, 2024 in Erfurt
Annual convention
The annual convention on a Saturday in late spring or early summer is where the business of the Federation is discussed. Proposals put forth during regular video conferences held by representatives of the clubs are discussed in detail here and motions are passed. A new VDAC board of directors is elected every two years.
The convention is hosted by a different VDAC club each time. This gives the host club a wonderful opportunity to showcase the work it does on a national level. Guests from local and regional government, educational and cultural institutions, and industry are invited to speak as well as learn about the work of the VDAC.
An important part of the convention is the seminar held for the Federation’s exchange students from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning. At a formal banquet, the clubs get to know the students on the VDAC program, and the students become acquainted with the workings of the VDAC.
Next convention: April 5, 2025. Location to be determined.
Student seminars
Students on, applying to, and returning from the VDAC program are invited to weekend seminars held for them throughout the year.
At an orientation seminar in early October, usually coinciding with the Federation’s celebration of German-American Day, the VDAC Student Exchange Committee gives newly arrived American students an in-depth introduction to living and studying in Germany. German and American students who were previously on the program share their tips for getting settled in, handling bureaucracy, saving money, and getting the most out of one’s stay.
The VDAC partners with the Atlantische Akademie Rheinland-Pfalz e.V. to enable our exchange students to participate in a seminar on current affairs. The multi-party parliamentary system in Germany is contrasted with the effectively two-party presidential system in the United States. Current-affairs topics include issues of trade, defense, culture, and other areas of cooperation between the US and Germany.
The VDAC’s Student Exchange Committee offers a cultural seminar for its students during the Federation’s annual convention. After catching up on their respective experiences and exploring the city where the convention is held, the students attend a formal banquet with representatives of the Federation.
At an orientation seminar in May or June, the VDAC Student Exchange Committee prepares the outgoing German students for living and studying in the United States. German students who were previously on the program as well as the current American students share their tips for getting settled in, for handling bureaucracy, saving money, and getting the most out of one’s stay.
Next student seminar: October 4–6, 2024 in Erfurt and Weimar | Register
Youth seminars
Educational and fun events are held at various times of the year to bring together German and American youth (ages 14 to 17) from the Federation’s clubs across Germany.
These events are often hosted at the Ramstein Air Base, the largest American military base outside of the United States, underscoring an important aspect of German-American cooperation. The tours, presentations, and activities are held in German and English, enabling the teenage participants to improve both their cultural and their language skills.
In recent years, the four-day Halloween youth camp in Kaiserslautern has been a popular event for German and American youth to get to know each other. Highlights include a movie night, a tour of Ramstein Air Base, a Halloween make-up workshop and, of course, trick-or-treating.
Halloween Camp: October 29 – November 1, 2024 in Kaiserslautern | Info | Register by October 15