Washington, Brussels, Berlin and Leipzig: This year's New Bridge cohort reports on their experiences during their study trip to Europe.
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New Bridge to Germany
New Bridge to Germany is a fully funded study program for young professionals with a focus on diversity.
The United States is a country rich in diversity. Perspectives and experiences of communities vary greatly based on where they are located geographically, their heritage, and culture. Many of them are not adequately represented in the transatlantic dialogue. To enable a more meaningful conversation with the United States, more voices and perspectives need to be included. With its New Bridge Program, Atlantik-Brücke seeks to garner interest in Germany and Europe among more Americans, spark new ideas, and continue to build a strong transatlantic community.
New Bridge to Germany is a study program with a focus on diverse young American professionals underrepresented in the transatlantic community. The program enables current and emerging leaders from a variety of fields and regions in the United States to experience Germany and Europe first-hand, engage in an interdisciplinary exchange on transatlantic relations, discuss the rapid changes to societies on both continents, and cultivate lasting personal and professional relationships.
The fully funded 10-day program begins with predeparture activities in Washington, D.C., where participants get to know one another, make their first valuable connections with the transatlantic community, and prepare for their trip to Berlin and Brussels. While in Germany and Belgium, the group will meet with high-ranking officials and decision-makers from critical sectors; visit key government institutions, business, and cultural sites; and engage with European counterparts, both professionally and socially. Cultural activities, such as going on a Cold War walking tour of Berlin or exploring the vibrant city life of Brussels, will complement the program.
After completing the program, participants will be integrated into an alumni network with additional events and opportunities for continued exchange.
PARTICIPANTS:
Every year, our partners are invited to nominate suitable candidates for the New Bridge Program. Nominees then apply directly and are chosen via a selection process.
The program is open to diverse professionals from all fields between the ages of 25 and 35, with a special focus on those who have limited or no previous experience with or ties to Europe and Germany. Participants should be able to demonstrate professional, academic, personal, or other achievements, be open to new experiences, curious about international affairs, and willing to actively engage in discussions about European-American relations.
COSTS:
The New Bridge Program is a fully funded fellowship. All incurred costs (flights, accommodations, board, and program activities) are fully covered by the program.
The program is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the Joachim Herz Foundation.
ADVISORY BOARD:
Our ten advisory board members from both sides of the Atlantic use their expertise in various fields to support a successful implementation and alignment of the New Bridge. You can take a look at our advisory board here.
OUR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS:
New Bridge to Germany: Collaborative solutions in need
New Bridge to Germany: Class of 2024
These ten remarkable young professionals from the U.S. will embark on their journey in September of 2024, traveling from Washington, D.C., to Brussels, Berlin, and Leipzig.
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New Publication: Current Study on the State of Transatlantic Relations
The results of our current study show that socio-demographic characteristics are decisive for participation in the transatlantic dialog in the USA and Germany.
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The seventh cohort of Atlantik-Brücke's New Bridge Program has gained a deeper understandting of the transatlantic relationship. Its journey to Washington, Brussels, Berlin and Hamburg is supposed to have several repercussions.
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Building Bridges and Bonds to Make Cross-Cultural Impact
The New Bridge Fellows give a report on their study trip to Europe and reflect on what they have learned about transatlantic relations during an eventful week.
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“A live example of the value of diverse perspectives”
A visit to the European Parliament, a chat about organized labor at Volkswagen, and a meeting with the German President were just a few of the items on the most recent New Bridge cohort's agenda.
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“In Europe, I’m automatically the American. That switch has been really enlightening.”
The fellows of Atlantik-Brücke's New Bridge Program add new viewpoints to the transatlantic debate. Catt Phan shares her experience as a Vietnamese immigrant and elaborates on how traveling abroad has changed her perspective.
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“Our Strength Comes from our Diversity”
A cohort of New Bridge Fellows shares insights into why they applied to the program, how their views on Europe have changed, and what the experience taught them.
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„A semester’s worth of transatlantic relations in one week“
Two fellows of the New Bridge Program recount their trip to Washington, DC, Berlin, Brussels and Hamburg, and reflect on the topics they discussed.
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The New Bridge Fellows
The New Bridge fellows reflect the diversity of American society. An interactive map shows where program participants are from and provides information on their professional background.
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Reflections on the New Bridge Program
A group of New Bridge Fellows travelled to Washington, DC, Berlin, Wolfsburg and Brussels. Here, they recount their trip and reflect on what the experiences meant to them.
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Inside the New Bridge Program
In this short film, participants of the New Bridge Program give an insight into their motivation to come to Europe and share their experiences on the trip.
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More Diversity: Rethinking Transatlantic Relations
A new Atlantik-Brücke program is bringing Americans of diverse backgrounds to Europe to enrich the European-American dialogue and spark interest in Europe among those who previously had no professional or personal ties to the continent.
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Strengthening Old Ties and Creating New Ones
Atlantik-Brücke Chairman Sigmar Gabriel and Executive Director David Deißner travelled to Washington, DC, to meet with Atlantik-Brücke's partners and lay the groundwork for a new program.
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Building the New Bridge Program
Atlantik-Brücke's new transatlantic initiative promotes diversity. Meetings with experts and partners in Washington, DC, kicked off the program.
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