International collaboration gets a boost: Parliamentary Sponsorship Program resumes in Saarbrücken (after 40 years)
In the heart of Germany, a group of 15 young Americans have begun a two-month language course as part of the Parliamentary Sponsorship Program (PPP), a longstanding initiative that fosters mutual understanding and breaks down cultural barriers between the two nations. Based in Saarbrücken, the PPP is one of several locations where participants are learning German this year, with others in Cologne and Radolfzell am Bodensee.
The PPP, a joint exchange program between the German Bundestag and the U.S. Congress, is not exclusive to American youth, as it is also open to young German professionals. The program aims to provide a unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in German daily life, living with host families selected and supported by the Carl Duisberg Centren.
After the initial language learning and orientation phase, the participants will attend German universities and complete an internship in a German company from February to June. This exchange, now in its 40th iteration, is a crucial component of transatlantic cooperation, supported by the respective parliaments for 40 years.
Regular contact with members of the German Bundestag is part of the PPP program, offering participants a firsthand insight into German politics. The application process for the exchange to the USA is still open until September 8 for departure in summer 2024.
Ellen Awais, director of the Saarbrücken Carl Duisberg Centre, expressed her delight in finding willing and committed host families for the PPP participants this year. However, the process was particularly challenging given the summer holidays.
For those interested in the PPP, more information can be found at www.usappp.de. The PPP is not only an educational experience but also a chance to broaden horizons, develop leadership skills, and encourage civic participation – key objectives of most parliamentary youth engagement programs worldwide.
- The Parliamentary Sponsorship Program (PPP) not only focuses on education and self-development, such as learning German and immersing in German culture, but also offers insights into German politics for its participants.
- In addition to fostering language learning and mutual understanding, the PPP, a joint exchange program, serves as a valuable opportunity for general news and learning about the workings of foreign politics, as it provides regular contact with members of the German Bundestag.
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