At this year’s 10^th annual German American Business Day, the German American Exchange (GAE) celebrated ten years of internships in Germany for American students. This year was particularly special, because it marks the beginning of a German-American transatlantic partnership that will send German students to conduct internships in the United States as well.

The GAE strives to be more than an exchange program by highlighting the growing importance of the economic relationships between Europe and the USA by facilitating direct experience in working environments abroad. Their vision was highlighted by many of the speakers and attendees who echoed the importance of people-to-people connection.

Keynote speakers of the event included the Honorable Boris Ruge, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Washington, D.C.; the Honorable Conrad Tribble, Senior Advisor at the Foreign Service Institute of the U.S. Department of State; Dr. Claus Kleber, ZDF Journalist; and Dr. Christoph Rückel, Chairman of the Board at GAE.

Panel discussions were held throughout the afternoon with a variety of German-American professionals varying in experience and perspective. During one panel in particular, the younger generation emphasized the importance of preserving the transatlantic relationship.

Joshua Guggenheim (pictured far right) was one of the first American students to participate in the GAE program and talked to us asked about his experience. When asked what advice he would give to students who are looking to work abroad, Guggenheim said “The best advice I could give is to develop friendships. One-on-one connections and getting to know people on a personal level will make all the difference in the job market.”

The GAE is one of many organizations bridging the gap between cultures and workplaces in the US and Germany to address global challenges. Find out more about their mission and how you can participate in an exchange here.