Make it to Harvard: The German-American Conference
Experience and shape the transatlantic community 2025 at Harvard Kennedy School.
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Harvard. Sounds somehow out of reach, doesn’t it?
Imagine entering the prestigious buildings of the iconic Harvard University, surrounded by visionary minds who are shaping the future. By the way, feel free to use this vision board concept if you want to plan your own future.
At the annual German American Conference (GAC), young talents from Germany, Europe and the USA meet with renowned leaders to strengthen transatlantic relations and develop innovative solutions to global challenges.
It is therefore open to anyone who is interested and not just German citizens. Meanwhile, you can also explore these job boards for expats with jobs in Germany.
The German American Conference at Harvard is an outstanding platform to get especially young Germans and US-Americans enthusiastic about the transatlantic friendship between the United States of America and Germany.
– Dr. Thomas de Maizière: Former German Federal Minister of Defense
This is your chance to become part of this inspiring German-American community and actively influence the future. The best part is: The conference is even planned by students, so it’s really designed with the interests of this target group in mind. If you’d love to work in Hong Kong, Sydney or other cool places for 1–2 years, check out the international VIE program!
What is the German American Conference (GAC)?
The German American Conference is the largest student-organized transatlantic conference in the United States.
It offers a unique platform for leaders from academia, business, society and politics to connect with engaged young people. If you’d rather learn new skills instead, a creative short course at UAL in London might be for you.
This year it will take place again in November.
What is the Harvard Kennedy School?
Imagine a place where people from all over the world come together to solve the big questions of our time: Well, that’s the Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University.
More precisely, it is the School of Public Policy/ Administration, as the name of the former US president suggests. Here, everything revolves around how we can make the world a better place together politically, strategically and socially.
The Kennedy School offers various degree programs, such as Master in Public Policy or Master in Public Administration in International Development. It also offers various courses, PhD programs and executive education. Also, did you know that there’s a special STEM day in German high schools for girls to try ‘male’ jobs?
Its impressive alumni list includes numerous heads of state or government worldwide as well as cabinet members and heads of central banks or the military. And every Fall, it is also the perfect venue for the German American Conference at the legendary Harvard University. If you would like to work overseas, take a look at these tips for finding a job abroad.
Which speakers have been at the GAC?
In the past, the conference has featured top-class speakers, including:
- Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier: President of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Dr. Ursula von der Leyen: President of the European Commission
- General Michael Hayden: Former Director of the CIA and NSA
- Robert Zoellick: 11th President of the World Bank Group
- Peer Steinbrück: Former Federal Minister of Finance
- Dr. Thomas de Maizière: Former German Federal Minister of Defense
- Yves Leterme: Former Prime Minister of Belgium
- Kai Diekmann: Former editor-in-chief of the BILD newspaper
- Wolfgang Ischinger: Chairman of the Munich Security Conference
- Olaf Scholz: Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany
There will also be numerous panel speakers from companies such as Apple, RWE and Accenture, as well as research institutes and foundations and political figures like the German consul in New England.
In addition, students from Harvard and other renowned universities and institutes will share their perspectives. A truly diverse exchange across generations.
Why should you attend the GAC?
One thing is for sure: the GAC is no ordinary event and its enormous relevance is especially obvious in the current global situation. It’s a unique opportunity that will enhance your personal and professional development.
If you want to be inspired right in the US, network with amazing people and make history at Harvard, then you should definitely attend. Beyond that, there are tons of other conferences with travel oppoertunities such as the Web Summit in Lisbon.
Of course, Harvard shouldn’t be your main motivation as you should also be personally interested in the topics.
Your ticket gives you access to all keynotes, panels and exclusive sessions, including lunches, refreshment breaks and interactive coffee chats. You can dive deep into exciting topics in workshops and Q&A sessions.
There’s even a very special highlight for your career! Upload your CV to receive invitations to exclusive partner events. But please avoid these 5 CV myths.
Meet BMW, BCG, Deloitte and many, many more: Ultimately, the pool of sponsors and supporters is also impressive and can be the key to your career.
If you‘re interested in consulting, you should also follow these accounts from McKinsey, Bain and many more on Instagram.
Scholarships and funding for the GAC
A few lucky students may have their trip to Massachussetts (that’s the name of the state) covered!
⚠️ This information is based on 2024 offers. Please note that details are subject to change at any time and may differ from this independent article. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information:
Harvard Club of Germany/ Harvard Club Rhein-Main
🏆 Benefits: Covers up to €500 in travel costs and fees for conference tickets.
💺 Requirements:
- Between 18 and 30 years old
- Currently enrolled at a German university or in vocational training
- Interest in German-American relations
- A suitable visa or entry permit
- International travel health insurance required
🎟️ More Details & Application (2024)↗
QuantCo Travel Scholarship
🏆 Benefits: Covers up to €500 in travel costs and fees for conference tickets.
💺 Requirements:
- Enrolled at a German university (also during an exchange semester abroad)
- All degree programs and years are eligible (from first-year students to graduates)
- Applications from German citizens to foreign universities are possible in individual cases
- Performance within the top 5% of the year, evidenced by grades, scholarships, transcript or awards
- Visa or travel authorization for the USA
International travel health insurance required - Costs for traveling to and from the airports must be covered by yourself
🎟️ More Details & Application (2024) ↗
There are also other options, such as funding from The Halle Foundation. However, but those are generally not open to individual applications.
So, prepare your documents, check the website regularly and apply for a scholarship when it’s time. Networking is almost impossible without LinkedIn: Learn how to easily polish your profile here.
Alternatively, you can of course also ask if you can volunteer to help out. This makes particular sense if you are currently studying or living in the US. Speaking of volunteering: You can also register as a volunteer for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Follow the GAC on Instagram for all updates:
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/harvard_gac/?hl=de
So, give it a try and you could find yourself at Harvard soon.
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