How Germany's party and campaign financing works

In celebration of DAAD's 100th anniversary, we're highlighting the stories of just a few of the tens of thousands of DAAD alumni who have participated in DAAD-funded exchanges between the United States and Germany since 1925. This week, Almut Spalding tells us the story of her grandfather, Werner Könnecke: Among the first cohort of students sponsored by the DAAD was Werner Könnecke (1899-1967), who spent the year 1925-26 at Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, Missouri, near St. Louis. As a pastor closely affiliated with the Confessing Church, he was drafted early into WW2, but survived as an interpreter thanks to his English proficiency. This and a deep desire among his descendent generations to foster international understanding and exchanges point to the long-lasting effects of a DAAD year abroad. Read the full biography of Werner Könnecke and his experience as a DAAD grantee the link. https://www.daad.org/en/2025/01/31/100-years-of-daad-werner-koennecke/ DAAD #DAAD100

DAAD has released its new Strategy 2030, a document that provides the organization with a framework for the coming years. In it, four focus priorities are identified: strengthening Germany as a location for science, innovation and business; finding solutions to global challenges; expanding science diplomacy; and promoting democracy and social cohesion. To learn more and for the English version of the document, please click on the link. https://ow.ly/3Whw50USGeO

Did you know that most degree programs at leading German higher education institutions have minimal to no tuition fees? Or that many of these programs are now offered in English? The Germany Grad Fair 2025 is your gateway to discovering exciting opportunities for research, funding, and career growth through graduate studies in Germany. Meet with representatives from a wide variety of German universities, funding and exchange institutions, and the German consulate, all of whom will be happy to answer your questions. Learn from our panel of alumni and professionals what doors a German graduate degree can open for you. Register via the link! https://ow.ly/TGVK50UUt5R

We are currently accepting applications for a summer internship with the German Academic International Network (GAIN) at the DAAD New York office, starting between May 1 and June 1 to September 15 or 30, 2025.The internship is in person at the DAAD Office in New York. Interns will receive a stipend of $1,500/month. Applicants must have a valid US work permit. We cannot sponsor a visa. Find out how to apply via the link: https://ow.ly/TvTH50UTGRs

February is Black History Month—a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black individuals worldwide. It's also a moment to reflect on Black history in Germany, where Afro-German communities have long been a vital part of the cultural and social landscape. For example, May Ayim (1960–1996) was a pioneering Afro-German poet, educator, and activist who played a key role in raising awareness about the experiences of Afro-Germans. Her legacy lives on through her poems, essays, and contributions to the Afro-German movement.

Prof. Dr. Pinelopi „Penny“ Koujianou Goldberg received a DAAD Scholarship from 1981–1986 to study at the University of Freiburg. Her ambition took her from Freiburg in southern Germany to the American universities of Stanford, Princeton, Columbia and Yale. She was the chief economist of the World Bank in Washington, D.C. from 2018 until 2020. Read more about her story via the link! https://ow.ly/Rb8a50UTG2H

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), located in New York City, is looking for part-time assistance on an hourly basis, 19.5 hours/week. Salary: $26/h. This is a hybrid position with some work from home possible. We are unable to sponsor visas. Click on the link for more information regarding the job description and how to apply. https://ow.ly/rcAs50USFnu

Happy Lunar New Year for all who celebrate!

Hallo! I’m Kendyl, a fourth year student at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver studying International Relations and Honors German Studies. In 2023, I had the opportunity to take on a 3 month digital editorial internship at the Goethe and Schiller Archive with a professor at Bauhaus University. Today, I get to take over the DAAD instagram and share a bit about my experience! I originally took German courses as a language requirement but later decided to pursue a double major, which although originally career motivated, quickly turned into a passion. I constantly tell people that studying German was one of the best decisions I have made in my university career. Not only has it opened up amazing opportunities such as my internship in Weimar, a position on my university’s ‘CENES’ Student Council, a TAship in my department, and my ambassadorship with DAAD, but I have also gained lifelong friends, worldwide connections, and a strong, supportive community. Through my internship, I discovered my passion for research, which led me to take on an honors project! Wanting to share my newfound passion for research with my community, I co-founded an undergraduate research cluster promoting research accessibility. My time in Germany was truly life changing because it gave me the opportunity to grow personally, academically, and professionally. My internship at the Goethe and Schiller Archive taught me the importance of academic exchange and collaboration, which is why DAAD’s mission really resonated with me. I’m so proud to be a part of a broader community of scholars who recognize the value of academic exchange and the globalization of research and education. In addition to academic, linguistic, and professional development, my internship gave me the opportunity to explore Germany, where I got to see historic sites, spend far too many hours in museums, see beautiful landscapes and architecture, and experience German culture. I am so excited to move back now that I have improved my German skills and have had such an amazing opportunity to learn about and promote German academia through my service as a DAAD Young Ambassador :)

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is marked around the world on 27 January.

On June 3, a group of ten students from Johns Hopkins University (JHU) arrived in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany’s most populous state, to explore the history of sports in the region and discuss current challenges in international sports alongside local partners. Read more about their experience in NRW via the link.