Supporting exchange between young people from the West Midlands and Germany

What is it about?

Researchers at Aston University are undertaking work on the future of the UK’s relationship with Germany. A vital part of that relationship is about contact between young people. This can be about learning the German language, where, in spite of the best efforts of many teachers and their pupils, there are substantial challenges and numbers are in decline. This can be about cultural and youth exchange. In future, it may draw upon a “Youth Experience Scheme” still to be agreed with the European Union, supporting study, work or apprenticeships in Germany for British young people (and vice versa). It may also build on existing partnerships between cities, or be a part of completely new types of co-operation.

What's on offer?

As part of the Festival of Social Science, this event aims to facilitate dialogue people from a range of backgrounds interested in exchange between young people from Germany and the UK (especially the West Midlands). It takes place at Conference Aston, on the campus of Aston University in Birmingham city centre.

There will first be a short panel discussion, with contributors including:

• Arne Muus (British German Association)
• A representative of the German Embassy in London
• Dr Charlotte Ryland (Translation Exchange, University of Oxford)
• Andrea Pfeil (Goethe Institute, London)
• Jonathan Young (Head of German, Fairfax Academy)

Subsequently, we will then join small groups to share experiences and discuss opportunities for exchange between the UK and Germany, on the following three topics:

• Promoting Germany and German in schools
• Youth exchange beyond language (culture, sport, town-twinning links and more)
• Post-18 encounters with Germany (for study, apprenticeships and work)

The event will close with an open round of feedback.

Who is it open to?

This event will bring together those from the West Midlands (and beyond) interested in nurturing contact between young people from the region and Germany. All are welcome – whether school teachers, school pupils, people involved in youth, cultural or sporting exchange, town twinning, or academic experts.

For those involved in these topics directly, we may be able to fund limited travel expenses within the West Midlands region

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Host or Publisher Aston University, Aston Centre for Europe