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Understanding the U.S. Heartland

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Experience U.S. Political Landscapes

A Program to the United States for Staffers of German Bundestag Representatives

The 2026 program dates will be August 16 to August 22, 2026

Cultural Vistas invites staffers of German Bundestag Members (MdBs) to apply to the Beyond Washington program, an eight-day professional exchange that provides participants with a deeper understanding of the U.S. heartland.

The transatlantic relationship is undergoing profound changes. Decades-old norms in foreign policy are being replaced by new approaches to international affairs by both the United States and Germany. In the U.S., these changes in foreign policy positions are rooted in domestic policies and issues that are not always apparent to foreign observers or experts, but that have been shaping the development of U.S. local and national politics for decades.

To provide context and a deeper understanding of the political changes taking place in the U.S., Cultural Vistas offers the Beyond Washington: Understanding the U.S. Heartland program. The program invites staffers who work for MdBs to apply for aone-week visitor program to the United States. The 2026 program takes place in Columbus, OH and the surrounding area.

The primary goal of the program is to promote a deeper understanding among MdB staffers of U.S. domestic and resultant foreign policies. The program aims to strengthen transatlantic relations by allowing this group of MdB staffers to connect with Americans beyond the political hubs and the capital. Beyond Washington focuses on the following themes:

Local and State policy and budget priorities
Economic and social driving forces
The importance of public diplomacy and means to foster multi-lateral relations

Cultural Vistas arranges high-level meetings with leaders from government, business, civil society, and other relevant contacts that bring into focus a set of regional challenges that are echoed in other areas of the country.

The program is funded by the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

For more information, please contact us at info@culturalvistas.eu

Thematic Focus Areas

Prospering Democratic Societies

Program Details

Eligibility

Up to 20 office staff of the Members of the German Bundestag (MdBs) will be accepted to participate in the program each year. Staffers of MdBs from a broad representation of political parties (as well as unaffiliated MdBs) are eligible to apply.

Applicants must be primarily employed in the office of a German MdB, have an interest in U.S. affairs, and speak English proficiently, so that they can engage in meaningful conversations while in the United States.

Special consideration will be given to staffers whose MdBs represent districts that have shared challenges with the area to be visited in the U.S. Staffers employed directly by their MdBs in Berlin as well as staffers working in district offices are all encouraged to apply. Applicants who have not previously spent a significant amount of time in the United States will also be given special consideration in the application process.

Participants in the Beyond Washington program will share the lessons learned during the program with a wider audience via a post-program report and an event in the district of their MdB, acting as multipliers and spreading an understanding of the primary issues impacting the United States’ heartland.

Following a review of all applications by Cultural Vistas and an approval of the final selection by the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, applicants will be contacted with information on whether or not they have been accepted as a participant in the Beyond Washington program.

Application and Selection

Following review of all applications, Cultural Vistas will make a pre-selection of candidates who are the most qualified to participate in the program according to the eligibility requirements. Cultural Vistas seeks a participant group that reflects the political landscape of Germany and who work for MdBs from all political parties (as well as unaffiliated MdBs). This pre-selection list, based on criteria evaluated by Cultural Vistas, will be sent to the U.S. Embassy in Berlin. The U.S. Embassy in Berlin will make the final selection of participants.

Inside the Experience

The Beyond Washington experience was enlightening to many participants with varied political backgrounds. Here are some of their thoughts on their time with the program:

“On a personal level, my understanding of the United States as a country and of U.S. politics has fundamentally expanded… However, the experiences we had in Springfield far exceeded my expectations.”

“The opportunity to talk with so many people and gain insights into American life was unique for me. My expectations before the trip were exceeded, and my belief that one must meet people in person to form an opinion proved true.”

“The urgent question of our time is how to counteract the trend of polarization. And this is a question that is not only relevant in the USA; countries around the world seem to be more or less affected by this phenomenon. Germany is no exception, and I consider this to be one of the central questions for the future. Therefore, after the Beyond Washington program, I will discuss this topic with the constituents in the electoral district of my Member of Parliament.”

Experience U.S. Political Landscapes

Program Details

Before applying, please carefully read the eligibility requirements

Inside the Experience

Discover how an exchange program can connect you with others, increase global skills, and drive positive change in the world.

Beyond Washington

Experience U.S. Political Landscapes

Program Details

Before applying, please carefully read the eligibility requirements

Inside the Experience

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