Programs and Events

Selected Events 2007

Season's Greetings from U.S. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell
December 21, 2007.

All of us in the American Consulate General in Frankfurt wish you a very happy holiday season. May the coming year bring you great joy, peace on Earth, and goodwill toward men.  Merry Christmas!

Vote for Me! Looking at the 2008 Presidential Elections
December 12, 2007. The presidential elections of 2008 are shaping up to be one of the most interesting races in recent memory.  To try an explain how the primary process works and what may shape November’s general election, State Department Intern Josh Kennedy gave a presentation to students at the Goethe Gymnasium Frankfurt.  In a ninety-minute talk on the way that the United States chooses the presidential nominees, the personalities of the candidates and the issues that the election may hinge upon, Mr. Kennedy gave the students a road map to follow the election from overseas. Mr. Kennedy's presentation was part of the Consulate's MeetUS outreach program, which provides American presenters to German schools to discuss various topics of American culture.  For more information about the MeetUS program, visit the program page at http://germany.usembassy.gov/germany/meetus.html

Introducing Students Of Library Science To The American Way Of Managing Knowledge
December 11, 2007. Information Resource Officer (IRO) Sheila Weir, who manages the U.S.  Information Resource Centers in Germany, Switzerland and the Baltics provided a uniquely American perspective on using librarian skills within the workplace to manage information and share knowledge.  Speaking to some 20 students of Library Science at the Darmstadt University on December 11, Ms. Weir also addressed the usage of search appliances for internal information retrieval, which is a major focus of a work group at the university.  Afterwards, IRC Frankfurt staff introduced its products and services for library professionals and gave a brief overview of the development from Amerika Haus lending libraries to U.S. Consulate's Information Resource Centers.  (More)

USA Infospecial at German-American Institute Heidelberg
December 11, 2007. On December 11th, the Consular Section and EducationUSA of the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt teamed up for an information session on exchange opportunities and visa issues at the German-American Institute in Heidelberg. 30 participants, mostly students and young professionals, used the opportunity to learn about the visa application process and have their visa questions answered. They also attended a presentation by EducationUSA on exchange opportunities with the United States, focusing on studying and interning in the U.S. Participants picked up information material on the United States, EducationUSA and services of the Consular Section and the Public Affairs Section.

Film Screening for 'Windows on America' Group and Their Families
December 10, 2007. Public Affairs Officer Jim Seward from the U.S. Consulate Frankfurt and Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer Ruth Ann Stevens from the U.S. Embassy in Berlin welcomed the participants of the 'Windows on America' Program and their families at Anna Schmidt Schule on December 10th for a screening of a film about their journey to the U.S. in April 2007. Film maker Gloria Zettel filmed and interviewed the 10 Muslim girls from Ditib (Turkish-Islamic Union of Religious Institutes) communities in the Rhein-Main area, and their two chaperones throughout their stay in the U.S., and made a documentary about their experiences. (More)

U.S. and EU at Frankfurt City Library
December 7, 2007. EducationUSA Frankfurt, Eurodesk Germany and the International Placement Service of the Labor Exchange held an afternoon information session at the City Library Frankfurt on studying and working in the United States and the European Union. 120 participants from as far away as Stuttgart, Kaiserslautern and Gießen used the opportunity to ask for advice and pick up information material. Up to 50 participants attended the presentations on studying and working in other countries. At the booth of the U.S. Consulate Frankfurt/EducationUSA, questions ranged from how to organize a stay as an Au Pair to internships, studying and working in the United States. The Consular Section provided extensive information on immigrant and non-immigrant visa. Frankfurt City Library is an America@YourLibrary partner.

"MeetUS" School Outreach at Frankfurt's Elisabethenschule
December 6th 2007. Alexandra Tzovaras, a young American intern at the U.S. Consulate General's Press and Cultural section, gave a presentation on “The United States – A Country of Immigrants” to forty-five 12th graders at the Elisabethenschule in Frankfurt. The workshop was not only part of the Consulate’s "MeetUS" school outreach program, but also part of a new cooperation with the City of Frankfurt in bringing together Frankfurt's younger generation with young Americans.  Following the talk, Ms. Tzovaras presented the hosting teacher Ms. Bechstein with some literature and materials on the U.S., provided by the Consulate's Information Resource Center.

Mannheim Students Get Ready for the U.S.
December 5, 2007. On December 5th, representatives of EducationUSA and the Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt briefed 20 students from the University of Applied Sciences Mannheim on visa issues. The students are getting ready for studying at an university or working as an intern in a U.S. company in spring 2008. Following an overview of how to apply for a visa and how to fill out the application forms, the students had their specific questions answered. The International Office received information materials and the four-volume set "If You Want to Study in the United States". The University of Applied Sciences cooperates with six U.S. universities, including the University of Connecticut in Storrs, the University of Maryland, College Park, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

“Farewell to Ivory and Ivy?  Universities in the Global Age”: Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs Dr. Helena Finn speaks at Gießen University

November 30, 2007. Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs Dr. Helena K. Finn gave the keynote speech on “Farewell to Ivory and Ivy?  Universities in the Global Age” at a ceremony at Gießen University’s old assembly hall on November 30.  The event was the concluding highlight of a series of events celebrating the university’s 400th anniversary and included the awarding of major academic prizes for exceptional scholarly achievements, among them the prestigious Röntgen-Prize.  The highly distinguished audience included the entire university leadership, professors and students, representatives of the Hesse state legislature, the Gießen city parliament, the Gießen Lord Mayor and representatives of private foundations and industry sponsoring the various prizes. More 

Sister City Partnerships Conference
November 29, 2007. On Thursday November 29, Deputy Principal Officer Richard Aker addressed the Atlantic Academy Kaiserslautern conference on the future of sister city, county and state partnerships between the United States and Germany. The conference, held at Kaiserslautern’s Fritz-Walter Stadium, provided a forum for discussion on how to create, expand and sustain a community partnership between the two nations. (More)

Studying and Interning in the U.S.  - Infosession for Fulda Students
November 28, 2007.  On November 28th, more than 70 students and professors from the University of Applied Sciences Fulda attended an information session on studying and interning in the United States. The majority of the participants major in international management and plan to go to the United States for a semester, an internship or both. EducationUSA Frankfurt and an officer from the consular section discussed the U.S. education system, applying for internships and visa issues. The students picked up information materials on EducationUSA and the services of the U.S. Consulate Frankfurt. 

Consul General Powell hosts Reception for Alumni of International Visitors Leadership Program

November 20, 2007. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell welcomed over 50 Alumni of the International Visitor Leadership Program at her residence on November 20 for a delightful evening of networking, getting to know each other and refreshing memories about the experience of the Visitor program. Consul General Powell spoke about the broad range of programs offered to young professionals in government, politics, business, journalism, education, and the arts to visit the United States in order to consult with colleagues and observe the latest American developments in their areas of expertise. Hessen Minister President Koch, himself an Alumni of the IVLP program, and guest of honor, shared anecdotes about his own program in the U.S. and spoke about how the experiences during his stay still play a role for his work today. He emphasized the importance of the program and that it shows the still continuing interest of the United States in Germany, and also the interest of the German participants to talk and promote Germany in the United States during their visits. Photo Gallery | More | State Alumni Initiative | German regional Alumni webpage

Consul General Powell shares Perspectives on American Individualism with German Students

November 19, 2007. Over 30 students and their teachers of Anna-Schmidt-Schule in Frankfurt had a dialogue with Consul General Jo Ellen Powell, and Consulate intern Joshua Kennedy on the nature of American individualism and how it affects current American culture and politics.  In the discussion, the students asked questions about a unique American culture based on a philosophical school, where the next American frontier lies and the role of diplomacy in the contemporary world.  Additionally, the Consul General spoke about the importance of education in shaping the future as well as the role that the current generation of high school students will play in furthering intercultural dialogue.  Jo Ellen Powell also stressed the need for individuals to take responsibility for each and every action, emphasizing that everybody can make a difference and that local events can have a global impact. More

Consulate Intern Discusses U.S. Immigration And Elections At German High Schools

November 19+20, 2007. As part of the U.S. Consulate’s school outreach program "Meet US," Public Affairs intern Alexandra Tzovaras visited the Trifels-Gymnasium in Annweiler, Rhineland-Palatainet, and the Kurt-Schumacher-Gymnasium in Karben, Hessen, on November 19 and 20, respectively.  After intensive discussions with a total of hundred 12th and 13th grade students, she presented the hosting teacher with material of the consulate’s Information Resouce Center (IRC) related to the United States for the school libraries.  More

Hip Hop Gets Real at Gallus

November 16, 2007. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell visited the Grand Finale of Frankfurt’s 2007 Hip Hop project, an urban dance battle that took place at the Gallus Theater on November 16.  Eight dance teams caught the flow and battled to win a spot at the “Funkin-Stylez” dance competition in Berlin.  The battle was accompanied by the WordUp Poetry Slam and a concluding jam session.  Judges Mr. Wiggles from New York, SIN a.k.a. Fatma Yazici, Claw and Miriam graded each of the 5-person crews on creativity, originality, expression and difficulty of moves.  The audience in the Gallus Theater, mostly teens and adolescents, enjoyed the festivities and thrived on the expression and passion of each of the crews. 

The Hip Hop party was a combined effort by the United States Consulate General in Frankfurt, the Frankfurter Jugendring, the Jugendhaus am Bügel, and the Otto-Hahn-Schule, among many others. More | Photo Gallery | More about the project

American Citizens Get Their Questions Answered

November 15, 2007. Our sincere appreciation to the dozens of American citizens who turned out, despite cold weather and a transit strike, to learn about services available through the Consulate General. Our thanks also to more than a dozen schools, churches and community groups who set up informative tables to represent their organizations. Voter registration proved to be one of the most popular draws.  If you are not yet registered to vote, please click here for the Mission Germany voter information page. Send us your questions at GermanyACS@state.gov and find information about further services for U.S. Citizens here.

Students Enjoy USA Infospecial at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
November 14, 2007. On November 14th, the U.S. Consulate General organized a USA information session at the Europa Fachhochschule Fresenius, focusing on intercultural competence in US-German business relations. Public Affairs Officer James W. Seward opened the event to a packed room of 80 students, recalling humorous anecdotes of how cultural misunderstanding can lead to some rather uncomfortable situations. Keynote speaker Dr. Brenda Hart Bohne provided insight in how to prevent these kind of misunderstandings and discussed the importance of intercultural competence in the globalized world we live in.  EducationUSA Frankfurt/U.S. Consulate and Juliana Adameit, coordinator of the USA-Interns program, talked about internship opportunities in the U.S.  Following the presentations, the group met with town mayor Gerhard Krum.

Mr. Wiggles Shows Frankfurt How to Dance
November 10+11, 2007. On Saturday November 10th and Sunday November 11th, in the penultimate event of Frankfurt’s Hip Hop series, dancers Sin, Claw and Mr. Wiggles taught young people from place diverse as Mainz and Moscow how to pop and lock.  During his lesson, Mr. Wiggles linked his dance styles to earlier forms such as the Boogoloo, Samba, funk and other traditions out of the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s.  After the events in Frankfurt, Mr. Wiggles also gave workshops in Düsseldorf and Berlin. 
Videos: Mr. Wiggles on the importance of HipHop for Youth | Dance Workshops

Fulbright Alumni Reception in Frankfurt
November 10, 2007. Fulbrighters, German and American, past and present, met up once again for an alumni welcome meeting on Saturday, November 10, in Frankfurt. Public Affairs Officer Jim Seward gave opening remarks to a crowd of 100, only a small fraction of the more than 40,000 participants who have taken part in Fulbright sponsored exchanges between the United States and Germany since its beginnings in 1952. Mr. Seward discussed the ways in which the Fulbright program enhances mutual understanding, often simply through the individual interactions of Americans in Germany and Germans in the U.S., non-official yet nonetheless a part of public diplomacy. He stressed the importance of fostering cross-Atlantic ties through invaluable programs such as those sponsored through the Fulbright association. A highlight of the event was the keynote speech by Mr. Heiko Engelkes, himself a Fulbright alumnus from the early years of the program. Both American and German alumni as well as present Fulbright scholars had the chance to meet and participate in workshops during this weekend event.

1000 Interested in Studying and Working in the United States, Europe and Overseas
November 8, 2007. On November 8, EducationUSA Frankfurt's Renate Vollmer and State Departement Intern Ali Tzovaras participated in "AVANTI! Job, Praktikum und Studium in Europa und Übersee" in Darmstadt. The fair, organized for the sixth time by the Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt, featured 25 organizations offering stays abroad. More than 1000 teenagers and young adults used the opportunity to pick up information on studying and working in foreign countries. At the EducationUSA information booth, they received advice on studying and working in the States. The students were particularly interested in spending time in the States as an Au Pair or an intern. Presentations on “Going to the U.S. after school” and "Studying in the United States" drew 60 interested young adults each.

“HipHop: Art, Commerce and Politics” - Panel Discussion at the Frankfurt City Library

October 30, 2007. An eclectic group of hip hop industry experts joined forces at the Frankfurt City Library on October 30 to discuss a side of hip hop often ignored.  U.S. professor Murray Forman of Northeastern University in Boston, dancer SIN aka Fatma Yazici, author Murat Güngör, MC D-Flame and graffiti artist Helge ‘Bomber’ Steinmann gathered to discuss the topic “Hip-hop: Art, Commerce and Politics” in a panel discussion moderated by MC Torch.  The hip hop experts enlightened a crowd of young and old who participated actively in the discussion on several of the issues that arise in hip hop culture.  Panelists highlighted in particular many of the frequently overlooked positive facets of hip hop culture.  They emphasized how its four elements, dance, DJing, rap, and graffiti can be seen not only as artistic expression, but also as an avenue for the articulation of political, social and cultural concerns.  Photo Gallery | Video: Prof. Forman remarks | Video: Interview with Prof. Forman | More on the project | (more)

The U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt with the city of Frankfurt, Frankfurter Jugendring, Stadtbücherei Frankfurt, and Jugendbildungswerk Frankfurt, is co-sponsoring ‘Hip-Hop: Four Elements, One Culture’, a series of hip-hop related cultural, art, dance and music events. The program continues on November 10 and 11 with dance workshops featuring Mr. Wiggles of the Rocksteady crew.  Click here for details

Paving the Way for the Next Generation of German American Friendship: Consul General Powell Opens HipHop Exhibit at the Frankfurt City Library

October 26, 2007. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell along with Frankfurt City Treasurer Uwe Becker opened the exhibit “The Roots of HipHop” with photos by U.S. photographer Martha Cooper and local artists Jörg Kuberek and Helge “Bomber” Steinmann at the Frankfurt City Library, the consulate’s America at your library partner, on October 26.  The program included presentations by the B-boy project Bonames, free style rap, beatbox and a dance performance by Fatma Yazici (“Dance in FFM”) and her B-girls. Akim Walta from Berlin introduced Martha Cooper and her photos. After the opening, Martha Cooper gave a tour of the exhibition and stayed on for hours to talk to Frankfurt HipHop fans and signed her books and posters for them.  Photo Gallery | Video: Freestyle Rap Session | Video: SIN a.k.a. Fatma Yazici and her Bonames B-girls | Video: Beatboxing | Video: Interview with Martha Cooper| Video: Martha Cooper on HipHop and youth | Remarks Consul General Powell | More about the project  | (more)

Consul General Powell Celebrates 50th Anniversary of GAI Saarbrücken
October 26, 2007. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell gave a speech celebrating the work of the German-American Institute Saarbrücken and its dedication to promoting and strengthening German-American relations over the last 50 years. Through student advising, exhibits, film screenings and lectures the German-American Institute helps to disseminate information about American politics, economics, culture and the 'American Way of Life' in the region. Together with GAI director Dr. Hartmut Gimmler and former culture minister Jürgen Schreier, the Consul General presented a certificate of appreciation to long-standing member and former director of the board, Prof. Dr. Hubert Rohde, for his 28 year long commitment to the activities of the German-American Institute. (Full text of speech)

Beyond the Horizon: Exchange Opportunities With the United States at Konstanz Career Fair
October 25, 2007. 500 university and high school students from the Konstanz region checked out exchange opportunities with the United States and other countries at the "Beyond the Horizon" fair. The day-long career fair was organized for the second time by the University of Applied Sciences Konstanz. 25 exhibitors offered information on studying, volunteer work, internships, financial aid and visa. At the EducationUSA booth, numerous students asked questions about exchange opportunities with the United States, especially about internships, high school year abroad and working as an Au Pair. The picked up information materials on EducationUSA and other services of the Information Resource Centers. 

Transcending Cultural Boundaries: HipHop in Frankfurt

October 24, 2007. U.S. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell joined Frankfurt City Treasurer Uwe Becker in tagging graffiti art on the Frankfurt "Römerberg", following a press conference to introduce the upcoming hip-hop program.  The U.S. Consulate, together with the city of Frankfurt, Frankfurter Jugendring, Stadtbücherei Frankfurt, and Jugendbildungswerk Frankfurt, is co-sponsoring ‘Hip-Hop: Four Elements, One Culture’, a series of hip-hop related cultural, art, dance and music events.  Consul General Powell spoke to press on the importance of a program that reaches out to younger audiences.  She also highlighted the ways in which this program will bring together German and American youth in an effort to bridge cultural boundaries and increase mutual understanding through hip-hop culture. Complete Remarks | Photo Gallery | Video: Remarks Consul General Powell and City Treasurer Becker | Video: Graffiti | More about the project | (more)

U.S. Consulate at Frankfurt Book Fair 2007

October 10-14, 2007. As in previous years, the Information Resource Centers of U.S. Mission Germany, Public Affairs, participated in the Frankfurt International Book Fair, the world's largest and most renowned literary and publishing exhibition, to highlight publications and products for schools and libraries as well as specialized services for information professionals and academics. The booth also helped celebrate this year’s Book Fair "guest of honor," Catalan Culture, with the assistance of the Consulate General Barcelona. The Consulate offered a chance to chat with University of California Irvine Professor Gonzalo Navajas over the internet about his experiences as a Catalan-American university professor and author. (Transcript). On Saturday morning Consul General Jo Ellen Powell awarded prizes provided by the Consulate to the three winners of a writing contest sponsored by the Jugendpresse Hessen (Hessen Young Journalists Association). The three young journalists wrote articles on the topic "America and I." Photogallery | (more)

U.S. and EU at Mannheim City Library
October 11, 2007. EducationUSA Franfurt, Eurodesk Germany and the International Placement Service of the Labor Exchange held an afternoon information session at the City Library Mannheim on studying and working in the United States and the European Union. 90 students and parents used the opportunity to pick up information material, listen to presentations and get advice. Topics ranged from how to organize a stay as an Au Pair to internships, studying and working in the United States. Mayor Christian Specht welcomed the students to the City Library and spoke about the importance of spending time in another country. In the morning, students chatted with Renate Vollmer (EducationUSA) and Annette Luthringshauser (Eurodesk) during a webchat on the topic organized by the Mannheimer Morgen.

U.S. Consulate General and City of Frankfurt Celebrate German-American Day
October 5, 2007. The U.S. Consulate General and the city of Frankfurt joined forces in celebrating German-American Day at the City Hall “Römer” on October 5, 2007. The celebration featured remarks by Consul General Jo Ellen Powell and City Treasurer Uwe Becker and both stressed the strength of the German-American partnership, particularly in an international city such as Frankfurt. Musical entertainment was provided by the U.S. Air Force in Europe jazz band "Check Six". During the event Public Affairs Officer James W. Seward presented five students with prizes for language courses, which they had won at the 'Hello World' exchange fair the week before.  | Official Proclamation of German-American Day 2007

Consul General Powell keynote speaker at Frankfurt German Unity Day celebration
October 2, 2007. U.S. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell was invited to be the keynote speaker at the City of Frankfurt's German Unity Day celebration in the Paulskirche making her the first woman and non-German to receive this honor. Following musical presentations by the International Choir Frankfurt and an address by City Councillor Boris Rhein, the Consul General gave a speech on "The United States, Unified Germany and the Unity of the West" to 1200 guests from Frankfurt and the Rhein-Main region.  She emphasized how Americans share in the joy of a peaceful unification of Germany and Europe based on their own experience of reunification through a bloody Civil War.  She gave great credit to Germanys political and economic achievements after reunification evoking the long and painful process of reuniting the American North and South in order to overcome the legacy of slavery and secession. She said that prominent voices on both sides of the Atlantic stressing fundamental differences between Old and New World only reflected insecurities as a result of a completely changed post-Cold War world order.  The Consul General pointed to the great heterogeneity within Europe and the U.S. and urged the audience not to forget the large extent to which the United States and Europe share a common political, economic and intellectual history. She reminded that existing transatlantic differences should be seen as creative diversity and that the motto which expresses American strength and spirit could also apply to the countries of the West, "E Pluribus Unum."

Documentary Film Maker Les Blank in Wiesbaden
October 2, 2007. PAO Jim Seward introduced American documentary film maker Les Blank at a screening of Blank's films "Yum, Yum, Yum..." and "All in the Tea" at the historic Biebrich Palace (Schloß Biebrich) in Wiesbaden, capital city of the German Federal State of Hessen. Blank, whose career spans more than forty years, this year received the prestigious Edward MacDowell Medal, whose previous winners include Thornton Wilder, Georgia O'Keefe, I.M. Pei and Merce Cunningham.  Blank and his films were well received by the audience of enthusiastic film viewers.  For PAO Seward, the event provided a welcome opportunity to establish contacts with the Wiesbaden Film Classification Board (Filmbewertungsstelle Wiesbaden), which is supported by the cultural ministries of the German states. The film series "Filme im Schloss" allows German audiences to view and learn about American and other international films that are rarely seen.

Consul General Powell attends opening of "An American Index of the Hidden and Unfamiliar" at Museum of Modern Art
September 28, 2007. On September 28, Consul General Jo Ellen Powell attended the opening of the photography exhibition "An American Index of the Hidden and Unfamiliar" at the MMK Museum of Modern Art in Frankfurt. New York-based American photographer Taryn Simon's new series of works is being exhibited for the first time in full at the MMK and shows more than sixty large-format photographs taken over the past four years at places that normally remain inaccessible. Together with the artist Taryn Simon, Frankfurt's cultural commissioner Felix Semmelroth gave Jo Ellen Powell a guided tour of the exhibit, which is open until January 20, 2008.

Consul General Powell Hosts Iftar at her Residence
September 25, 2007. On the occasion of Ramadan, Consul General Jo Ellen Powell hosted an Iftar for 40 guests at her residence on September 25, including representatives of Hessen, Baden-Wurttemberg, and Rheinland-Pfalz state government, members of the Frankfurt Consular Corps, and Embassy Berlin's newly arrived Public Affairs Counselor, Dr. Helena Finn.  Ms. Nahla Osman and Ms. Gonca Aydin, who traveled to the U.S. in April 2007 under the auspices of Mission Germany's "Windows on America" program spoke to the guests about the program and the experiences of the students that they accompanied.  Both called the personal encounter with America and Americans invaluable experiences for the students whose view of the U.S. was previously shaped through the media alone.

Karben Students Hear About High School Exchange Opportunities with the United States
September 24, 2007. More than 30 students and parents attended an evening information session at Kurt-Schumacher-Schule on exchange opportunities with the United States. EducationUSA (U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt) gave a presentation on "Spending a High School Year in the United States", focusing on what to consider when choosing an exchange organization. Students also received information and had their questions answered from three different exchange organizations. The school library received a book donation, including the "If You Want to Study in the United States" volumes.

Seminar on "European and American Economic and Social Policies - A Comparison"
September14-15, 2007. Prof. Dr. Diether Döring (Denkfabrik/Frankfurt), Dr. Sigurt Vitols (Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin), Dr. Christian Lammert (University of Frankfurt) and Prof. Dr. Aloys Prinz (University of Münster) offered an in-depth comparison of the European and American economic and social systems and policies at a two-day seminar at the Fridtjof-Nansen-Akademie in Ingelheim with participants coming from Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The comparative analysis offered some surprising new insights, for example, into the existence of a "hidden" welfare state in the U.S. in the form of the "earned income tax credit," the most effective instrument of social welfare payments. Also, participants learned that after tax the U.S. is very close to Sweden in the share of social benefit payments in the federal budget, i.e. 27% versus. 30%. Papers can be downloaded from the following website: http://www.wbzingelheim.de/index.php?id=295

America Welcomes Newcomers to Hessen
September 9, 2007. On September 9th, the U.S. Consulate General participated in the "Newscomer" Festival at the Frankfurt Römer. U.S. Citizen Services and the Public Affairs Section teamed up to inform visitors about their services. More than 200 newcomers visited the booth, and many U.S. citizens used the opportunity to register with the Consulate and ask about absentee voting and tax issues. Visitors picked up information on upcoming events organized by the Public Affairs Section and the "Meet US" Program. The CD ROM "About the USA" and paper flags was also very popular.

Journalism in Alaska - Discussion at Frankfurt Press Club

September 4, 2007. U.S. Consulate General Leipzig Public Affairs Officer Mark Wenig along with journalist and author Bernd Steinle shared their Alaskan knowledge and experiences with a group of thirty journalists at the Frankfurter Press Club September 4. Wenig, an Alaskan native, gave the audience a first hand account of life in Alaska. He focused mainly on his time as a television reporter in Juneau, Alaska, covering the mandatory 120 day gathering of State legislators. Steinle spent two months working at the Anchorage Daily News through an exchange program. He explained the differences and similarities between Alaskan and German press and related the importance of the press and media for a population only slightly larger than Frankfurt's, spread across a land area two and a half times the size of Texas. After reading a section of his book about his experiences in the Alaskan journalism world, the two men answered questions about life in Alaska and the role that vital industries such as fishing, oil, and tourism play in Alaskan politics.

Kassel High School Students Check Out Exchange Opportunities
August 28, 2007. 55 students and their teachers from the Jacob-Grimm-Schule Kassel used a fieldtrip to Frankfurt to learn about exchange opportunities to the United States. Following an English-language information session on film analysis at the Filmmuseum Frankfurt, they were joined by EducationUSA Frankfurt. The students received information on internship and work opportunities (Au Pair, Volunteering) and the higher education system in the United States. Following the presentation, students had their educational exchange and visa-related questions answered. Students and teachers received handouts with background materials and an extensive information package was presented to the school. A visit to the school, organized through the MeetUS Program, will take place in late November.

America at 2007 Gießen Festival
August 18, 2006. On August 18th, Sister Cities Assocation Gießen - Waterloo, Iowa, presented information on their long-time partnership during the annual "Stadtfest Gießen". Members of the association talked to Gießen citizens about their activities, including trips to Waterloo, Iowa. They were joined by the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt. Visitors asked about studying and working in the United States and had their visa questions answered. They picked up information on the services of the U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Section, the “Meet US” program and EducationUSA Frankfurt. During the afternoon, the Gießen public enjoyed a performance by the Lahn-River-Wheelers Square Dance Club, organized by the Sister Cities Association.   Enter photogallery

Ambassador Timken speaks at the Harvard Business Club
August 1, 2007. Ambassador Timken visited Frankfurt on August 1 to give a speech at the Harvard Business Club, where he was greeted by Mr. Heiner Thorborg, the Honorary President of the Harvard Business Club Rhein-Main. The ambassador spoke to the group about the United States' current and future role in environmental policy. The ambassador cited the tremendous amount of resources the United States has dedicated to this issue, stating that “since 2001, we have invested 30 billion dollars in clean energy technology. That’s more than any other nation in the world. In 2002, President Bush established a goal to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 18 percent by 2012. We are ahead of our target.” He continued by outlining the main goals of U.S. environmental preservation and protection policy. The ambassador stressed “that it does not matter what one country does alone. It matters what we do together. Actions speak louder than words.” He continued by pointing out the need for international cooperation on this issue. After the speech, he took questions not only on environmental issues but also other foreign policy issues. Full text of speech

Consul General Powell at Opening of "New World" exhibit at Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
July 20, 2007. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell spoke at the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart to open "Neue Welt: die Erfindung der amerikanischen Malerei" on July 20. The exhibit, which appeared originally in Hamburg and is co-patroned by U.S. Ambassador to Germany William R. Timken Jr. and German Ambassador to the U.S. Klaus Scharioth, celebrates America's beautiful natural landscape, as portrayed by painters of the Hudson River School, including German-American Albert Bierstadt. After opening the exhibit, Consul General Powell was led on a tour of the exhibit by museum director Sean Rainbird and exhibit curator Christofer Conrad. Consul General Powell's Opening Remarks
"Neue Welt" runs until October 21, 2007 at the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart.

Consul General Powell and Steuben Schurz Society host BarBQ for American Interns in Germany

July 14, 2007. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell and the Steuben Schurz Society hosted a barbecue for American interns in Germany on July 14. The interns, who were placed in their positions by Steuben Schurz's USA Interns program, traveled from all over Germany to meet fellow interns and members of the Steuben Schurz Society. Consul General Powell opened the event by speaking to the interns about the tremendous value of oversees experience, drawing on her personal history with the Foreign Service, and then Dr. Ingrid Graefin zu Solms-Wildenfels, president of Steuben Schurz, presented each intern with a certificate commemorating their time in Germany.

Vice Consul Jeremy Beer discusses German American Relations in the Saarland
July 8, 2007. Vice Consul Jeremy Beer spoke to 120 members of the German American Institute Saarbrücken in Bexbach at the newly refurbished Hochwiesmühle Hotel on July 8. Highlighting recent Independence Day celebrations, Mr. Beer spoke about American identity, and the lasting role of liberty in American political thought. He noted that "no other nation on Earth has forged its core identity so directly and explicitly on the basis of freedom and universal human values." Mr. Beer also discussed the importance of the European-American relationship, emphasizing that "the United States and the E.U. share the largest trade and investment relationship in the world. A strong European-American partnership is critical" he said, "both to face global threats and to take advantage of global opportunities." (more)

Explore, Discover, Play: Opportunities @2.0 Rock Frankfurt’s Library Community
July 6, 2007. Helene Blowers, Public Services Technology Director for the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, introduced Frankfurt’s information professionals and students to the fascinating world of Library 2.0 at the city’s University Library. Ms. Blowers highlighted the increased emphasis on collaboration, sharing and fun (!) in the new 2.0 world, and encouraged the participants to engage their younger audiences in places like Myspace, Facebook or Youtube. She also underlined the importance of empowering and educating staff to deal with all the technological and ideological changes in their workplace. (More)

Harvard Professor Discusses the Terrorist Mindset
July 5, 2007. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell attended an expert roundtable on the Islamist terrorist mindset at the Hesse Ministry of the Interior in Wiesbaden, featuring Dr. Louise Richardson, Executive Dean of the Radcliffe Institute of Advanced Study, Harvard University. Introduced by the Ministry's State Secretary Scheibelhuber, Professor Richardson spoke to a high-caliber group of counter-terrorism, intelligence and law-enforcement professionals, including the president of the Hessian police force, the director of the Hesse State Agency for the Protection of the Constitution and the director of terrorism research at the Federal Office of Criminal Investigation (BKA). In the evening, Professor Richardson gave a public lecture to more than 300 guests at the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek about her recent book, "What Terrorists Want and How We Can Contain the Threat," co-sponsored by Campus Verlag, the Hesse Center for Political Education and the German-British Society. Prof. Richardson shared her own in-depth empirical and comparative research on terrorists' mindsets and practices and was able to offer effective methods and long-range strategies for containing the ever-growing threat of Islamist terrorism.

Celebration of America's 231st Independence Day

July 4, 2007. The Consulate General in Frankfurt celebrated the 231st birthday of the United States with the naturalization of nine armed forces service members. After the presentation of the colors and singing of both the German and American national anthems Consul General Jo Ellen Powell welcomed the three hundred guests. In her speech she discussed how appropriate it was to naturalize these new citizens on Independence Day, because it honors the values and basic principles that the United States was founded on.
Ms. Powell stressed the importance of immigrants throughout the history of the United States: "Immigrants have enriched the fabric of our society, and without them we could not celebrate the United States we know today," said Ms. Powell. She continued by reading President Bush’s Fourth of July message.
Jeffrey Sapko, Director of US Citizenship and Immigration services, discussed what America could and could not offer and promise to these new citizens; then led the nine candidates in the oath of allegiance and welcomed them as new citizens. Afterwards, a buffet of hamburgers, ham, salads and deserts was served, while guests enjoyed live music. Consul General Powell's speech | About the USA: Independence Day 
 

Friedrichshafen High School Students Check Out Exchange Opportunities 
July 2, 2007. Parents, teachers and students from the Friedrichhafen region checked out exchange opportunites with the United States and other overseas countries during the Youth Exchange Fair at Karl-Maybach-Gymnasium in Friedrichshafen. The fair was orgnized by the German-American Institute Tübingen and the Labor Exchange Ravensburg and drew more than 30 participants, who picked up information from a number of exchange organizations. EducationUSA Frankfurt explained their services and answered visa-related questions. Student took away information material on the United States, including the CD ROM "About the USA".

The U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt @ Rhineland-Palatinate State Fair

June 30, 2007. The Atlantic Academy in Kaiserslautern and the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt joined forces at the Rhineland-Palatinate state festival in Baumholder on June 30 to inform German and American citizens living in that state about their respective programs and services and about the United States in general. The garrison town of Baumholder hosted the 24th state fair of Rhineland-Palatinate this year. This major state festival is a symbol of the German American friendship which is particularly valued within the scope of the 60-year existence of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Baumholder hosted a diverse range of entertainment on various stages and at numerous activity and presentation areas. Major Rhineland-Palatinate radio stations and SWR TV broadcasted the events and programs.  Enter Photo Gallery

Consul General Powell Opens Exhibit Featuring U.S. Architects
June 26, 2007. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell officially opened the exhibit “Young Americans: Neue Architektur in den USA” at the Deutsches Architektur Museum in Frankfurt. The exhibit features the work of 26 young American architects and firms, several of whom were on hand to celebrate the opening, who represent the future of building around the world. After giving a short Grusswort, CG Powell was lead on a tour of the exhibit by museum Director Peter Schmal and curator Beate Engelhorn. “Young Americans” runs until September 2, 2007

University of Applied Sciences Frankfurt Students Check out Study Opportunities in the United States
June 21, 2007. On June 21th, the International Office of the University of Applied Sciences organized a two-hour USA-Special, attended by 25 students interested in studying and interning in the United States. Professors Carney and Winter, both visiting professors from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, explained the U.S. higher education system. The University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, is one of several American partner universities of the University of Applied Sciences Frankfurt. Renate Vollmer from the U.S. Consulate Frankfurt's EducationUSA gave an overview of the visa application process and answered visa-related questions. Alexandra Michel presented the programs offered by College Contact. Photo Gallery

Trier Students Learn About Studying and Interning in the United States
June 20, 2007. On June 20th, Renate Vollmer from the U.S. Consulate Frankfurt's EducationUSA visited the University of Trier to talk about exchange opportunities with the United States. At the University, 60 students received information on studying and interning in the U.S., including information on the higher education system, the application process and visa issues. The presentation was followed by a question and answer session. The University of Trier cooperates with a number of American universities, including Boston University, MA, Georgetown University, Washington D.C. and Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota. Students picked up information material on the U.S., including the CD ROM "About the USA".

U.S. Speaker Jonathan Tucker Discusses "Dual-Use" Scientific Research 
June 20 & 21, 2007. On June 20 and 21, Dr. Jonathan Tucker, a senior fellow at the Monterey Institute of International Studies’ Center for Nonproliferation Studies in Washington, D.C., spoke with several groups in Hessen about the misuse of biotechnology and lessons learned from the international effort to eradicate smallpox. Dr. Tucker spoke Wednesday to a group of students and scholars at the Technische Universitaet Darmstadt as part of the interdisciplinary non-proliferation group IANUS’ lecture series. He spoke Thursday to scientists and policymakers at the Bundesamt fuer Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle, and at an informal luncheon with members of the Hessische Stiftung Friedens- und Konfliktforschung. Dr. Tucker spoke frankly with both researchers and policymakers about the current lack of international oversight on scientific research that might have potentially devastating affects if misused by terrorists or state proliferators, and discussed how the WHO’s successful eradication of smallpox might serve as both model and caution for future attempts to regulate biological research. He was able to share U.S. positions on dual-use research of concern, as well as gain insight from German experts in the same field on how the topic is viewed in Europe.

Students Prepare for Study Abroad Experience
June 17, 2007. From June 15 to 17, 60 German and American students met in Tübingen to prepare for and discuss studying abroad. The German students, who will leave for undergraduate and graduate studies in the United States this fall, were joined by American students who are currently spending an exchange year at a German university. All students are supported by the Federation of German-American Clubs which runs a college student exchange program with selected universities in the U.S. and Germany, sponsoring one-year study-abroad programs. The American students receive a scholarship from the Federation and are "adopted" by one of the local clubs. The German students going to the U.S. receive undergraduate or graduate scholarships, some including graduate teaching assistantships, from their host universities. On Sunday, Renate Vollmer from the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt gave a pre-departure briefing to the German students and explained the visa application process. Photo Gallery

documenta 12 Features Several American Artists
June 14, 2007. Journalists and art experts were treated on June 14-15 to a special preview of documenta 12, one of the most important modern art exhibitions in the world: Photo Gallery
documenta 12, which opens on June 16 and will run for 100 days until September 23, 2007, will feature the work of 16 American artists and that of many other artists from around the world. Several of the American artists were on hand June 14 and 15 to meet with journalists and describe their work and/or perform it.
The exhibit takes place every five years in Kassel in museums and outdoor locations throughout the city, and each documenta has an entirely new staff, theme, and flavor. For more information about documenta 12, please visit http://documenta.de/. | Photo Gallery | Video: Compagnie Trisha Brown | (more)

Prof. Bernard Reich speaks at AGBC dinner
June 12, 2007. Dr. Bernard Reich, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., presented a lecture on "The Crisis in the Middle East and the Issue of Oil Supply for Europe and the United States" at a dinner hosted by the American-German Business Club Frankurt at the Marriott Hotel. Prof. Reich analyzed the various degrees of dependence of Europe, the United States, China and India on the import of oil from different oil producing countries, particularly in the Middle East, and the implications for international political relations. Prof. Reich called for a systematic, long-range strategy to minimize the proportion of oil in the energy supply of the world's leading economies and newly indutrsializing countries.

Consul General Jo Ellen Powell Visits Tübingen
May 24, 2007. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell visited the university town of Tübingen for a day. She started the day with a visit at Hauptschule Innenstadt, where she was welcomed by the drum group of the school. Consul General Powell was deeply impressed by the school's students and the passionate teachers. She visited a number of classes, watched performances by the school band and the circus group, and gave an interview to the school's radio station. The next stop was a lunch with Tübingen's Lord Mayor Boris Palmer, the University President, Professor Engler, and members of the Board of the German-American Institute. The day continued with a visit to Eberhard-Karls-University, where Mrs. Powell discussed with American Studies students, and met with the representatives of the Study Abroad Programs at the University's International Office. A visit to the German-American Institute, where Jo Ellen Powell closed the American Mosque exhibit, and met with members of the Arab American Dialogue, GAI supporters, and Ann Arbor-Tübingen sister city association members rounded out the day in Tübingen. Photo Gallery

Mrs. Timken visits Otto-Hahn-Schule in Frankfurt-Niedereschbach
May 22, 2007. On her recent trip to Frankfurt, Mrs. Timken visited Otto-Hahn-Schule in the Northern Frankfurt neighborhood of Niedereschbach. School director Dr. Schmidt and Deputy Director Gabriele Telgenbüscher gave Mrs. Timken a tour of the school grounds. Parts of the school are currently under construction, additional classrooms are built, and the school and neighborhood library will be reopenend next spring. Mrs. Timken then met with a group of 8th grade students and discussed German-American relations, differences and similarities in the respective school systems, the death penalty, and the diverse ethnic backgrounds of the students. The students were deeply impressed by Mrs. Timken's personal reflections on Germany and by her presentation of the Windows on America program. Photo Gallery  

Ambassador Engages Leadership of ZDF
May 21, 2007. On May 21 Ambassador Timken met with ZDF Director General Markus Schächter and seven senior editors, including future U.S. correspondent Matthias Fornoff, for an off-the-record discussion at ZDF headquarters in Mainz. The discussion focused on the upcoming G-8 summit, the German EU Presidency, as well as the bilateral and transatlantic relationship, U.S. policy in Afghanistan, Irak, U.S-Russia relations, China, India and the upcoming Presidential elections in the U.S. 

U.S. speaker Richard Pells talks about transatlantic misunderstandings
May 21, 2007. U.S. cultural historian Richard Pells from the University of Texas in Austin, gave a lecture to over 80 students at the Department for Applied Lingguistics and Cultural Studies on the Germersheim campus of the University of Mainz. Pells spoke about cultural and moral stereotypes on both sides of the Atlantic and emphazised how those stereotypes enforce disagreements between Europe and the U.S. in other fields. He furthered the understanding among the students for U.S. policy by looking at the cultural history and the self-image of the U.S., and illustrated his talk with examples from the cultural history in Europe and the U.S. 

America at Baden-Wuerttemberg Tag in Eppingen
May 20, 2007. On May 20th, the U.S. Consulate General joined the four German-American Institutes located in Baden-Wuerttemberg (Heidelberg, Tuebingen, Freiburg, Stuttgart) at the second Baden-Wuerttemberg Tag. The Institutes and the Consulate presented their programs and services and Public Affairs Frankfurt’s EducationUSA provided information on studying and working in the United States. Visitors picked up information on the United States, enjoyed more than a 1000 bags of American style salted popcorn and tried their skill at basketball. 35000 visitors enjoyed the Baden-Wuerttemberg Tag, with more than 100 exhibitors showcasing services and organizations in Baden-Wuerttemberg. Enter Photogallery  

Darmstadt Students Learn About Studying and Interning in the United States
May 15, 2007. On May 15th, Renate Vollmer from the U.S. Consulate Frankfurt's EducationUSA visited the Technische Universität and the University of Applied Sciences in Darmstadt to talk about exchange opportunities with the United States. At the Technische Universität, she briefed 25 students who will start studying in the United States this fall on the visa application process. The students received an information package which included visa application forms and the CD ROM "About the USA". The University cooperates with a large number of U.S. universities, including Virginia Tech, the University of Illinois, the State University of Bufallo, N.Y. and the University of California, Berkeley. At the University of Applied Sciences, students listened to a presentation on study and internship opportunities. Following, a former exchange student described her experience. Afterwards, students used the opportunity to ask questions. The International Office received a book donation, including the four-volume set "If You Want to Study in the United States". Photo Gallery  

USA at Europa University of Applied Sciences Fresenius
May 12, 2007. Exchange opportunities with the United States were a special focus during the "Open Door" at the University of Applied Sciences Fresenius, Idstein, on May 12th. On Saturday, students and parents used the opportunity to gather information on the programs offered by the university. The university emphasizes the importance of international co-operations and exchanges. Students are required to spend time abroad, and many are interested in going to the United States. EducationUSA of the U.S. Consulate General informed students about exchange opportunites and visa regulations. The Steuben-Schurz Society presented their USA-Interns program. The university currently cooperates with universities in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Vietnam and China. The private Europa University of Applied Sciences Fresenius has a scientific tradition of a more than 158 years and became been a state-approved, private university of applied sciences in 1971.

U.S.-India Security Relations in Focus
May 10, 2007. India expert Sumit Ganguly (University of Indiana at Bloomington) conducted an expert roundtable at the Peace Research Institute (HSFK) in Frankfurt on "U.S.–India Strategic Relations" on May 10. Professor Ganguly provided background on the U.S. government's partnership and engagement with the rising power India in a brief introductory lecture. The expert discussion following focused in particular on the negotiations and efforts to achieve the U.S.-India nuclear deal and its implications for the region.

Tom Christopher “Interpreting Times Square” Exhibit Opening
May 9, 2007. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell opened the art exhibition "Interpreting Times Square" featuring the work of world-renowned U.S. artist Tom Christopher on May 9. The artist flew from the U.S. to attend the opening held at the Gallery Barbara von Stechow in Frankfurt. The exhibition features a number of his bold and vivid interpretations of New York City. A former courtroom artist, Tom Christopher paints with a sense of urgency, but also with a keen sense of detail. His intense and vibrant choice of color characterize the animation in the lives of New Yorkers. His paintings of New York City are favorites among Americans — with collections in the New York City Mayor's office and a piece in the President’s White House collection — but also resonate in the international community with his work having been shown in Paris, Tokyo, Osaka, and Frankfurt. The exhibition will be shown at the Gallery Barbara von Stechow until June 15. A further exhibition of Tom Christopher's works can be seen at HSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt until June 29 - please contact Gallery Barbara von Stechow for further details and viewing arrangements.
Consul General Powell's opening remarks | Photo Gallery

Consul General Jo Ellen Powell inaugurates America@yourLibrary partnership with Karlsruhe American Library
May 8, 2007. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell officially inaugurated the U.S. Consulate's http://germany.usembassy.gov/germany/ayl.html with the American Library in Karlsruhe on May 8th. She presented a check in the amount of $2000 for the acquisition of new media to Dr. Karen Adams-Rischmann, chairwoman of the Friends of the American Library Verein. She also donated a book collection of American classics as well as Laura Bush's recommended children's books to the library. Consul General Powell along with Information Resouce Officer Sheila Weir, who is responsible for managing the http://germany.usembassy.gov/germany/ayl.html in Germany, commended Dr. Adams-Rischmann on her initiative and tireless efforts to turn the former U.S. army library into such a successful, integrated branch of the Karlsruhe public library system after the army left in 1994. Karlsruhe's Mayor for Culture Ullrich Eidenmüller thanked the U.S. Consulate for the support and praised the Friends Verein and the library team for their commitment to keep American Culture alive in the city. He promised the city's assistance for future library programs.
Photo Gallery | http://germany.usembassy.gov/germany/ayl.html | Enter the Karlsruhe American Library

Mrs. Timken and Consul General Jo Ellen Powell Meet 'Windows on America' Group after U.S. Visit
May 7, 2007. Ten Muslim girls from from the Rhein-Main area who had traveled to the United States during the Easter school break as part of the "Windows on America" program, attended a tea with Mrs. Timken and Consul General Jo Ellen Powell at the latter's residence in Frankfurt along with their chaperones, Gonca Aydin of Ditib (Turkish-Islamic Union of Religious Institutes), and Nahla Osman, a lawyer from Rüsselsheim. Group members described their week-long stay with host families in Boston, where they visited schools and universities; their subsequent stays in New York and Washington, D.C.; and their meetings at the Turkish Embassy and the State Department. The young high school students were deeply impressed by their U.S. experiences.

USA Focus During International Week at University of Applied Sciences Koblenz
May 7, 2007. On May 7th, events and presentations at the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz focused on exchange opportunities with the United States. Throughout the day, students met representatives of EducationUSA Frankfurt as well as from other organizations and picked up information materials. EducationUSA Frankfurt gave a presentation on studying and interning in the United States. Students from the American partner universities of the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz - Alfred University, New York, Pfeiffer University, Charlotte, NC and St. Edwards University, Austin, TX - talked about their universities and their exchange experience.

10th Anniversary of Partnership between Saarpfalz Kreis and Henrico County, Virginia
May 4, 2007. The U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt, represented by PA staff member Nicole Fries, participated in the 10th anniversary celebrations of the partnership between Saarpfalz-Kreis and Henrico County, Virginia, on May 4 in Bexbach. The partnership was originally facilitated by the German-American Institute Saarbrücken and initiated in 1994 with a visit to the Saarland by Fred T. Agostino, executive director of the Henrico County Industrial Development Authority. The official signing took place in Homburg on May 5, 1997. Over the past ten years the partnership has grown from initial economic contacts to include several student exchange groups from high schools in the Saarpfalz-Kreis and Henrico County as well as visits by various other official delegations. Saarpfalz-Kreis county executive Clemens Lindemann welcomed the guests of honor, founding member Fred T. Agostino and his wife Trish, Hans Schetelig, former director of Virginia's European office, as well as students from the Christian-von-Mannlich high school in Homburg, who had participated in exchange programs. The anniversary celebrations were organized by the Saarpfalz-Kreis and its economic development office in cooperation with the German-American Friendship Club Saar-Pfalz. 

U.S. Consulate General Briefing on Facilitating Travel to the U.S.
May 3, 2007. The U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt invited members from the travel industry, business and the media to a briefing on "Facilitating Travel to the U.S.: Online Visa Appointments and Understanding Current U.S. Entry Regulations" with David Stewart, Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs, U.S. Embassy Berlin, and Douglas Fitzpatrick, Representative, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt. At a reception in their honor Consul General Jo Ellen Powell officially welcomed Mr. Stewart and Mr. Fitzpatrick, who have recently taken on their important roles facilitating travel to the United States. All speakers emphasized that the United States is open for business and welcomes travelers. The briefing was followed by a Q&A session on the new Internet-based Visa Appointment System and specific concerns from the audience. In addition to the phone-based appointment system, applicants will also be able to book appointments online by mid-May 

International Lyric Festival features Martine Bellen in Frankfurt
April 26-28, 2007. Frankfurt's first International Lyric Festival "Main Poesia", organized by Dr. Maria Gazetti, Director of the Literaturhaus Frankfurt, and German Poet Matthias Göritz in cooperation with the U.S. Consulate General, paid a tribute to the famous American poet Emily Dickinson from April 26 through April 28. In three parts - "First Nights", "Wild Nights", and "Foreign Nights" - the festival featured poems by Emily Dickinson in their German translation as well as poems by young German and international writers dedicated to her. New York writer Martine Bellen and Lavinia Greenlaw from London impressed the audience with a selection of their works in the third night that was moderated by Hans Jürgen Balmes of S. Fischer Verlag, who also translated Ms. Bellen's work into German.
Emily Dickinson's letters and newly translated poems have been published in German by S. Fischer and Carl Hanser in 2006.

High School Students Check Out Exchange Opportunities With the United States at Reutlingen Career Fair
April 27, 2007. On April 27th, the German-American Institute Tübingen and EducationUSA from the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt teamed up to inform students from the Reutlingen area about exchange opportunities with the United States. During the day-long education and career information fair for high school students, organized by the City of Reutlingen, the Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Trade, the German-American Institute and EducationUSA answered numerous questions at a booth. A short presentation on exchange opportunities after high school in the morning was attended by 20 students and parents, who used the opportunity to ask specific questions. Throughout the day, students picked up information material on the services of the German-American Institute, EducationUSA as well as the CD ROM "About the USA". 

J-1 Visa Information Session at the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt
April 26, 2007. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell greeted 80 participants at the second J-1 Visa information session held at the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt on April 26. In her welcome remarks she emphasized the importance of exchanges for the United States. Representatives of more than 70 German exchange organizations and international offices of universities received information on American Citizen Services, new developments in regard to J-1 visa applications and the work of Customs and Border Protection. During two question and answer sessions, the attendees posed numerous questions about the regulations and application process. With more the 8,000 students attending high school, and 9,000 university students studying in the United States each year, Germany is one of the leading sending countries world-wide. Photo Gallery

Vice Consul Jeremy Beer leads discussion on German-American Relations in Bad Kreuznach
April 24, 2007. Vice Consul Jeremy Beer discussed German-American Relations and new opportunities for the transatlantic partnership with an audience of 45 Lions Club members at the historic Domina Park Hotel in Bad Kreuznach. In light of the upcoming G8 summit and global interest in climate change, he emphasized America’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and investing in clean technology. He explained that "there are tremendous opportunities for the U.S., Germany, and the rest of Europe, to lead in this area through investment in clean energy." Mr. Beer also discussed the goals of the NATO Alliance in Afghanistan and highlighted the progress made since 2001 in assisting the Afghan government to improve education, health care and free media. Finally, he described the work of the U.S. Consulate Frankfurt, presented the wide variety of programs and services it offers to German citizens, and led a lively question and answer session with audience members. 

Amerika Haus Archive Donated to Frankfurt City Archive
April 24, 2007. With a short ceremony at the Frankfurt City Archives (Institut für Stadtgeschichte), Public Affairs Officer Scott Rauland from the U.S. Consulate General and Archives Director Dr. Evelyn Brockhoff celebrated the donation of archival material from the Amerika Haus to the Institute. Dr. Evelyn Brockhoff presented a copy of the 300-page index to the U.S. Consulate, and pointed out that the materials are also available online through the archive database. The donated materials include flyers, programs and nearly 500 photos, offering important information on American cultural activities in the city from 1946 to 2005. Scott Rauland thanked Dr. Brockhoff for making the materials covering 60 years of Amerika Haus history available to the public. A detailed description is available in the current Newsletter of the Institut für Stadtgeschichte.  Photo Gallery

Consular intern discusses U.S. immigration at Elly-Heuss-Schule Wiesbaden
April 24, 2007. As part of the U.S. Consulate’s school outreach program "Meet US", Consulate intern Merry Marwig visited the Elly-Heuss-Schule in Wiesbaden. She talked about the history and contemporary issues of immigration in the U.S. with a 10th grade class. At the end of a lively discussion she presented the hosting teacher with information material related to the United States.

Earth Day 2007
April 22, 2007. As part of Earth Day celebrations worldwide intended to increase environmental awareness globally, the U.S. Consulate Frankfurt co-sponsored a conference on “Energy Autonomy: New and Innovative Energy Technologies and Policies in the United States and Germany” along with Earth Day International/German Committee and IHK Frankfurt on April 19. In her remarks opening the program, Consul General Powell pointed out that the U.S. and Germany, as leaders among industrialized nations, play major roles in addressing today's environmental challenges: "Both Europe and the U.S. confront the problem of climate change at the same time that they are coping with higher energy prices and problems of energy security -- all of which call for new technology and much greater efficiency. Fundamental research from American universities and national laboratories, combined with legendary German skills in perfecting and applying new technologies, makes us tremendous natural partners. Together, our countries are working to understand, to limit, and to adapt to climate change."
See also: Background Information on Earth Day | E-Journal: Protecting the Environment | Publication: Energy Needs, Clean Development and Climate Change

U.S. Internships - Infosession at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
April 19, 2007. On April 19, EducationUSA Frankfurt held an evening information session on internship opportunities in the United States and visa regulations at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. The institution is a leading private business school based in Frankfurt am Main, with regional education centers spread across Germany and joint ventures abroad. Renate Vollmer from the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt gave a introductory presentation on internships and explained the visa application process. The event was drew 60 students, who used the opportunity to ask numerous questions. The library received a book donation, including the four volume set "If You Want to Study in the United States" and publications on exchange opportunities.

J.R. Moehringer Appears at the International Theater Frankfurt
April 19, 2007. U.S. author and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist J.R. Moehringer introduced his memoir "The Tender Bar" with a reading and a talk with Julia Holbe of Fischer Publishing House to an enthused crowd at the International Theater in Frankfurt. The bestselling book is the story of Moehringer's childhood and adolesence and his special relationship to the bar "Dickens" in Manhassett, New York. Growing up fatherless with a number of cousins in the desolate house of his grumpy grandfather, Moehringer describes his search for paternal figures in and around the bar, how he makes his way to Yale, and becomes a reporter for the Los Angeles Times. Actor Christoph Maasch read from the German version of the book. The evening was a cooperative venture between Fischer Publishing House, the International Theater Frankfurt, and the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt.

Authors' Conference prepares publication of new book on American politics after 9/11
April 19-21, 2007. The U.S. Consulate supported an authors' conference at the Pfalz-Akademie in Lambrecht, initiated by the Atlantic Academy Rhineland-Palatinate, for preparing a new book on American politics after 9/11. A fellow at the renowned Congressional Research Service in Washington, D.C., for over 30 years and now with the University Halle-Wittenberg and the London School of Economics, Prof. Paul Rundquist joined leading German political scientists in providing commentary on the presented draft papers, which will eventually be published in a major book for students of recent American politics.

Consular officer discusses U.S. immigration at Altkönigschule Kronberg
April 18, 2007. As part of the U.S. Consulate’s school outreach program "Meet US", Consular Officer Scott Hartmann visited the Altkönig-Schule in Kronberg. He talked about the history and contemporary issues of immigration in the U.S. with two 13th grade classes. At the end of a lively discussion he presented the hosting teachers with information material related to the United States.  

Ambassador Timken meets Minister President Müller, Business Leaders and Media in Saarland
April 13+14, 2007. During his first visit to the Saarland on April 13 and 14, Ambassador and Mrs. Timken met with Minister President Müller and visited the Institute of Nano Technology. Ambassador Timken also addressed business leaders at a breakfast hosted by Economic Minister Georgi and conducted a series of interviews with local media and discussed topics like the U.S.-German economic relations, Afghanistan, Iraq, the German EU Presidency and the German-American partnership. Minister President Müller pointed out that Saarland has increased its economic and scientific exchange with American partners and that its university has intensified student exchanges with American universities.

IRO Sheila Weir advocates Knowledge Management and Library Innovation
April 12, 2007. Information Resource Officer (IRO) Sheila Weir, who manages the Information Resouce Centers in Germany, Switzerland and the three Baltic states, gave a presentation about knowledge management and library innovation at Frankfurt's University Library on April 12. Speaking to some 20 information professionals, Ms. Weir outlined the strategy of American librarians to promote information literacy while creating a new search and retrieval portal using "Google Mini." She also highlighted the marketing aspect in library work and stressed the importance of promoting and capitalizing on the unique professional skills of librarians. In the following discussion, Ms. Weir answered questions about her work in the Foreign Service and advertised IRC Germany's products and services.

Consul General Jo Ellen Powell bids farewell to "Windows on America" Group
April 2, 2007. Together with Frankfurt's Ditib president Irfan Dinc and a large group of parents and siblings, Consul General Jo Ellen Powell met with the 10 girls from Ditib communities throughout the Rhein-Main area and their chaperones at Frankfurt airport to wish them a wonderful experience in the United States. Started in Spring 2006, "Windows on America" is a public-private partnership to provide opportunities for students of immigrant backgrounds who have been underrepresented in traditional exchange programs between the United States and Germany. The program seeks to promote understanding, encourage lasting relationships, and address misperceptions about the U.S. among the next generation of German youth. The Frankfurt group is the first consisting of Muslim girls only between the ages of 15-17. The participants were selected through an essay contest. The students will travel to the United States for a twelve-day trip, visiting American cities such as New York, Washington, DC, and Boston, Massachusetts. While on this trip, the students will be exposed to all aspects of American culture, schooling, and daily life by visiting American museums and monuments, touring American high schools, and participating in home stays with American families. See also: Ambassador and Mrs. Timken Extend "Handshake of Understanding" to Muslim Girls in Frankfurt

Mainz Celebrates German-American Friendship
April 1, 2007. The city of Mainz hosted its third colorful festival celebrating German American friendship on April 1, following up on previous years' successful events that started after President Bush's visit to the city in 2005. Along with tens of thousands visitors, Lord Mayor Jens Beutel and Consul General Jo Ellen Powell underscored the importance of German-American friendship on a person-to-person level. As guest of honor at the opening ceremony, Consul General Powell talked about her personal ties to Mainz' sister city Louisville, Kentucky. Along with her niece, she also visited the impressive cathedral as well as the Gutenberg Museum. Various German-American organizations, such as the Mainz German-American Club and the Freundschaftskreis Mainz-Louisville, were on hand to discuss exchange opportunities together with representatives of the U.S. Consulate's Public Affairs and Consular sections, who advertised their services. Photo Gallery

Consul General Jo Ellen Powell at Spangdahlem Air Base
March 28, 2007. Consul General Jo Ellen Powell was the keynote speaker at a luncheon organized by Spangdahlem Air Base to commemorate Women's History Month on March 26, 2007. In her speech, which was attended by women and men serving at the air force base, the Consul General spoke about the past and present accomplishments of American women that have empowered women to assume leadership roles and make important contributions to humanity. “For generations, American women have helped build our great Nation through their leadership as writers, teachers, artists, politicians, doctors, and scientists, and other professions. As mothers, daughters, and sisters, women have supported and strengthened American families and communities," she said. "As the Consul General in Frankfurt I realize that I could never have served in such a capacity without many of the women … who have paved the way before me."

Frankfurt High School Students learn about Studying in the United States
March 27, 2007. As part of "infotage 2007", more than 60 high school students from the Frankfurt region attended an information session on studying in the United States. EducationUSA Frankfurt gave a presentation on the U.S. higher education system, the application process, financial aid and exchange opportunities. The presentation was followed by an intense questions & answer session on the topic. Students picked up information material on the services of the U.S. Consulate General, EducationUSA and the Information Resource Center. "infotage", organized by the Labor Exchange, is a week long information fair at Frankfurt Universities, which provides 11th and 12th graders with the opportunity to experience college life, listen to lectures and visit the campuses. Photo Gallery

North American Film Festival opened its doors in Stuttgart
March 21, 2007. The 2nd biennial North American Film Festival opened its doors in Stuttgart on March 21 to a SRO crowd of enthusiastic film fans. Organized by the German-American Institute in Stuttgart with assistance from the U.S. Mission to Germany and a dozen local sponsors, the festival is the only one of its kind in Europe to showcase the acting and directing talents of Native Americans. In his remarks at the opening, Public Affairs Officer Scott Rauland expressed the hope that the attendees "will consider making a trip to the U.S. and visit some of the beautiful people and places depicted in the films." Guests were treated to a performance of hoop dancing by U.S. national champion Nakotah LaRance of Arizona, and had a chance to meet Native Americans active in the film industry, such as Michael Smith, founder of the American Indian Film Institute in San Francisco. The festival opened with the movie Dream Maker, a documentary featuring interviews with famous Native American actors on the challenges of breaking stereotypes in the film industry, and closes on Sunday, March 25.
Photo Gallery | More information can be found at: http://www.nordamerika-filmfestival.com/

U.S. Fundraiser Shares Expertise with Key German Partners
March 19-23, 2007. Mara Walker, Chief Planning Officer for Americans for the Arts, held workshops on fundraising and marketing for culture and the arts in Heilbronn and Tübingen, and attended the conference "Fundraising and Marketing for Arts and Culture" at Evangelische Akademie in Bad Boll. At the three-day conference, Mara Walker introduced the organization 'Americans for the Arts' and shared U.S. perspectives on building organziations, fundraising, and marketing strategies with over 60 key fundraisers from small, medium as well as large cultural institutions throughout Germany. Earlier in the week Mara Walker held a workshop for over 80 students at Fachhochschule Heilbronn-Künzelsau, and gave a first-hand insight into fundraising and marketing strategies for the arts and culture in the U.S. At the German-American Institute in Tübingen, Walker also held a fundraising workshop to members of Kulturnetz Tübingen.

U.S. Artist John Fischer Impresses Literature, Art and Jazz Fans in Wiesbaden
March 13, 2007. U.S. artist, jazz musician, and writer John Fischer presented a diverse program at Literaturhaus Villa Clementine in Wiesbaden on March 13. John Fischer, a well-known jazz pianist and one of the founders of "bread art", has had numerous art exhibits throughout the world, and will present his artwork in Gießen in 2008. He frequently teaches at the Summer Academy in Marburg.
The evening started out with the presentation of Fischer's first film, a touching commemoration of his parents, who fled Nazi-occupied Belgium in the early 1940s and made their way to New York via France and Cuba with their three children. For the first time in Germany, Fischer then read poems from his book "What's Better?". John Fischer closed the evening with jazz standards and his own compositions on the piano.

Orientation Workshop for U.S. High School Exchange
March 13, 2007. Consulate intern Merry Marwig offered an orientation workshop about "High School and Family Life in the U.S." for 15 students of the Elly-Heuss-Schule in Wiesbaden on March 13. The students, aged 15-17, will spend 3 weeks in April at Greenfield High School in Indiana staying with American host families. Having grown up just a two-hour drive from Greenfield in the neighboring state of Illinois, Merry filled them in on all aspects of American high school and family life, including curricular and extra-curricular activites, socializing, dress codes, do's and don't's as well as recommendations for very special restaurants for their extended trip to Chicago.
 

German American Relations: The Look Ahead
March 7, 2007. As guest speaker at an event organized by Gießen's German-American Club "Die Brücke" on March 7, Public Affairs Officer Scott Rauland discussed German-American Relations and the new opportunities for transatlantic relations during Germany’s presidencies of the G-8 and EU with an audience of about 80 interested citizens at the Dachcafe in Gießen. In light of the upcoming EU summit and its focus on climate change, he emphasized America’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and pointed out that growth in greenhouse gases in the U.S. from 2001-2004 was lower than in Europe. Mr. Rauland also discussed the goals of the NATO Alliance in Afghanistan and highlighted the progress it made since 2001 in assisting Afghanistan improve education, health care and free media. Finally, he described the work of the U.S. Consulate Frankfurt and presented the wide variety of programs and services it offers to German citizens. (more)