Study in the United States
January 7, 2009.
EducationUSA specialist Petra Spitz was one of four experts at a public exchanges event hosted by Duesseldorf University’s International Office on January 7. Spitz gave a presentation on how to apply at American colleges, visa regulations and procedures and financial support by American universities. Other speakers discussed financial support available through German sources and TOEFL test requirements. In addition, Duesseldorf psychology professor Ute Bayen, who lived and taught at the University of North Carolina for over a decade, explained how studying in the U.S. would benefit the students’ professional careers in Europe.

The Legacy of the Old and the Prospects for the New Administration
December 9, 2008.
An evening talk show on December 9 at the Düsseldorf Maritim Hotel was the platform for Consul General Matt Boyse to discuss the legacy of the Bush Administration and to expand upon the early steps President-Elect Barack Obama has taken in putting together his government, including his nominations for key cabinet and other positions.  Part of the “Bonne Affaire” talk show series featuring public figures in NRW, the 45-minute public conversation was conducted by Center-TV moderator Sabine Noethen before 60 guests, most of them from business community and media. 

Educational Exchange Opportunities Promoted at Dortmund Library
December 9, 2008.
On December 9, Educational exchanges specialist Petra Spitz gave a presentation on “Ways to the U.S.” explaining how to organize a high school year abroad, how to apply and how to secure financial aid for studying in America.  Spitz also offered information on internships, voluntary work and Au Pair, all at the central public library in Dortmund. This exchanges event was part of the "America@YourLibrary" program with Dortmund public library, which also regularly receives books about the United States from the consulate, including study guides and test preparation books.

The "Hollywood Librarian" on Tour in NRW
December 4, 2008.
Over 300 librarians enjoyed Ann Seidl’s film “The Hollywood Librarian” at recent screenings throughout North Rhine-Westphalia. The film provides an engaging and humorous look at librarians through film and is the first full-length documentary film that focuses on the work and lives of librarians. The film is currently on tour throughout Germany and was shown at the annual library convention of the NRW chapter of the German Librarians’ Association in Krefeld on Nov. 24 and at a major public library event in Bielefeld on Dec. 4. It was also used in library science classrooms at Cologne University where future information professionals watched this informative portrait of American librarians as they have been portrayed in the movies.

Elections, Elections, Elections 
December 3, 2008.
In the latest of our ongoing series of election-related events, NRW-based members of the Atlantik Brücke met at the Industrie-Club in Düsseldorf on December 3 to discuss the implications of the November polls for German-American relations.  Consul General Matt Boyse led the conversation, which ranged from the issues facing the incoming Obama Administration to early Cabinet level and other key appointments and what their utterances suggest about priorities and policies. The Consul General also used the occasion to stress that now is an excellent time for Germany to be creative and ambitious for its agenda with the incoming government, including by offering more robust support for bilateral and multilateral challenges.

German Interest in U.S. Elections Continues Strong
December 2, 2008.
The Kölner Kamin Collegium, the Deutsche Atlantische Gesellschaft and the Family Business Association (ASU) hosted a discussion evening with Consul General Matt Boyse on December 2 at the Cologne Chamber of Commerce.  In his remarks, the Consul General reviewed the achievements of the Bush Administration, commented on the November elections and the early steps President-Elect Obama has taken, and previewed the opportunities and challenges for the German-American agenda in 2009. 

Vice Consul at Wesel Thanksgiving Dinner 
November 27, 2008.
Vice Consul Chris Grossman spoke at the annual Wesel-Hagerstown (MD) Sister City organization on Thanksgiving, November 27.  Among the 25 guests in the 400-year old room in the Wesel Citadel (used as a prison for seminary students during Napoleon’s occupation) were the Mayor of Wesel and two Rotary exchange students. Grossman reviewed the findings of the “White Paper” on economic and other ties between the U.S. and Germany and explained the significance of the new ESTA requirements for German travellers. In describing the origins of Thanksgiving, he read President George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789.  Grossman also answered questions about the U.S. elections, the transition to the Obama Administration, and the legacy of President Bush.

U.S. Elections, American Dream Major Topics Of School Outreach This Fall
November 26, 2008.
The U.S. Consulate General organized a series of school visits in November, hosted by schools in Essen, Neuss, Cologne, Paderborn, Bonn, Dortmund and Viersen and focusing on the U.S. elections, the American Dream and the Civil Rights Movement. The speakers were Fulbright teaching assistants currently assigned to various schools in North Rhine-Westphalia. The program is an initiative called “Meet US” which is designed to involve young audiences in a dialogue with young and dedicated American exchange teachers.

What Is In Store For Environmental Policy In The New Obama Administration ?
November 19, 2008.
On November 19, Georgetown University economist Thomas Brewer engaged audiences in Duesseldorf and Wuppertal on the prospects for climate change and energy policies of the new Administration. At the Institute for European International Economic Relations and the Climate Institute in Wuppertal he reviewed pertinent statements by President-elect Barack Obama on climate change and the environment and gave an assessment of the realistic prospects of getting new legislation approved by Congress.  Professor Brewer also gave a background interview on the issues to Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung based in Essen. The visit was an opportunity for his German interlocutors to get n indication from a Washington insider of new directions in U.S. climate change policies.

Honoring the Fallen on Remembrance Day in Viersen
November 16, 2008.
Leaders of the city of Viersen highlighted the United States for their commemoration of Germany's annual Day of Mourning (Volkstrauertag) November 16. Chief guest Consul General  Matt Boyse delivered the main address, praising the practice and culture of remembrance, stressing how former enemies had become allies, global partners, and friends, and noting that the United States and Germany must be prepared for more sacrifice to ensure that our societies continue to enjoy the freedoms and prosperity many take for granted.

Former U.S. President in Duesseldorf
November 15, 2008. 
Former President Bill Clinton visited Duesseldorf November 15, speaking before more than 10,000 people at a conference in the ISS Dom Sports Center.  He received a warm welcome for his comments on issues ranging from the financial crisis to the recent U.S. elections to challenges in the developing world.  Tracing the origins of the financial crisis to the massive influx of investment capital from around the world in recent decades because of the attractiveness of the U.S. market, he stressed that advanced western economies are all in this together and will recover, but that changes in economic and other behavior will be necessary.  He also touched on activities of the Clinton Global Initiative in the developing world, and offered perspectives on what he found most important in a successful life.  Consul General Matt Boyse and his wife Eleanore welcomed the former President to the Rhineland at a reception prior to the event. Articles in Rheinische Post | Rheinische Post Photo Gallery

Ambassador and Mrs. Timken Bid Farewell to NRW
November 18.2008.
At a November 18 dinner in Duesseldorf hosted by the North Rhine-Westphalia chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany, Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr observed that the least appreciated and most misunderstood dimension of the bilateral relationship is its vast and unprecedented, economic interdependence. Drawing from the findings of Mission Germany's' just published study "The German-American Partnership: Benchmarking Success," the Ambassador called our economic ties "the new glue" that binds our countries and urged more people to ensure that this message is more widely known. Their 16th visit to NRW during their 3 1/2 years in Germany, the Timkens return to the United States in early December. | Ambassador Timken's speech in Duesseldorf | Interview in Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung (WAZ) | Article in WAZ  | German-American Partnership: Benchmarking Success (pdf) |  more on the German-American Partnership

Interest in the Elections Remains High
November 13, 2008.
On November 13, the Lower Rhine chapter of the German Atlantic Society invited CG Matt Boyse to speak on the 2008 U.S. elections at their annual Thanksgiving Dinner in Kleve near the Dutch border.  The CG reviewed the results, commenting on the areas where the incoming administration has indicated that U.S. policies will change, expanding on the context it faces domestically and abroad, and stressing the importance of German and EU support in meeting joint international challenges.  Kleve has an active sister-city relationship with Fitchburg, Massachusetts.