By Julia Funaki, Director, International, AACRAO
What better place to study an education system than a city built around innovation? Applications are now open for the 2026 Baden-Württemberg Seminar, hosted this fall by the University of Mannheim in Germany. The seminar offers U.S. higher education professionals a rare opportunity to learn about the German education system, German-American academic comparability, and student exchange between Germany and the United States through lectures, discussions, and site visits across the Baden-Württemberg education landscape. The 2026 seminar will take place October 18-24, 2026, and applications are due June 22, 2026.
Mannheim: The ‘Chessboard City’ of Invention
The program is open to AACRAO and NAFSA members whose work connects to study abroad, international admissions, student exchange, registrar functions, institutional partnerships, or other postsecondary-level exchange responsibilities. On-site costs, including lodging, most meals, and transportation for excursions, are covered by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research, and Arts; participants or their institutions are responsible for travel to and from Germany.
This year’s host city adds a fitting layer to the experience. Mannheim is known as a quadradtestadt or “chessboard” city because its central streets were laid out in a strict grid pattern in the 17th century.
Mannheim is also closely tied to invention. Germany’s official tourism site notes that Carl Benz drove the first Mercedes-Benz in public in 1886, and Julius Hatry developed the world’s first rocket-powered aircraft there in 1929. For professionals who spend their days helping learners navigate complex systems, Mannheim offers a memorable reminder that innovation often begins with reimagining mobility.
Discover Baden-Württemberg’s Educational Excellence
As a vibrant hub for higher education, Baden-Württemberg hosts approximately 70 of Germany’s 420 universities, including:
Nine renowned research universities, including the ancient institutions of Heidelberg, Tübingen, and Freiburg.
Over twenty practical, industry-connected universities of applied sciences.
The innovative Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University with its unique dual education model.
Six specialized universities of education.
Eleven distinguished universities of arts and music.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for:
Study abroad officers
International student advisers
Admissions officers
Registrars
Staff responsible for postsecondary-level exchanges or institutional relationships
Applicants from Oregon, California, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Connecticut—states with existing partnerships with Baden-Württemberg—are especially encouraged to apply.
Apply for a Life-Changing Professional Development Opportunity
Deadline: Monday, June 22, 2026
Requirements:
Current membership in either AACRAO or NAFSA
CV or resume
Letter of support from your supervisor
Only one application per institution will be considered
It’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in a global educational experience. Start your application today.
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