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Understanding the U.S. heartland

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The 2025 program dates will be August 16 to August 22, 2026 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Program Details

Inside the Experience

In addition to the new stories and learning experiences I gained in Washington DC and Pittsburgh, I had an even more significant ‘souvenir’ in my luggage on my return journey – namely, an interest in the USA. This new interest has led me to continue and intensify my engagement with US politics, society, and culture after this program.

On a personal level, my understanding of the USA as a country as well as US politics has fundamentally expanded… However, the experiences we had in Springfield far exceeded my expectations.

The opportunity to speak with so many individuals and gain insights into American life was unique for me. My expectations before the trip were surpassed, and my belief that one must first meet people locally to form an opinion was confirmed.

In our daily work, we are currently experiencing that the foreign policy positions of the United States have their roots in American domestic politics. Only on-site can one truly understand how politics works in the USA and how this politics influences transatlantic relations.

I have learned a lot that will be helpful both in a professional and private context.

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