Empowering the next generation: how exchange programmes shape UK–Germany relations
On 3rd November 2025, Aston University hosted the event “Supporting exchange between young people from the West Midlands and Germany” as part of the Festival of Social Science. The initiative aimed to foster dialogue among individuals from diverse backgrounds who were interested in youth exchange between Germany and the UK, particularly the West Midlands.
The event was chaired by Dr. Ed Turner, Co-director of the Aston Centre for Europe.
Birmingham City Council was proud to participate in this event, reaffirming our commitment to fostering international partnerships and cultural exchange. Our city maintains strong ties with two German partner cities – Frankfurt and Leipzig – through a well-established twinning programme. These relationships are celebrated annually through initiatives such as the Frankfurt Christmas Market, a cherished tradition that brings German culture to the heart of Birmingham.
In June 2025, Birmingham welcomed a delegation from our long-standing sister city, Leipzig, for a dynamic programme of meetings, cultural activities, and collaborative dialogue. The visit, held from 10–13 June, showcased the depth of the Birmingham–Leipzig partnership and opened new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as research, education, and civic engagement. These exchanges highlight our shared commitment to building bridges between communities and creating meaningful connections for future generations.
The event began with a short panel discussion featuring:
The discussion focused on German as a foreign language and highlighted various initiatives available in the UK.
Language initiatives
#ShoutOutForGerman – 19 to 24 January 2026
One key initiative is the social media campaign #ShoutOutForGerman, which celebrates the German language in the UK. From 19 to 24 January 2026, students, teachers, and fans of German are encouraged to share their enthusiasm on social media.
Use the hashtag #ShoutOutForGerman and tag the German Embassy London to showcase school activities, favourite German words, travel memories, or even a clip dancing to a viral German song—creativity is welcome!
Exchange2Change Programme
The Goethe-Institut’s Exchange2Change programme promotes youth mobility and cultural exchange between the UK and Germany. For the first time, this initiative will connect young people from Leipzig, which is our sister city, and Birmingham.
The programme targets young people aged 14 to 17 who do not currently learn German. Participants work collaboratively on a creative project, partly virtual and partly during stays in Berlin and London.
The programme covers travel, accommodation, meals (vegetarian options), cultural activities, and language sessions. A contribution towards UK travel costs to London is also provided.
Fairfax Academy initiatives
Fairfax Academy in Sutton Coldfield runs numerous initiatives, including a film club, school ambassadors, participation badges, and a new, developing partnership with der Rahn School in Leipzig. It shows how much can be done without necessarily needing to travel to Germany.
Additionally, UK universities offer opportunities to study German, including courses for beginners.
Group discussions
Participants then joined small-group discussions on three key topics:
These conversations explored challenges such as bureaucracy and connectivity, as well as opportunities to strengthen cultural and language links, support networking, and create meaningful connections among young people.
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