An event by the German American Conference, co-sponsored by VATMH

Speakers: Jutta Allmendinger (Thomas Mann Fellow), Jörg Dräger (Bertelsmann Stiftung), Manuel Hartung (DIE ZEIT), Nicole Menzenbach (Consul General of Germany, German Consulate Boston), Nikhil Goyal (PhD Candidate, University of Cambridge), Pam Eddinger (Bunker Hill Community College)

The field of education is under constant tension between excellence for a few or affordable education for many if not for all.

On an almost daily basis international students in the US come across differences in the educational systems, especially in higher education. Navigating them can be challenging at times. The education panel will offer a closer look at both the German and American system of higher education and explore similarities as well as differences.

Especially concerning the long-term impact that political and personal decisions in this area have, the education panel aims to improve our understanding of the advantages and drawbacks of the American system of excellence for a few (requiring huge financial commitment) and the German system of affordable education for a large student body.

What are the pros and cons of each system from the perspectives of scientists, politicians, and professors? How much are individuals and society willing - or even required - to sacrifice, financially and personally, and what are the consequences of high tuition for individuals? And maybe the most important question: What can America learn from Germany and vice versa?

Education has long term effects on every individual, the society at large, and future generations. Unlimited access to knowledge is a social and economic key for individual, societal, and economical growth. How can we ensure access to education for everybody while maintaining the highest possible quality of education to allow for innovation and growth?