The distance from Washington, DC, to Germany is shorter than it seems. 

After graduating from American University in May, Jocelyn Parker, SIS/BA ’26, and Griffin Cook, SPA-SIS/BA ’26, arrived in Deutschland as part of a 65-member cohort chosen for the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals. The 11-month academic, professional, and cultural exchange program began July 29. 

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to participate,” said Cook, who was involved in AU’s German Club and the Ask-A-Diplomat Club during his time on campus. “I consider it one of the best moments of my academic career.” 

Now in its 43rd year, CBYX is jointly funded and managed by the United States Congress and the German Bundestag. Each year, emerging leaders across diverse career interests from both countries are selected for an immersive experience that includes intensive language training, host family stays, internships, and university coursework. 

Following a two-month German language bootcamp, Parker and Cook will spend a semester taking classes at local universities before completing three- to five-month internships. Both alumni hope to secure placements within the Bundestag. 

Cook began studying German in middle school, but his fascination with transatlantic relations—and Germany’s role within the European Union—deepened while studying abroad at the AU Brussels Center in Belgium during his junior year. A solo visit to Berlin that same semester cemented his desire to return. 

“I truly believe cultural exchange programs like CBYX are such an important part of meaningful bilateral relationships,” Cook said. “Fostering mutual exchange between our two cultures helps drive meaningful relationships and understanding.”

For Parker, interested in Germany started early. Growing up watching German films, she developed a deep curiosity about the country’s people, culture, and language. She studied German in high school and continued her language journey at AU.

“After visiting Germany a few times, I knew I wanted more than just another trip,” Parker said. “I wanted to actually live there.” 

While at AU, Parker completed five internships with US government agencies and held two research assistantships focused on US-German relations and genocide studies. She hopes her experience in CBYX will lay the groundwork for a future career as a US Foreign Service Officer. 

“As a first-generation college student, this fellowship represents an incredible opportunity to continue growing both personally and professionally,” Parker said. “I’m excited to represent American University and the United States, while building lasting relationships and bringing what I learn back to my future career in public service.

“I hope more AU students take advantage of this opportunity in the future.”

Interested in applying for CBYX? Learn more about the program through the Office of Merit Awards. The application deadline is November 1.