city of Tubingen, Germany with flowers in the forefront and colorful buildings in the back

IPDP Germany

About

IPDP Germany provides opportunities for teacher education students across grade levels and academic disciplines to delve into German education and culture. Teacher candidates and faculty/staff travel to Germany every other summer for approximately three weeks. Additionally, teachers from Germany are provided an opportunity to work and observe in American schools, visiting Buffalo during the spring semester for two weeks.

Location

Nürtingen, Germany (view map) is a small, historic, town located near Stuttgart - the home of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche - in the state of Baden-Württemberg in southwestern Germany. With the Black Forest only an hour away, Nürtingen is surrounded by hills, valleys, parks, and vineyards. The average July temperature is 68°F with a daily average of over 15 hours of daylight. German is the national language.

Dates

Travel: June/July 2027 (3 weeks)

Cohort Meetings: Spring Semester 2027

Next Application Deadline: November 1, 2026

Accepting Applications: No

Visit from German Teachers: June 2025

Partnership

Buffalo State Leaders

  • Tamara Horstman-Riphahn, School of Education and Applied Professions
  • Brandon Kawa, International Graduate Program for Educators
  • Liza Bair, Elementary Education 

International Partner

The Experience

Buffalo State Participants

  • Participate in pre-travel cohort meetings and workshops to prepare for the experience - completed semester prior to travel (spring)
  • Learn about German schools and education
  • Learn about Waldorf education, founded in Germany, and visit Waldorf schools in the US and Germany
  • Engage and observe children in classrooms of host-teachers at local schools
  • Collaborate with teacher candidates and faculty at partner organization, Institute Nürtingen
  • Live with host families to develop an understanding and appreciation of German culture and life
  • Experience language learning as participants and educators
  • Enjoy historical, cultural, and artistic experiences in and around Stuttgart
  • Enjoy excursions to the Black Forest and other nearby cultural sites and towns
  • Blog about their experiences while abroad

Welcoming International Visitors

In addition to sending participants to Germany, the School of Education welcomes visitors from Germany to the United States. New teachers from Institute Nürtingen, along with their faculty leaders, spend two weeks in the Buffalo-area each spring semester.

Institute Nürtingen Participants:

  • Teach and assist in Buffalo-area elementary and middle schools
  • Learn about American schools and education by observing in area schools 
  • Develop an understanding and appreciation of American culture while living with Buffalo host families and touring WNY  

Participant Voices

Follow Germany participants as they experience life abroad and share their reflections, photos, videos, and growth through their individual blogs. 

View individual profiles of past participants - colorful demonstrations of the impact of IPDP programs on the personal and professional lives of our students.

Watch and listen to alumni sharing their impressions about their experiences abroad and offering advice to those considering IPDP. 

To Apply

Overview

Applications are accepted during open application periods only. It is recommended that, prior to applying, potential applicants meet with the faculty leader(s) or attend an IPDP Germany information session. 

  • Applications are accepted through the School of Education Office of the Dean. 
  • Applicants submit a completed application form, essay of intent, academic reference, and a copy of past grades and current course registration.
  • Handwritten applications are acceptable (typed preferred).
  • Accepted participants do not enroll in the corresponding course until advised. A unique CRN will be provided. 

Eligibility

-  Open to all current Buffalo State undergraduate or graduate students - including those graduating the May prior travel
-  Priority given to education majors
-  Must maintain good academic standing
-  Must be able to obtain passport
-  Open to area Pk-12 educators (space permitting)

Download Application

Additional Information

Final program costs are determined once all participants are enrolled. The current program estimate of $4500 - $5200 is all inclusive and consists of: round-trip flight, lodging, group ground transportation, group cultural excursions, travel health and evacuation insurance, administrative fees, and passport. Some expenses are included in a one-time fee applied to participants' Buffalo State tuition. Other expenses participants direct-pay to vendors before and during travel.

Past Buffalo State Programs

  • June/July 2025 - 7 participants led by Tamara Horstman-Riphahn, Brandon Kawa, and Liza Bair
  • June/July 2023 - 7 participants led by Tamara Horstman-Riphahn and Brandon Kawa
  • June/July 2019 - 8 participants led by Tamara Horstman-Riphahn and John Carlino
  • June/July 2017 - 8 participants led by Tamara Horstman-Riphahn, John Carlino and Patricia Recchio
  • June/July 2015 - 8 participants led by Tamara Horstman-Riphahn and John Carlino
  • July 2014 - 6 participants led by Tamara Horstman-Riphahn and John Carlino

Past Visits from Institute Nürtingen

  • June 2025 led by Christin Widmann and Meike Lehrmayer (with 4 participants)
  • June 2023 led by Christin Widmann and Meike Lehrmayer (with 7 participants)
  • May 2018 led by Manfred Kupper and Christin Iden (with 7 participants)
  • May 2016 led by Manfred Kupper and Sabine Schoch (with 6 participants)
  • April 2015 led by Manfred Kupper and Ruth Kruska (with 5 participants)
  • March 2014 led by Margarete Dinkelaker, The-Hop Nguyen and Ruth Kruska (with 5 participants)
  • March 2013 led by Margarete Dinkelaker and The-Hop Nguyen (with 4 participants) 

 

Questions?

Email

Tamara Horstman-Riphahn, School of Education and Applied Professions
Brandon Kawa, International Graduate Program for Educators