The program was established to celebrate the 300th anniversary of German settlement in North America and has been renewed by both legislative bodies since its inception. Over 23,000 German and American students have completed their exchange through the program, which provides a full exchange year complete with orientation and language programs and travel opportunities within Germany and the United States. The exchange year culminates in a conference in Washington, D.C. in which German and American students reflect on their exchange year and share their experiences.