What is the North American Bundestag Network / Le Réseau nord-américain du Bundestag?

NABN is the alumni association for participants in the the German Parliament’s selective International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) from the USA and Canada. IPS traces its origins back to 1986, when 20 young leaders from the USA interned in the German Parliament under the sponsorship of the President of the Bundestag.
In 1996, the 10th anniversary of IPS, some 30 U.S. alumni founded BIPAA, the Bundestag Internship Program Alumni Association. BIPAA became the American Bundestag Network in 2006 as part of the 20th anniversary of IPS. In May 2021, the 35th anniversary of IPS and the 25th anniversary of the U.S.-American alumni association, our organization’s name was changed to North American Bundestag Network / Le Réseau nord-américain du Bundestag to reflect the fact that we now represent both Canadian and American IPS alumni. (Bear with us as we continue to update our website URL and content to reflect the new name and increased membership pool!)
The U.S. alumni group was the first national IPS alumni association, and as over 50 different countries now participate in IPS, we are a proud part of a network of over 30 IPS alumni organizations worldwide. Our 500+ members are found on almost every continent and in a variety of professions: Teachers, professors, diplomats, civil servants, lawyers, entrepreneurs, employees of global firms, think tanks and policy institutes…even rock stars and artists!
There are many ways for alumni to be involved, including:
  • participating in Stammtische and other events hosted by NABN regional groups in the USA, Canada, and Europe;
  • networking and career mentoring with NABN alumni and those of related programs;
  • representing IPS at colleges, career fairs, and conferences;
  • recruiting and mentoring IPS applicants;
  • interviewing U.S. and Canadian IPS applicants each fall; and
  • organizing NABN regional conferences and collaborations with other German-North American alumni groups.
Whether you are a U.S. or Canadian IPS alum, or a potential IPS applicant from either country, our Board would love to (re)connect you with alumni and hear more about your IPS experiences…or help you create your own as one of next year’s fellows.

“IPS is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the inner workings of the German government, and to meet politically engaged young people from all across Europe and the U.S. It fueled my interest in science policy, which in turn led me to a career in science communication. It’s also led to a sustained interest in European politics and culture.”

Jenny Rood, IPS ’08

IPS gave me the opportunity to learn about the workings of one of Europe’s most influential democracies from within. I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have participated alongside such brilliant and politically engaged peers—who are sure to be the next generation of world leaders. My unforgettable experience in the Bundestag will continue to influence me as I pursue my interests in Germany and international relations in an increasingly interconnected world.

 

Katharine Lin, IPS 2017