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Many members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community will quickly get acquainted and settled in into their new home away from home. For others, it might be their first assignment outside of the United States and they could be uncertain about German customs, traditions and daily rules.
Rest assured, there are a number of valuable resources to ease your way and later let you explore and venture out on discoveries throughout the region, state or even the Federal Republic.
“Welcome to Rheinland-Pfalz!” is a program initiated by the state government to let you experience German life from day one. Together with participating villages, it offers information on local events and festivities, where to find shops and restaurants, and activities and clubs to engage in. The program also conducts events and highlights of its own, such as a monthly get-together, a German style “Stammtisch” where Germans and Americans can meet in a casual group near Kaiserslautern/Ramstein, Baumholder and even Spangdahlem. Other activities, such as culinary hikes, a recent German-American student art exhibit and excursions around the state are part of its itinerary. Watch for further details listed on their website and Facebook pages.
Window to Rheinland-Pfalz is a drop-in point with valuable resources about the local area and the state of Rheinland-Pfalz. Located in the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center on Ramstein Air Base. The counter offers brochures on an array of topics and the friendly staff is welcome to answer any questions you might have.
The German-American Commu-nity Office just celebrated its 20th anniversary and serves as a drop-in point for Americans and Germans alike. It has valuable information on topics such as proper trash separation, can assist with translations and can point you in the right direction with a treasure chest full of useful information.
The Atlantic Academy has been in Kaiserslautern since 1996 and is funded by the State of Rheinland-Pfalz. It aims to contribute to the promotion of the transatlantic community of values and provide a forum for discussion. It also offers political education events focused on transatlantic relations and is located in the same building as above mentioned GACO.
The German-American & International Women’s Club offers women (and men) of various nations to get to know each other and spend valuable time together. It holds an annual Pfennig Bazaar, the largest in the region, every spring and also offers language and cooking courses, trips and other events throughout the year.
The Docu Center in Ramstein has an interesting display on 70 years presence of U.S. Forces which significantly shaped the region. Its four containers are themed as “Infotainer”, “Welcome to the Club”, a place of solitude dedicated to the Flugtag Disaster. Displays on special topics change throughout the year and is currently showing a special exhibition “The Air Base in Pop Culture.”
It is always a great idea to ask co-workers that have been here longer or your local national colleagues for assistance in everyday challenges or advice on German peculiarities.
Last but not least, keep an eye on our weekly “Unterwegs” and Community Events calendars for exciting local events. Stay tuned for a potpourri of items in our “ABC in KMC” series or check out the monthly “State of the Art” features familiarizing you with the 16 states in Germany. Soon you’ll venture and explore on your own to make the best out of your time in the amazing state of Rheinland-Pfalz in the heart of Europe.
