Mission and Values
Our Mission
Connecting people to a broader world through German language and culture.
Our Work
We offer high-quality immersion-style German language education for all ages and levels. Our language services are a much-needed resource for German-language learning at a time when high schools and universities are limiting their programs.
The GAI’s Kinderstube German Immersion Preschool provides our youngest learners with an exciting and caring classroom environment that fosters lifelong appreciation of language and culture.
Throughout the year, the GAI’s cultural programs connect audiences to Germanic culture through events large and small. From St. Paul Oktoberfest, to intimate gatherings with authors and artists, our events are accessible to anyone with an interest in Germanic culture.
Our Vision
To be an international leader in welcoming people of all backgrounds to experience their shared humanity through celebration of the culture, innovation and values of the modern German-speaking world.
Our Annual Impact
18,586
people attend major festivals
1,467
members of the GAI
922
adults and youth
took language class
266
volunteers of the GAI
The GAI is an affiliate (Kulturgesellschaft) of the Goethe-Institut, a worldwide cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany, which promotes the study of German and encourages international cultural exchange. As an Goethe-Institut affiliate and an accredited Goethe-Institut examination center, the GAI provides language education, proficiency exams, cultural programs, and events.
Our Values
Community
We bring together diverse international communities across generations.
We joyfully celebrate our heritage and future through food, music, art, dance and theater.Celebration
We provide a venue for deepening the understanding of cross-cultural issues and the exchange of ideas.Education
Stewardship
We value preservation and advocate for environmental sustainability.
Language
We believe that multilingualism creates better world citizens.
We seek solutions to shared global challenges from climate change to workforce development, guided by the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for peace and prosperity.Advocacy
Social Responsibility
Our cultural programs promote respect and equality for all people.Annual Reports
As a 501C(3) tax-exempt organization, the GAI strives for transparency and accountability regarding how our revenue is generated and spent to fulfill our mission. Read more about our impact and financial transparency in our annual reports below.
