10/03/2026
#100Years100Postcards
This year’s contest is inspired by the commemorative Deutsche Post postage stamp released earlier this year in honor of DAAD’s 100th anniversary. Whether participating in an exchange in 1925, 1975, or 2025, postcards have been an important way for exchange students to keep in touch with friends and loved ones abroad. In that spirit, we’re celebrating DAAD’s anniversary and the importance of international exchange with #100Years100Postcards!
The first prize winner will win a roundtrip ticket to a destination of their choice in Germany from anywhere in the United States or Canada (up to US$1,700), second prize will receive an online German course at the Goethe-Institut, and third prize will receive a book of their choice by a DAAD alum!
- Select a DAAD alumni whose work or exchange story inspires you. This can be someone you’ve met, like a family member or academic mentor, or one of DAAD’s many well-known alumni worldwide. Visit the DAAD Alumni Gallery for ideas!
- Create a postcard inspired by that alum’s story or work. The design may be created using digital or analog methods, but AI-generated images will not be considered.
- On the opposite side of the postcard, write a message to the alum you selected detailing why you chose them for your contest entry.
- Add a stamp and mail your postcard to our DAAD USA team at:
DAAD Social Media Contest
DAAD New York
871 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
USA
Winners will be selected by a committee of DAAD North America staff and colleagues based on creativity, quality of the postcard design, and the message written to the alum.
For examples, see below.
To enter, you must be 18 years or older and enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s or master’s program in the United States or Canada.
Each participant may only submit one postcard. Postcards must be mailed. Electronic submissions (i.e. email) will not be accepted.
Postcards may be submitted between Tuesday, September 2 and Friday, October 3. All postcards postmarked by the application deadline will be accepted. Winners will be notified in mid-October.
Download the official rules here: Official Contest Rules 2025 [PDF 125.21 KB]
If you have any questions about this year’s contest, please contact us at daad.newyork@daad.de
