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Alumni Profile: Agnes Maria Breitkopf |
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DAAD grant(s): Kurzstipendium fuer Abschlussarbeiten
Current occupation: Grad student
Current city of residence: Goettingen, Germany
Contact: agnes.breitkopf@gmx.de
How has your time in the US affected your academic/professional career path?
I have conducted field research for my master thesis in political science which deals with the priority shift of communication strategies in presidential election campaigns at the beginning of the 21 st century. The Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies of American University has been the ideal place to combine the academic and professional view on my studies. Because of its location in the US capital and its widespread network, I had the opportunity to conduct numerous expert interviews with professionals from the campaign world on both the Republican and Democratic side. I talked to political consultants, journalists, staffers from the Republican and Democratic National Committees as well as to people from the Democratic progressive outside groups which have played a major role in the last presidential campaigns. My host university provided a desk and phone for me so that I had a “little office” on my own. I also used the excellent research opportunities of American University Library as well as of the Library of Congress . Overall, my stay has not only been a great personal experience but will definetely benefit my master thesis.
What's the most important piece of advice you could give a new DAAD grantee?
Never ever give up! Since I did my independent research and was not integrated in any “official study abroad program”, it was especially hard in the beginning to settle down and get to know people. Therefore I would recommend to join courses and programs which are normally offered by the office for international student affairs. For instance, I participated in the American University´s Friendship Program that connects international students with American families. I also tried to network with German institutions, foundations and media stations where I got to know several interns. Washington offers lots of possibilities for people who are interested in US politics and society: Have a look at the websites of the numerous think tanks and institutions and you will find lots of interesting events you can go to, sandwiches and drinks included;-)
What was your most dramatic experience of culture shock in the US?
The calmness of people during rush hour! Compared to Germans, Americans are much more relaxed when the traffic stagnates, buses and metros are way too late and every single traffic light is red. Nobody complains or becomes unsettled. I felt like being the only one close to loosing my nerves. And I must say that bureaucracy in Germany is nothing compared to the US. It has been a long time ago that I faced so many instructions and regulations – it´s hopeless trying to question that: “It´s the law, madam!”
Other than family/friends, what did you miss most while abroad? What do you miss from North America now that you're back?
I missed my bicylce. Going by bike does not seem to be a common means of transportation. Most Americans just go by bike to get exercise. Actually, I had the feeling that there is hardly anything they do not do in a professional way. So, I missed the pragmatic way and fun part of doing things – without having the latest equipment, without participating in a competition or some kind of team and without doing it for extreme body shaping. Apart from that, I missed having a beer or wine outside by a lake or in a park during summer. Now that I´m back in Goettingen, I miss the excitement of a political city like Washington, the feeling to be so close to world politics. I wish I could have lunch twice a week near the Capitol again and observe all the busy Hill staffers.
If you could go back and live your overseas adventure again, what would you do differently?
To be honest, there is nothing much I would do differently except for renting a car more often and go to the countryside. The Capitol Region is fabulous and I wish I had seen more of it. But overall, I´m very happy about how things worked out.
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