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Meet the 2006-2007 DAAD Young Ambassadors! |
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Find someone who studied where you want to go, who specializes in your field, or who comes from your home state or college -- and ask them whatever you ever wanted to know about study or research in Germany!
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Brad Bilger |
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University: Loyola Marymount
Major: Political Science
German Location: Bonn
My name is Brad and I am a senior majoring in political science at Loyola Marymount University in sunny Los Angeles, California. My path to Germany was quite typical however my experiences there were extraordinary. I knew when I began school that I wanted to study abroad but I had no particular idea of where but I eventually found myself in Bonn, the former capital of West Germany. Living with a host family, I quickly found myself attached to life in Germany. From Saturdays watching football to daily walks on the Rhein, my life there seemed clear and directed. I was able to relax and self-explore in ways I never had before. I had the opportunity to take one semester of German before I arrived. I took one German language course along with the courses that pertained to my major. I was able to adapt quickly and found that with practice in the language and a willingness to try, it was easy to fit in. My experience in Germany changed my life and opened my mind. I would love to help answer questions for anyone interested in having the same life altering experience.
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Marissa Blanco |
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University: Yale University
Major: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
German Location: Heidelberg
I am a senior at Yale University majoring in biology. I applied to DAAD?s Research Internships in Science & Engineering (RISE) program because I wanted a chance to study abroad in Europe, which can be hard as a science major. I spent the summer as an intern at the University of Heidelberg working at the Institute for Sport and Sport Science. Before I went to Germany, I had no idea what to expect. I do not have any background in German. It was a little intimidating at first but I learned enough to get by and most professors and scientists speak English fairly well. In addition to spending two months in the beautiful city of Heidelberg, I had the opportunity to travel around Germany and other parts of Europe, making friends with RISE students, other foreigners and Germans. I encourage anyone to go to Germany for a summer or semester (or longer!). There is a variety of opportunities for people from all backgrounds.
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Alan Burns |
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University: Johns Hopkins University
Major: International Relations and German
German Location: Berlin
I have just returned from a year in Berlin; and I am still feeling the personal aftershocks. Before I arrived, I had no idea how incredible my experience would be. I went because I decided to major in German and International Relations figuring a year in Berlin would be good for me. That was an understatement! I experienced amazing personal growth through building myself a life in a foreign city. On an average day I took the subway in the morning to my internship at a public relations firm, then the bus to my classes at the university with other German students, and in the evening I grabbed a Turkish kebab meeting my German roommates later for drinks down the street. I am determined to return to Germany to study or work at any cost. If you have any questions about working, studying, or living there, just send me an email!
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Derek Clifford |
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University: Colorado School of Mines
Major: Chemical Engineering
German Location: Muenchen
Email: clifford [AT] daad.org
Servus! I am a senior at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO who just completed my junior year of Chemical Engineering at the Technische Universität: München in beautiful Munich, Germany. While in Germany, I was able to learn how to speak the German very well, hang out with people from all over the globe, experience the Weltmeisterschaft (the World Cup), behold the world-famous Love Parade in Berlin, drink beer shoulder-to-shoulder with the Bavarians in Oktoberfest, learn how to work with other German colleagues, and travel to places such as Dublin, London, Budapest, Barcelona, Salzburg, Vienna, Rome, Florence, Venice, Prauge, and Amsterdam including many other cities within Germany. I am very excited to have taken part in this program and just want to spead the word, even though the whole experience is too wonderful to put into words. Being involved in German education changed the way I think and study as well as will open the door to many more opportunities. When I have completed my undergraduate education here in Golden, Colorado, I would like to return to Munich for graduate school. My ultimate goal is to take part in joint research with pioneering industries in the United States and Germany to push the bounds of innovation and technology further than before.
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Hannah Franko |
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University: University of Kansas
Major: Architecture
German Location: Dortmund
Email: franko [AT] daad.org
My study abroad in Germany was actually a fluke in the great cosmic course of my education. I had been studying architecture with a minor in Japanese when I attended a meeting for study abroad options in my university's architecture department. When I saw the opportunity in an exchange program with Dortmund University, I lightheartedly thought, "Why not?" Little did I know what a world of opportunity and experience it would bring into my life. Through many hardships and miscommunications (I spoke no German going into the program) I emerged a more self-confident and open-minded student than when I had undergone the year abroad. From visiting several different new cities and countries to witnessing first hand the World Cup, I accomplished more than learning a new language and furthering my education, I have a new view on the world I wish to share with everyone I know
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Dylan Goldblatt |
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University: College of William and Mary
Major: German Studies and Linguistics
German Location: Berlin
Email: goldblatt [AT] daad.org
I began studying German as a freshman in high school. My first experience in Germany was a year-long student exchange in the Düsseldorf area with the Congress-Bundestag program which replaced my senior year, 2002-2003. I entered the College of William and Mary following my first year abroad and utilized several grant opportunities to subsidize study abroad in Germany through out winter and summer breaks; my projects concerned the state of recycling policy in Germany and German homeless identity. Now I am a senior at William and Mary and will soon graduate with a double major in German Studies and Linguistics. I am preparing my Honors dissertation this Fall and Spring on the topic of homelessness in Germany and German social policy. Aside from being infatuated with even the most minor aspects of German daily life, I travel frequently and have quite an interest in new technologies and internet applications in research. I recently returned from a second year in Germany, this time in Berlin at the Free University, where I studied Linguistics and Japanese Studies. When it comes to studying in Germany, I am especially well versed in how to experience Germany independently and inexpensively. Drop me a line!
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Catherine Hacking |
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University: Pennsylvania State University
Major: Mechanical Engineering
German Location:Darmstadt
I arrived in Germany only knowing two words, "danke" and "bitte". Last year I backpacked through Europe and stayed in Germany for four days. I quickly realized that four days was not enough time to spend in Germany; and I have realized after my internship that neither is three months. I received a "Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE)" scholarship through the DAAD over the summer. I worked in experimental research regarding the investigation of falling film evaporation at Technishe Universität Darmstadt. I took a chance and lived in a Wohngemeinschaft with three other Germans and I loved every minute of it. What I have learned from living in Germany is something I will always remember. Not only did I gain valuable experience in mechanical engineering but I have walked away with something much more. The friends I have made and the experiences I have had are things that I will cherish always. Living in Germany has changed my perspective on life and will continue to shape my future. I am planning on taking German classes upon my return to the United States and then returning to Germany. Please don't hesitate to email me with any questions—I would love to talk about the culture that has captivated me.
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Daniel Kenzie |
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University: Western Michigan University
Major: English, German and International Studies
German Location: Paderborn
Email: kenzie [AT] daad.org
My name is Dan, and I’m a senior majoring in English, German, and International Studies at Western Michigan University. In the 2005/06 school year, I was fortunate enough to be awarded the DAAD Undergraduate Scholarship, and participate in WMU’s exchange program with the Universität Paderborn. In my 13 months there, I attended lectures in translation, German film, and German literature, while taking courses in the German language. My time in Germany was as valuable as it was unforgettable. I got my head around a second language, traveled a bit, made friendships with Germans and exchange students from all over Europe and the world, developed my interest in cultures and linguistics, and even learned a bit in the classroom. My university also has exchange programs in Berlin, Tübingen, Bonn and Passau, so I may be able to answer questions about opportunities there, as well as in Paderborn. I also welcome any and all questions – big and small – about Germany in general. I look forward to being a resource for my fellow students, and help them find a way to make their experience in Germany a reality.
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Michelle Kinsley |
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Michelle Kinsley |
University: West Virginia University
Major: German and International Studies
German Location: Fulda and Bamberg
Email: kinsley [AT] daad.org
Since graduating High School in 2000, I have spent over four years living, studying and working in Germany. During my time as a Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship recipient (2000-2001), I discovered my love for Germany, its people, and culture. Therefore, I attended the Otto-Friedrich-Universität in Bamberg during my sophomore year in 2002-2003. After taking a few years off to work in Germany, I returned to WVU for the spring 2006 semester. I decided to expand my knowledge of German and the German culture at the Hessische Sommer Universität Fulda (at the Hochschule Fulda University of Applied Sciences) for four weeks in summer 2006. Aside from studying full time, I also work in my university’s study abroad office. Because I enjoy this type of work, I plan to pursue a career as a study abroad advisor or coordinator after possibly attending graduate school—maybe even in Germany!
http://wvutoday.wvu.edu/news/page/3636/
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Lukas Kujawa |
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University: University of Manitoba
Major: Political Science and German
German Location: Berlin
Born in Warsaw, being immersed in a German bilingual program in Canada and having lived in Germany when I was very young, I have always wanted to go back to Germany one day and study. I finally received this opportunity last year when I was awarded the DAAD Undergraduate Scholarship. I spent the year conducting an independent study abroad project, studying political science at the renowned Otto-Suhr Institute at the Free University Berlin. Simply put, the past year has been the greatest experience of my life! Studying in the secondary German education system, travelling, being involved in numerous activities, meeting new people, I have not only learned so much about Germany and Europe, but also about the person I am. I wish such an experience upon anyone, and that is why I wanted to become a Young Ambassador for DAAD Germany.
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Farouk Meralli |
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University: McGill University
Major: Biology and German
German Location: Heidelberg
My first immersion into German culture was in high school. I was selected to participate in a month long conference in Germany. This program, hosted by the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst ,brought students from all around the world to experience the language and culture of Germany. It was this experience that ultimately led me to pursue a major in German Studies at McGill. In the summer of 2006, I had the opportunity to carry out research at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg. The opportunity to be part of such a vibrant and innovative scientific research community was made possible by the DAAD’s Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) program. This experience allowed me to live and work in one of the most beautiful towns in Germany while giving me the freedom to travel throughout Europe. Please feel free to contact me should you wish to find out more about living and working in Germany
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Robert Rettew |
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University: Northwestern University
Major:Physics and Music
German Location: Freiburg
I am a senior at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. I am majoring in physics and clarinet performance, and spent the 2005-2006 academic year in Freiburg, Germany. While there, I took coursework in both of my major fields of study as well as participating in independent research and private clarinet lessons. I was a recipient of the DAAD Undergraduate Scholarship for the entire year. I took two years of college-level German before going abroad, and participated while there in a language course organized by IES (Institute for the International Education of Students), the exchange program I went with. I plan on continuing my education in the field of Renewable Energy and hope to do graduate work in Germany.
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Anastasiya Shapochkina |
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University: Hunter College, CUNY
Major: History and Political Science
German Location: Berlin
Email: shapochkina [AT] daad.org
To live in Europe was my dream since I was a teenager. Although I am European myself (I was born and grew up in the Ukraine), I wanted to experience the Western part of the continent and had a chance to fulfill my dream after my family immigrated to the United States in 2002. I learned about DAAD programs in the information seminar about Germany at Hunter College of the City University of New York, during my sophomore year when I was a still a history major. My decision to apply for the program resulted in a year of study at the Free University Berlin, where I embarked upon the exploration of a new (political science) major, experienced life in a fascinating European capital, traveled around Germany as well as to Austria and Czech Republic. I became a member of the Berlin Debating Union, fulfilled my lifelong dreams to learn ballroom dancing and horse-riding — and most importantly, I met amazing people from all over the world, some of whom became my good friends. In short, DAAD enabled me to have the best year of my life. I cannot wait to tell others about the opportunities they could miss by looking elsewhere.
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Michael Thompson |
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University: University of New Orleans
Major: Art History and Geography
German Location: Cottbus and Marburg
Email: thompson [AT] daad.org
When I returned to college in my 30s, I knew that as a non-traditional student I would face many challenges. But nothing prepared me for the biggest challenge of my life, when Hurricane Katrina nearly destroyed my home and life in New Orleans the first week into my senior year. In the days after the storm, there was so much uncertainty, but universities throughout Germany, with the support of the DAAD were moving to help. I received an offer from BTU-Cottbus to study there for the winter semester with a very generous grant from the DAAD. I hesitatingly accepted the offer, unsure and afraid of such a drastic move away from home where I was needed most. I was then given another grant to go to Phillips Universität in Marburg for the summer semester. What started out as a year of fear and sadness, turned into one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I will be always grateful to the DAAD and the German people for reaching out to me and the many other Katrina students during our time of need. I have decided to use my term as a Young Ambassador to build lasting bridges between Germany and Louisiana strengthening ties with the people of Germany who reached out to help strangers from a foreign land. My service is my thanks.
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Desmond Tsang |
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University: Simon Fraser University
Major: Geography
German Location: Koeln
Studying at one of the oldest universities in Europe, Universität zu Köln offered me more than simply a stimulating learning environment, but also enabled effortless exploration in the heart of the vibrant city of Cologne. My experience as a British-Canadian possessing roots from both Malaysia and Hong Kong further infused a unique flair to my adventures in Germany and provided an interesting forum to explore the fascinating cultural geographies of the country. My time in Germany was such a success, that upon completion of my one year academic exchange, I made the choice to extend my stay another six months, which turned out to be a brilliant decision. The additional time offered me the unique opportunity to explore my passion for tea through a three month paid internship with the German tea company, TeeGschwendner, additional certification from the German Industry and Chamber of Commerce (DIHK), seats to the FIFA World Cup, additional trips throughout Europe, and an excellent opportunity to further my proficiency in the German language. I explored the opportunities before and beyond me and discovered that no voyage is impossible. The destination is what we make it to be.
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Laura Ubbelohde |
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University: University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Major: Global Studies Management and German
German Location:Frankfurt
My interest in Germany began back in high school through the German American Partnership Program (GAPP). Doing an exchange from small town Wisconsin with Kaiserslautern, Germany for three weeks blew my mind. I knew after these few weeks that I wanted to return to Germany longer. During my senior year of high school, I was accepted as a participant of the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX). The CBYX scholarship allowed me to live in Bonn and Neckarbischofsheim, Germany while attending the Academy for International Education and Adolf Schmitthenner Gymnasium. I was also able to take on internships at the local library, kindergarten, city hall, surgeon and a recycling management center during this year long program. Participation in the CBYX program compelled me to continue my international education and focus on a global career. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, I chose Global Studies Management and German Philology for my majors. In the summer of 2004, I traveled to Berlin for the Freie Universitaet Berlin International Summer University (FUBiS) to experience the German university system. From March-August of 2006, I experienced a semester at the Frankfurt am Main Fachhochschule through the Hessen-Wisconsin Exchange. Concurrently, I participated in an internship at Industrie- und Handelskammer Frankfurt am Main and played softball in the Verbandsliga with the Bad Homburg Hornets which made my time in Hessen priceless. As you have read, Germany has made an impact on my life in every aspect. Please feel free to send me any of your questions, stories, comments, advice and more!
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Jeff VanSickle |
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University: Kansas State University
Major:German Language and Literature
German Location: Giessen
I first happened upon German in my second year of college. Majoring in history, I learned Spanish as my required language credit. However, I realized that my goal was European history, which clashed with the Latin American Spanish I was learning. German intrigued me from the beginning, and a year later I was majoring in the language. From my desire to participate in the culture and practice my own skills, I restarted my campus German Club in early 2005, which has since grown to about 30 members. I served as club president before spending the summer semester of 2006 in Germany as the recipient of a full scholarship from my university, which has a long-standing partnership with Justus-Liebig Universität in Gießen. In Gießen I studied German linguistics, language history, and literature. Before the Gießen program, I spent a month in Berlin, where I sharpened my language skills at the Goethe Institut there.
Living and studying in Germany enabled me to take a break from my normal life in the States and to use German successfully in my daily life. I gained friends from literally every corner of the world, and I constantly wish to repeat the experience.
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Jonathan Vetter |
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University: University of Oregon
Major: Cello Performance
German Location: Trossingen
My name is Jonathan and I began learning German at the age of fourteen. I started playing the cello at six. Putting the two together for a year of study abroad in Germany was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. When I was young my interest in Germany pertained to my ancestral background; as I have grown older my interest is rooted in Germany’s rich musical tradition (You know: Bach, Beethoven, Brahms). Thankfully, Germany is still a great place to study music as it was back then. Not only can you find some of the most fabulous orchestras, opera and ballet houses in the world; there are also stellar teachers from around the world. I studied with Sadao Harada, a Japanese cellist and renowned chamber musician (Tokyo SQ). In Germany, you don’t find Germans alone, people are drawn here from all over. The diversity in even my little Conservatory of 450, situated in a town of 15,000, was capacious. During my time in Germany I experienced astounding growth in my prowess on the cello, my understanding of music, my self-confidence and my hair. There are also a wide variety of practicum positions in professional ensembles, which are reserved particularly for students. The Undergraduate Scholarship I received from the DAAD left me worry free and able to focus entirely on my music and German language studies. I hope to return to Germany as part of my graduate/post-grad studies and my career. I would recommend this experience to anyone (and to every musician!).
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