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Meet the 2009-2010 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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Kelly Bauer |
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Click on Kelly's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: Penn State University
Major: German
Program/University in Germany: IES European Union Program - University of Freiburg
Email: bauer [AT] daad.org
Hi! My name is Kelly Bauer and I am a senior at Penn State University majoring in German and minoring in International Studies and Economics. During the 2009 spring semester, I studied abroad in Freiburg, Germany, located in the beautiful Black Forest in southern Germany. Studying abroad in Germany is the best way to learn the German language. I feel that by learning the language and culture first-hand provides a better learning environment than a classroom setting could ever provide. Living in Germany gave me an understanding and awareness of its culture. I am now able to speak and understand German at a level that allows me to be comfortable communicating with German colleagues in the business world. Therefore, I was able to complete a summer internship in Germany at Freiburg’s center for political education. I also tutored English throughout my summer stay. Living in Germany, a central location in the heart of Europe, gave me the opportunity to travel to fifteen different countries and get to know several different cultures on a first-hand basis. Being able to participate in a study abroad program in Germany was an experience of a lifetime. I would like to inform and encourage you to pursue this unique opportunity that could change your life. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Bis Bald! :)
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Amy Braun |
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Click on Amy's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: University of Iowa, Iowa City
Major: History and German
Program/University in Germany: Academic Year in Freiburg, University of Freiburg
Email: braun [AT] daad.org
My name is Amy Braun, and I recently spent 11 amazing months in Freiburg, Germany. I came to Germany for both personal and academic reasons, and the opportunities during my year abroad were priceless. When I was in high school, I had a two-week stay with a Spanish family, and upon my return to the USA, I knew that I wanted to study in Europe in the future (except this time on a lengthier time schedule). After finishing my History degree at the University of Iowa, I decided to study under the Academic Year in Freiburg study abroad program in order to fulfill electives. I immediately fell in love with the German culture and language after one semester in Freiburg, and therefore I decided to declare German as my second major. In between studying and writing term papers to fulfill my second degree, I had the opportunity to visit places I would never have dreamed of, such as Hungary, Switzerland, Morocco, Spain, and France. My growth in language skills also exceeded my expectations. By the end of my stay, I could write a 15 page paper in German and comfortably hold hour-long conversations in German with friends, classmates, and even my hairdresser without breaking a sweat. I never thought that I would ever feel so comfortable with a foreign language, and the knowledge and experiences I have gained during my time abroad truly is irreplaceable. All in all, my time in Germany has proved to be the best experience I have had in my life (thus far of course!), and I would highly recommend studying in Germany to anyone who has ever contemplated studying abroad!
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Joanne Buenaventura |
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Click on Joanne's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: University of California, Irvine
Major: German Studies
Program/University in Germany:University of California Education Abroad Program at the University of Göttingen
Email: buenaventura [AT] daad.org
“Knowledge through experience” was the first thing I learned as a Philosophy major and those three words have summed up my life since then. I decided one day “I want to know about Germany”, so I added a major and studied German Studies at the Georg-August Universität in Göttingen for 8-months, followed by a 3-month internship at an NGO in Berlin. Germany is and has been the epicenter of European political and religious activity; so living there for the past year has given me intimate knowledge and appreciation for Europe’s deeply historical and cultural political dynamics as well as Germany’s and German significance in various levels of academia. The experience not only enriched my character, but also my scholastic perspective and...well…it was fun!
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Emily Caskey |
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Click on Emily's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: University of Georgia
Major: German and History
Program/University in Germany: University exchange at the University of Rostock
Email: caskey [AT] daad.org
I am a senior studying German and history at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. From October 2008 to July 2009, I lived and studied in the Hanseatic city of Rostock in northeast Germany. I chose to study in Rostock because it's in the former East and I am interested in Cold War history. Studying in Rostock allowed me to attend specialized lectures and seminars and gave me a unique insight into East German culture. I always knew that I wanted to study abroad to improve my language skills but my year abroad was so much more than learning the language. Living in Germany for 10 months was a lesson in independence to say the least. Fortunately, I made amazing friends with which to share the experience, and now I have lasting international friendships. Though I did not travel as much as I had originally planned, I did have the opportunity to visit some of my friends at home, which is how you really experience a foreign culture. I cannot wait to return the hospitality when my friend visits me in the States in December. I also traveled quite frequently to Berlin to visit friends, and I got to know the city very well, which convinced me that I would like to pursue a Masters in Berlin. After living in Germany, the language and cultural have become even more important to me. I can only recommend studying abroad in Germany - it was an experience of a lifetime and I cannot wait to return to Germany! I would love to answer any questions, so don't hesitate to email me!
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Anne Marie Chung |
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Click on Anne Marie's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: University of Western Ontario
Major: Medical Science, German
Program/University in Germany: Ontario/Baden-Württemberg Exchange Program - DAAD Undergraduate Scholarship - University of Tübingen
Email: chung [AT] daad.org
Hallo! My name is Anne Marie and I am a fourth-year student at the University of Western Ontario completing a Bachelor of Medical Science, Specialization in Pathology/Toxicology with a German Minor. I first started learning German in my first year for fun but then found myself falling in love with it. In the summer after my first year, I participated in a two month intensive German language course in Ulm, BW. Through the generous support of the DAAD Undergrad Scholarship, I spent my third year studying in Tübingen, BW. During that time, my German improved tremendously through the language courses offered by Uni Tübingen and my two Tandem partners. Unfortunately, I was unable to progress with my Specialization so I took the chance to explore other fields such as Linguistics, Cognitive Neuroscience and Marine Biology, thereby turning an inconvenience into an opportunity to discover other horizons. I made German friends, had the privilege to spend Christmas, Easter, Pentecost and other holidays with them and became integrated into German culture. Travelling is a passion of mine and I travelled mostly in Germany. Going from East to West, North to South Germany and a few surrounding countries (Belgium, Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia), you’d be surprised how diverse German culture is. I’m looking forward to going back in the future, possibly for research, a career or a long vacation.
The overall experience, despite frustrations with German bureaucracy, was life-changing for me. Because of this, I want to share my experience and knowledge with students who are interested in studying abroad in Germany and make the process in achieving it easier. Do not hesitate to ask me anything related to Germany – studying, traveling, living, eating or even handling the bureaucracy! Germany awaits you.
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Erwin Dwi Saputra |
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Click on Erwin's Photo for a Video
about His Experience in Germany |
Home University: Wesleyan University, Connecticut
Major: Economics and Government
Program/University in Germany: Vanderbilt-Wesleyan Regensburg Program - University of Regensburg
Email: dwisaputra [AT] daad.org
Servus! My name is Erwin and I am a third year international student studying Economics and Government at Wesleyan University, Connecticut. I just went home from what ought to be one of the most exciting and enriching experience in my life. My encounter with Germany could be traced back to my German name and having to take mandatory German language course in my Indonesian Public High School, yet nothing really appealed to me that made me interested into spending my time there until I learned some things about German Social Market Economy (Sozialemarktwirtschaft) in my university. Since then I decided to go to Germany to learn first hand about the economic and government system of the country that has the largest economy in Europe and arguably the most sophisticated social security system in the world.
I was lucky that my university runs a program in this magnificent medieval town nestled in the middle of scenic Bavaria called Regensburg. Waking up in a city with almost two thousand years old of history was not only thrilling, but it also was a crash course in European history. Furthermore, the extensive support for students and the well-designed program really helped me to fully benefit what Regensburg has to offer. I came home not only with decent German and knowledge in its economy and government, but also long lasting friendships, memories of travelling to 17 cities in Europe, increasing interest in German literature and music. I’ve fulfilled what I came there to learn and still had enough time to rediscover myself.
For me, going abroad to Germany truly was a rewarding experience; more than just being the only German named American student from Indonesia that wears Lederhosen in town. And I would love to share it with you.
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Daria Galis |
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Click on Daria's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: Washington University in St. Louis
Major: History
Program/University in Germany: Tuebingen Year Abroad Program: Goethe Institut Göttingen, University of Tübingen
Email: galis [AT] daad.org
I’ve had a love for Germany and its language since early childhood, when I attended a German-language elementary school in my home country, Romania. Years later while living in America, I eagerly took every opportunity available to visit and live in that wonderful country. One summer I studied at the Goethe Language Institute in Göttingen, a year later I was back for my entire Junior year, studying History at the University of Tübingen. But one doesn’t simply study History in Germany – one lives it. The picturesque streets I roamed where once haunted by Goethe and Hölderlin, Heinrich Heine and the Brothers Grimm. Germany’s location and its fantastic rail system ensured that I could travel to a new, exciting place every weekend. From the international Chocolate Festival here in Tübingen to operas in Stuttgart, getaway weekends to Berlin or some hiking in the scenic Schwäbische Alb, Germany offers something for every imaginable – and unimaginable – taste, all just waiting to be discovered. I’m already planning my next trip. Let it be your home away from home too, I’m convinced you won’t be disappointed.
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Macy Hintzman |
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Click on Macy's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: Georgetown University
Major: International Political Economy with a certificate in German and European Studies
Program/University in Germany: Exchange: University of München
Email: hintzman [AT] daad.org
Hallo! My name is Macy and I am a senior at Georgetown University, studying International Political Economy with a certificate in German and European Studies. Over the past year I have had the opportunity to study in two different German cities. For one month last summer I lived in Trier, where I participated in language classes offered through my university. Then this past academic year I studied at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, taking classes in subjects such as economics, theology, politics, and German history. Just as important as the university-life however were the cultural opportunities unique to this country that I was able to experience. During my time in Germany, I have watched the Fußball-Europameisterschaft along the Moselle, managed to squeeze my way into a tent at Oktoberfest, been awed at Christmas markets, and met people from all over Europe. I have also been able to travel not only around Germany itself, but all over Europe – and I had never been outside of the US before this year! I have had a truly amazing time, so please do not hesitate to ask me any questions, because I love talking about my time abroad in Germany.
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Steffen Janzen |
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Click on Steffen's Photo for a Video
about His Experience in Germany |
Home University: University of Alberta
Major: International Business
Program/University in Germany: Exchange: Otto Beisheim School of Management
Email: janzen [AT] daad.org
Hi! My name is Steffen Janzen and I am currently a senior at the University of Alberta, majoring in international business. I spent the last two semesters on an exchange at the Otto Beisheim School of Management in Germany. What a year it was! Academically I was impressed with the quality and scope of the instruction I received. Germany is at the heart of Europe and the European Union, and the great convergence of people, ideas, as well as cutting edge research and technology, contributed to an ideal university experience. Outside of school I had a terrific time exploring Europe, making lasting friends and immersing myself in the rich local culture. Studying in Germany turned out to be the best year of my life! If you want to be challenged, grow as an individual, and just have a ton of fun, then you should seriously consider what Germany has to offer you. Questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch!
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Tina-Marie Joaquim |
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Click on Tina's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Major: Anthropology and German
Program/University in Germany: University of Konstanz
Email: joaquim [AT] daad.org
Hi! My name´s Tina, and I´m a senior majoring in Anthropology and German at Rutgers University in New Jersey. I began taking German my freshman year of high school, and, finding myself addicted, I started researching my study abroad options as soon as I got to college. During my sophomore year, I jetted off to Konstanz for what would prove to be the best semester of my college career.
The six months I spent in Germany helped me truly grow as a person--by pushing my own limits, I found I was more than capable of living abroad and functioning in a foreign culture. My language skills greatly improved, as did my cultural awareness. In addition, living in Germany gave me a completely new perspective on the US and American culture—plus I got to meet amazing people from all over the globe.
I would definitely encourage anyone and everyone to consider studying abroad in Germany. It´s an adventure, a ton of fun, and I look forward to my next trip back!
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Amber Kepple Jones |
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Home University: Goucher College
Major: History and German
Program/University in Germany: Antioch Education Abroad - University of Tübingen
Email: kepplejones [AT] daad.org
I am a senior studying history and German at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. As a member of Goucher's class of 2010, I was required to study abroad and after five-and-a-half years of German, it didn't even cross my mind to go anywhere else. I spent the first part of the spring semester 2008 in Dresden at the Goethe Institut and the rest of my semester at Universität Tübingen in the beautiful state of Baden-Württemberg, where the motto is "Wir können alles. Außer Hochdeutsch." My time in Dresden and Tübingen was the best six months of my life and I fell in love with Germany. After the tremendous experiences I had the first time, I went back for a short trip to visit friends I'd made there, and then found an internship for summer 2009 with Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste in Berlin. I wouldn't trade my time in Germany for anything in the world. Life is always an adventure in Germany, especially as an exchange student. It's a wonderful, interesting country with something for everyone - whether it's a Fettes Brot concert, Christopher Street Day, Kirchentag, weekly dinners with close friends, or getting a currywurst with your colleagues after work.
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Catie Karczmarczyk |
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Click on Catie's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Major: Political Science and German
Program/University in Germany: IES European Union Program - University of Freiburg
Email: karczmarczyk [AT] daad.org
Hi! My name is Catie Karczmarczyk and I am currently a senior at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. I study Political Science and German, and I have recently returned from a six month study abroad. The time that I spent abroad was one of the most exciting and challenging times of my life. For the first four months I participated in the IES European Union Program in Freiburg, which allowed me to study the European Union in depth with particular emphasis on the role of Germany. The program also includes field study trips, which took us to places such as Estonia and Hungary, two examples of countries that I may not have visited during my own personal travels. Then for the last two months I prepared for and then participated in an internship at the European Parliament in Brussels. I worked for a German MEP and combined with the knowledge of the European Union I had learned from the program and the German skills that I had been steadily improving, the internship was the perfect capstone on my study abroad experience.
When I look back to the beginning of my semester, it is hard to believe the amount that I’ve learned not only about the world but also about myself. Adjusting to a new way of life is difficult and frustrating, but the experience that comes out of it makes it all worth it. As a DAAD Young Ambassador I want to encourage as many people as possible to study in Germany and experience the country as I did. Please feel free to contact me and let me know if I can help you in any way!
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Ana Kniazeva |
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Click on Ana's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: Mount Holyoke College
Major: Politics and German Studies
Program/University in Germany: Exchange: University of Leipzig
Email: kniazeva [AT] daad.org
Hi! My name is Ana and I am a senior attending Mount Holyoke College and I am studying Politics and German Studies. I was fortunate enough to be selected for my college's exchange program with the University of Leipzig in Germany during my Junior Year.
As well as taking stimulating classes and drastically improving my German, I also had the marvelous opportunity to learn a lot about
German culture, the German people and the former East Germany in general, as Leipzig is a very culturally-oriented city. Naturally there were a lot of challenges as the education system in Germany is very different from the one in the United States, but overcoming these challenges was part of the tremendous personal growth that I experienced.
Because of my overall positive experiences, I highly recommend study abroad in Germany to students and look forward to representing the DAAD at Mount Holyoke College.
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Anna Land |
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Click on Anna's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: University of Florida
Major: Food Science and Human Nutrition; German minor
Program/University in Germany: TASSEP(Trans Atlantic Science Student Exchange Program): Technical University of Berlin
Email: land [AT] daad.org
Coming from a rural, farming community in North-Central Florida, I have to admit that I never imagined myself studying abroad. It was not until High School when my friendships developed with German exchange students that my eyes were opened to all of the opportunities to travel and study in a foreign country. I made a pact with my new friends that one day I would visit them in Germany. Now, five years later, I am just arriving back to the United States after spending six months as an exchange student in Germany's capital city of Berlin. I have made so many new friends (Germans and others from around the world), experienced many typical German traditions as I stayed with a German host family, and I have become familiar with the German university system. From every aspect, I have learned and grown as an individual and have truly had the time of my life. With that being said, I would not want for anyone to miss out on an opportunity to study in Germany and would love to offer any advice or assistance. Please feel free to contact me!
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Krista Lum |
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Click on Krista's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: Simon Fraser University
Major: International Studies
Program/University in Germany: Exchange: Humboldt University Berlin
Email: lum [AT] daad.org
Tag! My name is Krista and I am in my last year of studies at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada. I am an International Studies major, Criminology minor, and am also pursuing a German certificate. I first traveled to Germany in Spring of 2006 and by the fall I was back again living in the city of Karlsruhe as an Au pair for a German family for a year. Upon my return to Canada I took German language courses for a year at university. In the fall of 2008 I went on exchange to Humboldt Universitaet in one of the most amazing cities in the entire world; Berlin. The experiences I have had traveling, living, and studying in Germany have been the most memorable and amazing experiences of my life. I have not only learned and grown a lot academically; learning the history, culture, and language but I have also learned and grown personally developing greater independence and cross-cultural skills. In addition, I have made friends to last a lifetime and have memories that have left a lasting imprint in my mind. Whether you are interested in studying, working or traveling in Germany please feel free to bombard me with questions! I love talking about my experiences there and am enthusiastic to help others in their journey as well!
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Jacob Martin |
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Click on Jacob's Photo for a Video
about His Experience in Germany |
Home University: University of Oregon
Major: German and Business Administration
Program/University in Germany: Baden-Württemberg – Oregon Exchange, University of Tübingen
Email: martin [AT] daad.org
I’m going into my fifth year at the University of Oregon, studying German and Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Marketing. I studied in Tübingen, Germany during my junior year of college. My main priority in going to Germany was to become as fluent as possible with the year that I had and I did just that. About four months after I arrived in Tübingen I managed to move in with two German students who wouldn’t speak English with me (we were initially placed in dorms). This created a unique experience for me as I felt like I was living life as a German university student. Along with this I was able to directly enroll in classes with German students, taking courses in History, Literature and Sports Journalism.
During my time in Germany I gained a strong command of the language, traveled extensively, made lasting relationships, opened doors to my future career (whatever it might be) and experienced extensive personal growth. It is an experience that I feel everyone should have. Please contact me with questions.
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Vesna Milojevic |
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Click on Vesna's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: Loyola University New Orleans
Major: Sociology
Program/University in Germany: Exchange: Technical University of Dortmund
Email: milojevic [AT] daad.org
Studying in Germany for a semester has been a great
experience and unlike any that I have had before. The last
five months that I have spent in Germany have helped me grow
on a personal level and extended my interest in different academic fields. Germany has also enriched me academically through the courses that I was able to take at the University of Dortmund. Germany is a country that is in the center of Europe and filled with a diverse group of people. Through my abroad study, I have met interesting and exciting people who share similar interests to my own and people that I know I will remain friends with for a long time. The experiences and cultural awareness that I have received in Germany will help to guide the decisions that I make in the future. To anyone interested in studying abroad, I would highly recommend Germany.
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Drew Otto |
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Click on Drew's Photo for a Video
about His Experience in Germany |
Home University: UCLA
Major: Global Studies and German
Program/University in Germany: University of California Education Abroad Program: Free University of Berlin, DAAD Undergraduate Scholarship
Email: otto [AT] daad.org
Guten Tag! I am a fourth-year student at UCLA studying Global Studies and German. I spent the past year abroad at Freie Universität in the glorious city of Berlin, Germany and despite cliché, my experience abroad truly changed my outlook on the world. Germany attracts many international students and a global influence was present in both my social life and in the classroom. In addition to learning about German culture, I learned a lot about European culture and the perceptions that many Europeans have of one another. I found myself feeling more German, thus more European, as time went by. The German university system was surprisingly different and I picked up new techniques for study and research that will help in the future. The classes fit well with my studies and dealt with topics that are not offered at my home university. Taking classes in German tremendously improved my language skills and by living with, and amongst German speakers, I began to lose my accent and feel more comfortable in everyday situations. I never knew how many different types of sausages and beer existed and found myself ordering dishes I never knew I liked: I am officially converted to dipping my fries into mayo! The history in Germany is both so old, yet so new and living in Berlin makes this history almost tangible.
Studying abroad in Berlin was the best decision I could have made at this point in my life. The past year in Germany has affected my academic and personal life in many positive ways. I would love to share my experiences and explain how I reached the decision to study in Berlin for the year. I know I’ll never forget my year abroad and the people, the culture, the language and the country will have a lasting effect on my life and the paramount decisions I’ll make in the near future. It wasn’t the easiest year of my life, but now that it’s said and done, I would have it no other way.
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Kendell Pawelec |
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Click on Kendell's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: Michigan State University
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Program/University in Germany: DAAD RISE (Research Internship in Science and Engineering) - University of Jena
Email: pawelec [AT] daad.org
As a student of Engineering, I jumped at the chance to experience the international atmosphere of Germany – a country renowned for its technical achievements. The RISE (Research in Science and Engineering) program gave me the opportunity to work and study at the University of Jena, one of the oldest universities in the country, famous for its connections with Goethe and Schiller. My colleagues in Germany welcomed me with open arms and between the grill parties, canoeing and weekly trip to the pub I made many friends and soaked up German culture. The weekends were also filled with adventure exploring not only the German countryside, but cities throughout the rest of Europe. During the internship, my command of the German language improved tremendously. My patient coworkers supported my efforts to speak German wholeheartedly – almost as much as they supported my attempt to introduce them to American cuisine in the form of homemade lemon meringue pie. In short, excitement, academic excellence and above all lasting friendships await you in Germany.
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Jordan Pease |
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Click on Jordan's Photo for a Video
about His Experience in Germany |
Home University: Colorado School Mines
Major: Environmental Engineering
Program/University in Germany: GE3(Global Engineering Education Exchange): University of Stuttgart , Munich
Email: pease [AT] daad.org
I am 20 and going to be a Junior at the Colorado School Mines. In total I spent 15 months studying in Germany. I started with a summer program at the University Stuttgart which was my first exposure to the German language in the form of a intensive German, and intercultural communication. Being an Environmental Engineering major the change in subject matter was very exciting for me. After my summer program, I spent a few weeks back home in Minnesota before heading back to Germany to study at the Hochschule in Munich. There I took lectures in both German and English. After my semester in Munich finished, I took another intensive German course in Stuttgart before I started my semester in April, where all my courses were in German. Having already been abroad for almost a year I really began to feel at home in Stuttgart. I finished my studies in Stuttgart at the end of July. Apart from my studies I spent a lot of my time running both in the city and from small town to small town. Germany is great for running, thanks to its many large parks and forests. I also loved to learn not only about Germany but all sorts of cultures when I hung out with the other international students. I hope that I can inspire you to create your own German adventure, because it was amazing for me!
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Lauren Pfeifer |
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Click on Lauren's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: Boise State University
Major: German and European Politics
Program/University in Germany: USAC (University Studies Abroad Consortium): University of Lüneburg
Email: pfeifer [AT] daad.org
Hallo! My name is Lauren Pfeifer and I am currently a senior at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho. Last year I had the opportunity to study at Leuphana Universität in the wonderful city of Lüneburg. Besides improving my language skills and learning more about both German and European Politics, I made many new friends, enjoyed the cultural immersion and was able to travel all over Germany, Europe and even to North Africa. I also gained practical experience in my fields of study by interning for a Hamburg based non-profit organization and taking part in a Conference for Young Leaders in Berlin, through which students gathered to exchange experiences, participate in debates and meet with influential leaders to promote cultural diplomacy. Overall, I think Germany is a wonderful place to study because it offers something for everyone, regardless of your studies, academic level and even German skills. As it has provided me with unforgettable experiences, I highly encourage you to study in Germany, you won’t regret it. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
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Miguel Rovira |
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Click on Miguel's Photo for a Video
about His Experience in Germany |
Home University: Emory University
Major: Chemistry
Program/University in Germany: DAAD RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering): University of Regensburg
Email: rovira [AT] daad.org
I am a senior studying chemistry at Emory University. Through the RISE program, I was able to work in an organic chemistry lab at the University of Regensburg. Some of my most memorable memories from my time in Germany came from the strong community atmosphere in the research lab. Everyone was heavily involved in his or her individual research project but also found time to relax. Some of our outlets included “Grillparties “, intramural soccer, and dodge ball. Regensburg, where I lived and worked, was located in the heart of the German state of Bavaria, which made it an excellent springboard to jump to points of interest in the state, Germany, and many of the neighboring nations (Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Slovakia, etc.). The strong university presence combined with the small town feeling makes Regensburg an exciting place for international students. Viel Spaß!
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Shannon Rzucidlo |
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Click on Shannon's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: University of Arizona
Major: Theater Arts, Psychology
Program/University in Germany: language classes in Freiburg and Würzburg, Free University of Berlin
Email: rzucidlo [AT] daad.org
Hi, my name is Shannon Rzucidlo! My time in Germany can be best
characterized as
the most challenging, yet rewarding experience I have had. I spent a
year and a
half in Germany, from the idyllic countryside of the Black Forest, to the
booming metropolitan of Berlin. For the first eleven months I went to a
private
language school and fully immersed myself in German culture by living with a
German host family in a rural village an hour from Freiburg. Then I continued
taking language classes in the charming Bavarian city Würzburg in a
Wohngemeinschaft. In the spring I participated in the FU BEST program offered
through Freie Universität in Berlin and then went on to complete the summer
semester at FU. I feel that by living in three diverse locations in Germany, I
have gained a broad perspective on typical life in Germany, which is an
experience that a tourist simply cannot have. I found Germans to be remarkably
innovative, progressive, and open-minded and enjoyed my classes at FU, where
learning was done through free exploration and discussion. The open-ended
assignments gave me the opportunity to research topics which interested me,
which I could retain, and which were beneficial to my future. I also had many
other opportunities outside the classroom. I also tutored English,
participated
in a local dance group, traveled to eight other European countries, and
deepened
my understanding of history hands-on with my everyday surroundings.
Above all, I
enjoyed building many meaningful friendships with Germans and other
international students. I had so much fun and learned so much in my time
abroad, not only academically, but also personally. The experience has enabled
me to become more independent and shaped my understanding of myself and my own
values. Studying in Germany, the Land of Ideas, is an incredible opportunity
that I hope you will choose to pursue. Please feel free to contact me if you
are looking for encouragement, practical advice, or just have some questions!
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John Shusterich |
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Click on John's Photo for a Video
about His Experience in Germany |
Home University: Marquette University
Major: Applied Mathematics and Economics, German
Program/University in Germany: Exchange: University of Marburg
Email: shusterich [AT] daad.org
Extended stays in Germany over the past three years have allowed me a significant amount of
insight into the German people and culture.
As an exchange student in Sigmaringen (Baden‐Wuerttemberg) in 2007, an intern in Berlin in
2008, and an exchange student at Philipps University in Marburg (Hessen) in 2009, I have had
the privilege of familiarizing myself very well with everyday life in Germany.
I can say first‐hand that although Germany is a place unlike any other in the world, rich in history
and culture, with a thriving contemporary society, life as an “outsider” there can some days
seem very daunting. Achieving fluency in the largest (and arguably the hardest!) part of the
German culture, the language itself, is no small task. However, proficiency in the German
language and culture is a very rewarding achievement.
Aside from my passion for Germany, I am actively in involved with music and have been since I
was four, when I first learned how to play the violin. I have studied privately for several years
and continue to play with classical groups in the Milwaukee area. I am an active distance runner
and cyclist and always enjoy time spend with friends and family.
Please do not hesitate to consult me with any questions regarding scholarship in Germany—I
will respond promptly!
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Lauren Stansbury |
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Click on Lauren's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: Syracuse University
Major: Philosophy, Religion
Program/University in Germany: Exchange: Free University Berlin
Email: stansbury [AT] daad.org
I am a senior at Syracuse University. I’m working toward the completion of two majors, one in Philosophy and one in Religion. My particular interests in these subjects include 20th century French and German philosophy, and contemporary American Evangelical movements. I love instruments, architecture, film, dance, street art, coffee and used books. I pursue my interests in revolution, sub-cultures, history, and language everywhere I go—all in the effort to unravel and understand the binding sinews at the heart of every city. Berlin offered me the chance to experience all of these things in a way I could never have predicted. I found a WG—an apartment I shared with a student from Austria, a student from Spain, and a Student from San Francisco. To this day I consider these young women my sisters. I became involved with political student groups who believed in activism both in the university and in the streets. I studied film. I walked everywhere, drinking in the history that seeps from Berlin’s monolithic structures. I had never studied German—neither language nor culture—prior to moving there. However, I strongly encourage all those considering a study tour in Germany to not let your (lack of) language skills deter you from traveling. Remember your life is an adventure; and I think we constantly wage the battle to be understood by others, even within our native tongue. My time in Berlin was a formative period in my life. I left Germany with a revealed knowledge of who I am, and where I wish my life to go from here.
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Michael Swellander |
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Click on Michael's Photo for a Video
about His Experience in Germany |
Home University: University of Texas at Austin
Major: German, English
Program/University in Germany: Federation of German-American Clubs College Exchange: University of Frankfurt am Main, University of Freiburg
Email: swellander [AT] daad.org
Guude! I just completed a year and a half abroad at two wonderful German universities, where I studied Germanistik and Anglistik. My main reasons for studying in Germany were fairly obvious and practical ones: as a German major, I needed to immerse myself in the language as a way of mastering it, and I also needed to gain more experience writing academic German. Also important to me was that my year and a half abroad gave me time to plan my senior thesis on German poetry of the mid-19th century, as well as the opportunity to talk with experts in the field. A reason for my studying in Germany that was perhaps a little less obvious was to gain variety in my training as an English student. I found the European perspectives that arose in my seminars on English and American literature, as well as a more intensive study and application of European literary theory, to be very enriching. In-depth discussions of the critical reception of texts, the use of secondary literature, and other complicated issues that are often avoided in American undergraduate classes, are pursued with a certain passion in German seminars. Academically, it has been an invaluable experience.
School is not all I did, though! During my stay in Germany, I traveled frequently between Frankfurt am Main and Freiburg im Breisgau to visit friends, attended seminars all over the country with my scholarship group, the VDAC (Federation of German-American Clubs), and took several trips to other European countries (France, Italy, Sweden...). Germany's central location makes it an ideal home base for students who plan to do some traveling. Even if a student intends to spend most of his or her time in Germany, intra-Germany travel can feel like country-hopping. A five-hour train trip from Berlin to Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg would prove this. My move from Freiburg and Frankfurt gave me the opportunity to observe some of these cultural differences within Germany in great detail.
I am very excited to help you with any questions you have or suggestions you seek regarding programs in Germany that would benefit you. I can also offer lots of advice on one's bureaucratic obligations upon arriving in the country (I had to do it twice). Please do not hesitate to send me an email.
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Ben Van Zee |
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Click on Ben's Photo for a Video
about His Experience in Germany |
Home University: Swarthmore College
Major: History, German Studies
Program/University in Germany: Berlin Consortium for German Studies: Free University Berlin
Email: vanzee [AT] daad.org
Greetings. My name is Ben Van Zee and I am currently a junior at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, where I study history and German studies. I spent the 2009 spring/summer semester studying at the Free University in Berlin. I spent the majority of my 8 months in Germany studying Marxist thought and the radical left in Europe. I got involved with a political organization in Berlin and worked with them on projects ranging from the nation-wide education strike that took place in June 2009 to the coordination of various leftist political education campaigns. My experiences with German student organizations provided me with an invaluable contrast to not only the American political system, but also American student movements. Germany offers a wider variety of political tendencies and ideologies than almost any other country, and is ideal for anyone interested in politics, history, philosophy, or economics.
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Justin Waghray |
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Click on Justin's Photo for a Video
about His Experience in Germany |
Home University: University of Calgary
Major: Geodesy and Geoinformatics
Program/University in Germany: University of Stuttgart
Email: waghray [AT] daad.org
My name is Justin Waghray and I recently returned from a two-semester term in Stuttgart. I spent my time learning the language, taking engineering courses in German, and watching the local soccer team Vfb Stuttgart place first in the Bundesliga. My year abroad was a great opportunity to experience a different system of education and be fully immersed in the language and culture. It was amazing to meet students from around Germany and all across the globe. The location was also ideally suited for travel around Europe - I made trips to Italy, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and also India. At first I was worried that with my limited knowledge in the language, it would be tough getting around. It turned out that that's not the case! I would encourage anyone considering study abroad to take a look at Germany and the opportunities that are available. I will definitely be returning to Germany for internship or further study!
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Emily Weigel |
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Click on Emily's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: Georgia Institute of Technology
Major: Biology, German
Program/University in Germany: 1.Georgia Tech's Languages for Business and Technology (LBAT) Program
Location: Düsseldorf, Weimar, and Munich
2.Exchange Year: Winter Semester 08/09 and Summer Semester 2009, Technical University of München
3. International Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP International), RWTH Aachen
Email: weigel [AT] daad.org
Servus! My name is Emily Weigel and I am a senior at the Georgia Institute of Technology studying both Biology and German. I spent the last year and a few months living in several German cities studying and researching in different labs. Through these experiences, I have not only improved my labs skills, but also learned a lot about myself (such as how compulsively connected I have to be to the internet) and where my true passions lie (there is more to life than balloon animals). I have become a better leader and improved my skills in a professional setting, as well as made friendships on deep personal levels. I feel this experience will open many doors for me as globalization increases and adaptation to new settings and cultures is demanded.
Experiences like mine are definitely out there for everyone (even if you don’t speak German), so if you have any questions, just ask! I'm happy to help you design your experience and find the funding.
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Sara Wise |
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Click on Sara's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Major: German and Public Policy
Program/University in Germany: California State International Program - University of Tübingen
Email: wise [AT] daad.org
Hello! My name is Sara and I am a Junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am studying German and Public Policy. As a German major, I knew that the only way to really learn the language was to step away from the books and dive into German culture. With that in mind, I decided to spend a semester in Tuebingen, Germany last spring. During my five months abroad, I not only greatly improved my language abilities, but I also made lasting friendships with my German peers. I experienced more adventures, challenges, and excitement during that semester than I ever had in my entire life. I am already planning my next trip to Germany because I just can't wait to go back! I hope that you consider embarking on your own German adventure soon.
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Ellen Wong |
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Click on Ellen's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: Brown University
Major: German, English
Program/University in Germany: Brown in Germany: University of Tübingen, DAAD Undergraduate Scholarship
Email: wong [AT] daad.org
I am currently a senior at Brown University, and spent one year studying abroad at the Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen. Even in such a small town, there were plenty of ways to enjoy and appreciate German culture, whether it was walking up to the castle, eating Schnitzel and Spätzle at a schwäbisches restaurant, or boating on the Neckar River. My problems ranged from moving to a new WG, to communicating with Germans whose dialects I couldn’t understand, but every obstacle helped me gain a better understanding of Germany and German people. Living in a German-speaking environment also allowed me to improve my language abilities; even day-to-day interactions such as checking books out from the library or buying train tickets gave me an opportunity to practice my German! Being immersed in a foreign culture increased my self-confident and taught me to be less embarrassed about making mistakes or asking questions. I also found Germans incredibly friendly and accepting, which made it very pleasant to interact with them. My memories of the good times I had in Tübingen will remain with me for the rest of my life! Germany became a second home for me, and now that my year abroad is over, I would love to share my experiences and answer your questions.
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Lijing Zhong |
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Click on Lijing's Photo for a Video
about Her Experience in Germany |
Home University: York University
Major: English Literature, German
Program/University in Germany: Ontario – Baden Württemberg (OBW) Exchange, University of Konstanz
Email: zhong [AT] daad.org
My name is Lijing Zhong, and I participated in the OBW Exchange program, studying at the Universität Konstanz, Germany. I am entering my fourth year at York University in Toronto, and majoring in English Literature. My year abroad has been the most unforgettable of my life, and has given me both passion and confidence in German, in which I am now planning to pursue a second major. In beautiful Konstanz, which is breathtakingly scenic and within walking distance to Switzerland, I lived in a student residence called Europahaus – a hub for international and Erasmus students balanced with German students who embrace meeting new people from all over the world. Since the moment I first reached Konstanz, I was well taken care of by the Auslandsamt, where the dedicated coordinators work tirelessly to help international students, organize excursions, and offer opportunities to get to know German students and other students studying abroad. These organized excursions included trips to Ulm, Tübingen, Straßburg, the Rheinfall and more – each well-planned, affordable (well subsidized) and an amazing chance to discover Germany and its surroundings with new friends. During my time in Germany I have been fortunate enough to see many of the traditional festivals and celebrations for myself, including Oktoberfest (in Munich!), Christmas/Weihnachten, Schützenfest (in Biberach), and more! These are all steeped in centuries of incredible history, exemplified in particular by the customs and costumes (at Schützen, they are paraded chronologically through the town!). Through these experiences I have made true friends whom I have invited to come visit me in Canada, and whom I plan on visiting whenever I have the opportunity to return to Germany again! The University of Konstanz, an exemplum of a renowned university in Germany, offered so many courses of interest in both German and English that I was hard-pressed to choose just five per semester. The professors are knowledgeable, engaging and well-traveled – this is reflected in their teaching style. Students really do have a great advantage with subsidized trips, tickets (especially for transportation) and entry to museums and other venues. I already long for the decadent, fresh and and hearty foods from bakeries and markets. The landscape is beautiful – the area surrounding Lake Constance is so breathtaking, it is where countless famous cyclists (some of them champions of the Tour de France) come to train and live. By choosing to study in Germany, one embarks on an unforgettable adventure that is sure to include exciting travel, a well-rounded education, culinary delight, lifelong friendships, and a passion for discovering the land and culture.
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