Meet the DAAD Young Ambassadors!
DAAD Young Ambassadors are undergraduate students from North America who have recently studied in Germany. 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!
Marcelo Alvisio
Home University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Major: Theoretical Mathematics and Minor in Economics
Program/University in Germany: RISE - Technical University of Munich
Email
I am a senior at Massachusetts Institute of Technology majoring in theoretical mathematics with a minor in economics. Over the summer of 2007, I was fortunate enough to receive a "Research Internships in Science and Engineering" scholarship through the DAAD. I spent two months working at the Technical University of Munich on a statistics project concerning stochastic processes. Working at the university, I witnessed the dynamics of several research groups and was astounded by the synergy and collaboration within each department. I also attended seminars organized by the university, which helped me gain expertise in my research topic. Besides the superb educational system, I was pleased to interact with German culture. I was candidly welcome by my German collegues, with whom I had the chance to practice German and visit many beautiful German cities and landscapes. I would definitely encourage people to go to Germany regardless of their background and would be more than happy to share my impressions about studying and working in Germany. Feel free to drop me a line!
Annie Barr
Home University: University of Colorado at Boulder
Major: Communication and Germanic Studies
Program/University in Germany: Completed interdisciplinary Germanic studies major and reached competency in spoken and written German, Universität Regensburg
Email
I am a senior studying Communication and Germanic Studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder. My education of German culture, lifestyle, and language is marked by the exciting year I spent in Regensburg, Germany. There, I pursued my Germanic Studies major at the Universit?t Regensburg during the 2006-2007 academic year in one of Germany's most pulsing and attractive Bavarian cities. During my adventurous year abroad I completed a number of academically stimulating courses that expanded my knowledge of the language and its dynamic culture and history, maintained a job translating for a business professor on campus, and had the opportunity to teach and become largely involved with pupils at a local public school. In addition, I created lasting friendships with fellow students, built a deep and meaningful relationship with a family that allowed me insight into German domestic life and offered me support in every way, immersed myself in the community by participating in a local choir, and utilized Germany?s central location to travel all over Europe. Being in Germany not only remarkably improved my language and academic skills, but also developed my leadership abilities and positively transformed the way I view cross-cultural interactions and experiences. Whether you are interested in studying, working, or traveling to Germany, this country has profound opportunities to offer every open mind that enters its borders.
Danny Bradford
Home University: Auburn University
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Program/University in Germany: RISE - Universität Aachen
Email
I am a senior majoring in aerospace engineering at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. My first immersion into the wonderful German culture was due the DAAD RISE program. I spent the summer of 2007 conducting research at the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule in Aachen, Germany. I arrived in Germany with no knowledge of the language and a handful of stereotypes that I believed represented the people. I left Germany with a small yet worthwhile understanding of the language and without the stereotypes. My experiences in Germany expanded my mind, and they taught me to be more open towards other cultures. My experiences in Germany were so amazing that I wanted to share them with other students like myself.
Hendrik Broekelschen
Home University: University of California, Los Angeles
Major: Biology and German
Program/University in Germany: Universität Göttingen
Email
I am currently a senior at UCLA but I was lucky enough to study in Germany during the fall and winter of my junior year. As a science major, I didn't think I would be able to study abroad but after meeting with a counselor I found that I could not only study abroad but could also get a German minor in doing so. I went to a small university town called Göttingen where I studied at Georg-August Universität and had a phenomenal time. My classes were really interesting, the people I met were easygoing and approachable and the beer was unbeatable. Also, I was able to travel all around Europe for cheap since Germany is in a central location. My time abroad was truly amazing and I can only hope that everybody gets the chance to experience what I did.
Pietro Devine
Home University: Drexel University
Major: Information Systems
Program/University in Germany: Technische Universität München
Email
I am a junior at Drexel University in Philadelphia majoring in Information Systems. German came into my life early during the 8th grade and I continued through high school as well as into college. Having German forefathers I was drawn to the language and studies of Germany, its people and its culture. My first trip to Germany was in Summer 2005 on the DAAD sponsored program "High Tech in Old Munich". There I was able to put my studies to use with the language as well as experience the things which I had, until then, only read about in books and heard in lectures. As a smaller part of my larger plans this trip allowed me to vastly improve my language skills which were invaluable to me upon my return to Germany in 2006 where I spent 1 year in Munich as an exchange student with the further support of the DAAD through their undergraduate scholarship. During this stay I took courses at the Technische Universität München and completed a five month internship at Siemens Business Services GmbH in Munich. I had the wonderful opportunity to travel all around Germany visiting many of the large cities. I also had the chance to fully immerse myself as I stayed with four German students in an apartment in Munich for the year. Germany has so much to offer anyone who is simply willing to go and the time spent will surely change your life. I experienced my first Oktoberfest, bought Lederhosen and absolutely fell in love with Germany during one of the best years of my life! Please contact me if you have any questions or need any ideas about going to Germany, I am more than happy to help in anyway possible!
Kristin Erber
Home University: University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
Major: German and Economics
Program/University in Germany: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Universität, Frankfurt
Email
I am a senior studying German and Economics as a double major at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. I studied abroad my junior year at the Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Universität in Frankfurt, Germany. I started learning my first few words of German when my Grandma and German-born Grandpa babysat for my sister and me when we were very young. When I was seven my cousin studied abroad and I never doubted that I would follow in her shoes once I got to be her age. Having traveled to Germany prior to studying abroad I had some preconceived notions of what my year would be like. I had then believed that Frankfurt was the metropolis of Germany. Was I ever shocked to find out far after my arrival that it is actually Germany's fifth largest city! While I was there I studied the language, translation, Germany history, and spent some time working at two very sporadic part-time jobs. It was also a huge eye opener to meet so many people with such different views on life by traveling throughout Germany and all around Europe. Through all my experiences I have become so much more independent and open-minded than I ever could have by spending the traditional four years at an American university. I hope I can help answer any of your questions and encourage you to take your opportunity to go abroad!
Andrew Green
Home University: University of Rochester
Major: German and Economics
Program/University in Germany: University of Cologne
Email
I am a senior at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York majoring in Economics and German. My first time in Germany I was eighteen, and I was visiting a family friend in Freiburg for a few weeks. After returning, I knew I wanted to come back. I started taking German at the University of Rochester and I was lucky enough to spend my entire junior year at the Universität zu Köln (Cologne) through an exchange program between the two universities. My time there exceeded my wildest expectations. I spent the first month in Cologne taking a German language class with other exchange students from all over the world, and together we set off exploring the city. Once the semester got going, I took classes in history, literature and economics. Additionally, I taught an English class at the university as required by my exchange. My time studying in Germany was not only fun, but it changed the way I think, and how I look at the world. Please feel free to email me with your questions, plans, experiences, or anything at all!
Shane Gummersheimer
Home University: University of Tulsa
Major: Computer Science
Program/University in Germany: University of Siegen
Email
Hi, my name is Shane Gummersheimer and I am a computer science and German student at the University of Tulsa. I got the opportunity to study abroad in Germany through my university's partnership with the German University of Siegen. While Siegen isn't nearly as large as some of the other University cities in Germany, it was a perfect fit for me. For a few months I lived with a host family in a suburb of the city and worked in a small company there. Afterwards, I moved into an international dorm closer to downtown. The experiences I had in both places were enriching and helped me realize a very important fact. The world is a much smaller place than people seem to think. People in Europe are very much like their American counterparts. Additionally, I continued my studies in computer science in Germany, which was a difficult, but enriching experience to both practice my major and a foreign language at the same time. Also, it was interesting to try out a lot of different leisure activities that are not so popular in the United States like soccer. The experience truly moved me and taught me things that would be impossible to learn in any other setting, and I would love to be able to pass this experience on to any other student of any nationality.
Erika Hamalainen
Home University: American University
Major: International Relations, German, Economics
Program/University in Germany: FU Best Program, Freie Universität, Berlin
Email
Germany came on my radar screen by chance. When I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to do something international, but I really wasn't too picky. I've always loved an adventure, so I set off to live in Germany speaking not one word of German. I fell in love with the culture, and after a few months of headaches and heartaches, I finally fell in love with the language. This experience changed my world view, and my career path. Now, as a senior at American University in Washington DC, I'm triple majoring in International Relations, Economics, and German. Last fall I had the opportunity to study at the Freie Universitaet's FU-BEST program in Berlin, which only cemented my status of a "Deutschaphile". Please contact me if you have any questions regarding studying international relations, economics, or political science in Germany! On another note, please contact me if you want to know where the best Doener is in Berlin.
Darren Haskett
Home University: University of Arizona
Major: Bio Systems Engineering and German
Program/University in Germany: Technical University of Cottbus
Email
My first experience studying in Germany came when I was awarded the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) scholarship. I lived in Potsdam right outside of Berlin, and it was the greatest time of my life. From visiting all the palaces and historical gardens to the great night life. My love for Germany soon brought me back where I studied at the Brandenburg Technical University in Cottbus near the Polish border. The BTU Cottbus as a young university with the most modern facilities, and I enjoyed every minute I was there. Currently I am a senior studying Bio Systems Engineering and German at the University of Arizona. I am involved in many organizations of campus including Theta Tau: Professional Engineering Fraternity where I am the chapter President. I also work at the Soft Tissue Biomechanics Laboratory here at the University of Arizona, and hope to pursue a career in Bio Engineering and Medicine. At my school I love promoting both engineering in all its pursuits and studying abroad. Now with the DAAD, I can't wait to do both.
Lena Hyatt
Home University: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Major: Biochemistry
Program/University in Germany: RISE- Justus Liebig University, Giessen
Email
I am a Senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill majoring in Biochemistry. I applied for the DAAD RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) program because I wanted to further my laboratory skills in an international setting. I worked at the Institute for Biochemistry at Justus Liebig University in Giessen, a university town about an hour north of Frankfurt. While in Germany, I studied the mechanisms of Mismatch Repair in E. coli, more specifically at the interactions between two proteins through labeling studies. The working language in the lab was English, but I was also able to enhance my German skills (which I had none to begin!) and I learned many things about German culture and its people. German laboratories provide the perfect opportunity for scientists to increase their international awareness and cooperation, with the labs being led by some of the most brilliant people in science. Any student should not pass up a chance to study in Germany. If you have any questions about studying in Germany or the RISE program, feel free to contact me!
Jennings Imel
Home University: University of California, Riverside
Major: Political Science
Program/University in Germany: Universität Potsdam
Email
My name is Jennings Imel and I am a Political Science and German major at the University of California-Riverside. From the moment I enrolled as a Freshman I wanted to study abroad in Germany. Germany's rich and sometimes turbulent history had always fascinated me because of my deep interest in history and particularly because of my own German ancestry. I chose to study in the majestic Prussian and former East German city of Potsdam. I could not think of another location in Germany as intriguing and as steeped in history as Potsdam. Nowhere but in Potsdam could one witness the grandeur of Prussian might, the sight of the Potsdam Conference, the legacy of East German communism, and the vibrancy of a city reconstructing its image. Living and studying in Potsdam was undoubtedly the greatest experience of my life. I was able to attend classes and live in a fascinating city of tremendous historical significance and beauty, while being located just 20 minutes southwest of Berlin. While in Potsdam I traveled throughout virtually all of Germany and explored numerous other European countries and cultures. Despite all of my travels it was the little things that made my time in Germany amazing. I remember frequenting Asia Imbiss and the burger joint at Zoologischer Garten in Berlin. I remember the wine festival in the small town of Werder, playing basketball with the locals, and occasionally baseball in Park Sansoucci. It?s the little things I remember most and it's through these experiences that I was able to feel truly immersed in the culture. Studying abroad in Germany is a fantastic experience and I encourage all college students to take advantage of the opportunities provided by DAAD and various other study abroad programs. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Michelle Kinsley
University: West Virginia University
Major: German and International Studies
German Location: Fulda and Bamberg
Email
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!
Daniel Linsenbardt
Home University: San Diego University
Major: English, Philosophy and German
Program/University in Germany: Technical University of Tübingen
Email
My name is Daniel John Linsenbardt and I am a senior at San Diego State University studying English Literature, Philosophy, and German. I spent the 2005/2006 academic year studying at Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen. During this time, not only did I grow exponentially in my knowledge of German language and culture, but I was also able to take some philosophy classes in German at the university that was attended by famous philosophers Hegel and Schelling. In addition to the huge academic benefits I gained through my time in Germany, I was also able to meet people from all over the world, travel to several countries in Europe, take salsa dancing and jiu jitsu lessons, live for 6 weeks on the second floor of a Schwäbische restaurant, hiked through the black forest picking wild mushrooms for dinner, and volunteer my time at the German American Institute teaching English to school children. This is just a small picture from one person?s experience of the diverse range of opportunities in Germany which make it ideal not only for every kind of entertainment, but also for both academic and personal growth.
Rachel Proulx
Home University: University of Michigan
Major: German and English
Program/University in Germany: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in München
Email
As I start my fifth and final year at the University of Michigan, I have already had one year back in the United States to reflect on my experiences at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet in Muenchen with the Junior Year in Munich program. Like so many students starting a liberal arts education at a huge state school, I spent my freshman year not knowing at all what I truly wanted to study and had no idea what a large role German would play in my life. I took no German at all in High School and have no German heritage. However, when I started my first intensive German course at U of M, I was immediately drawn in by the subtle beauty of this often misunderstood language and culture. My ten months in Germany during my junior year solidified my language skills and deepened my knowledge of this amazing country which is becoming such an important player in world economics. Whether you struggle just to order food in German or consider yourself fluent, spending time in Germany will change your life for the better. I gained a whole new level of independence and made some of the most loyal friends I have ever had, friends who I still talk to every couple weeks in the States! I also had the opportunity to work at a language school in the Altstadt of Muenchen and realized through this experience that teaching was my passion and life goal. Now back in the States, I have a sense of direction I never would have acquired without my time in Germany and a better understanding of the world as a whole. Please feel free to contact me for any information about my time abroad, my travels and experiences. I love any opportunity to talk about one of the most important times of my life.
Andreas Siefers
Home University: Iowa State University
Major: Materials Engineering
Program/University in Germany: RISE, University of Saarland
Email
I am a senior at Iowa State University majoring in Materials Engineering. As a sophomore I had the opportunity to study abroad in Sweden and ever since then I have become addicted to experiences abroad. I knew last year that I wanted an internship abroad for the summer, and after much research I discovered the DAAD. The DAAD's RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) program was a perfect match for me: it combined excellent research experience with living in Germany. I worked at the University of Saarland in the Functional Materials department as an assistant to a Ph.D. student. I had such a unique and great experience that summer (2006), that when I heard about DAAD?s new program, RISE-professional, I did not hesitate to apply. This summer (2007) I worked in the Corporate Research department at Bosch near Stuttgart. Although this was also research, it was a completely different experience because it was with a company. I made many contacts at Bosch and at the University of Saarland, both personal and professional, and I have left many doors open if I choose to continue to work or study in Germany. During both summers I have traveled all around Germany and discovered its many different sides. I encourage you to take this incredible opportunity and experience what I have!
Michael Thompson
University: University of New Orleans
Major: Art History and Geography
German Location: Cottbus and Marburg
Email
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.
Lanay Tierney
Home University: Boston University
Major: Biology
Program/University in Germany: RISE - Universität Düsseldorf
Email
I have always been interested in travel and studying abroad during college was a must. I wanted not only to be able to travel in a foreign country but to be comfortable living, working, and making friends in it. As a biology major, I wanted very much to continue my studies abroad either in the classroom or in a research laboratory. I found DAAD's Research internship in Science and Engineering (RISE) and it fit perfectly. I was able to spend the summer working at Duesseldorf Universitaet in the heart and cardiovascular research group where I was able to have an invaluable training in physiology, as well as becoming good friends with many of the people working in my lab and in the city. On weekends, I was able to travel quickly and easily by train. Germany is small enough to travel from one end to the next, but big enough for there always to be something new to discover. I was able to visit Dresden, Heidelberg, Berlin, Bonn, and Muenster and even to neighboring countries like Switzerland and Holland. I really enjoyed my time in Germany, truly the melting pot of Europe, and hope that I will be able to return soon.
Maciej Tusz
Home University: Illinois Institute of Technology
Major: Aerospace and Materials Engineering
Program/University in Germany: Technical University of Munich
Email
Wow! I am very excited to be taking part in this program because it gives me the opportunity to talk about the wonderful experiences that I had in Germany! My reason for living in Munich, Germany was to find out whether I would want to live there in the future. Coming from Poland, I knew I love Europe, but to speak of it as a resident rather than a tourist is a completely different experience altogether. I had such a great time meeting incredible people from all over Europe and, of course, Germany during my stay that I must say the experience is irreplaceable. It was such a pleasure to take a year off from the regular hustle and bustle of the typical campus and learn things that books can't teach you about the old country! In addition, I had the opportunity to travel to England, the Netherlands, Poland, France, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and almost every known city in Germany! So please feel free to contact me regarding any questions that you may have on your way to studying abroad in Europe, I am always available.
Andrea Woodall
Home University: Boise State University
Major: English Literature and German
Program/University in Germany: Universität des Saarlandes
Email
My recent exchange to Germany was certainly not one I had planned, but rather one that I found myself falling into! I spent my junior year of high school as a Congress-Bundestag exchange student. I then entered university as an English student, which left me no time for additional German courses! I kept in contact with my friends and host family in Germany and halfway through my junior year in college, I decided to add German as a second major. As the year progressed, I started to become more engulfed in the German culture and I found that I missed it so much - so much, in fact, that I had already committed to another exchange before I had even decided what I wanted to do! I spent the summer semester of 2007 in Saarbrücken in the Saarland and it was an experience that cannot compare to anything I have ever done. I was lucky enough to be able to stroll along the Saar River and stop for the local cuisine. I made friends I will never forget and gladly recommend time in Germany to anyone who even considers it!
![[Logo Auswärtiges Amt]](/images/logo.gif){kind=logo}
