Originally from Russia, I am studying German at ECU as my third language. I truly believe that knowing foreign languages puts you apart from the rest of the crowd and opens more opportunities for you. I am also planning to earn my Master’s Degree in International Studies and spend a semester in Germany.  The friendliness and enthusiasm of the German program faculty are highly inspiring. I am enjoying my time here learning a new language and experiencing another culture.

I study German because I recognize the influence Germany has in the world today, and the strong partnership it shares with the United States. I have many friends in Germany that I made through study abroad and I am thankful that I can communicate with them an any topic in their own language.
The thing I like most about the German program at ECU is the enthusiasm and helpfulness of the professors which the students feed off of in and outside the classroom. My other interests include sports, traveling, and meeting new people. I am proud to have been accepted into the German National Honor Society, and I plan on getting a job with a large international firm, preferably a German company. I did study abroad through ECU at the University of Tübingen in Germany.  I met people from all over the world because Germany is an ideal place to live and study.  I also fondly remember cheering on Germany while they advanced to the finals of the Eurocup.

Communication is key to the success of any venture. Learning a foreign language not only strengthens your ability to communicate, but also makes it possible to understand and appreciate the world around you. The best part about our program is without a doubt the effectiveness and level of involvement of the teaching staff and the willingness to learn of the student body. This combined effort has produced a flourishing German Club, a level of cultural awareness not usually experienced on the undergraduate level and its fair share of fluent speakers.

I first studied at Spartan College of Aeronautics in Tulsa Oklahoma and graduated with a degree in Airport Management and an FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician certification. Today I am studying German in order to garner more opportunities in the emerging "Green" market of Germany, with particular focus on wind turbines and eco-friendly power generation. With the ECU German Program's help, I have been able to build a bridge between Aviation Maintenance and the world's largest producer of wind turbines, Germany.

My name is Tiffany Vockerodt and I study German because I want to learn about my nationality. My father is German, but he unfortunately lost the language after transitioning into American culture. I am also intrigued by the language because I know it is commonly used in medical research. My favorite thing about the German program is the enthusiasm that the teachers have while teaching the language; having someone excited to teach really makes a difference. Besides German, I enjoy playing volleyball, tennis, running, painting, and writing. I aspire to be a Pediatric Oncologist, and I hope to study abroad soon, although I haven't decided yet where.

I study German because it is an exceedingly interesting language, as well as historically interesting and significant. The best thing I like about the program is the dedication of the professors to the students needs and interests, not to mention their encouragement, professionalism and instructing abilities. My other interests are world history, various sports, music. I work full time and have a family. Going back to school, even part time, has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I encourage everyone to further their own educations whenever the opportunity arrives. Also, learning a second language can be very rewarding.

*[Editor's note: Derek was one of only approximately 60 undergraduates nationwide to receive a 2009 DAAD Undergraduate Scholarship to study in Germany. He is currently completing his first of two semesters at the Universität Konstanz.]

Why do you study German? Studying the German language has always challenged me and I find the study of grammar and morphology fascinating. What’s the best thing you like about our program?  I most appreciate the great professors and the variety of courses available, especially the literature courses. What are your other interests?  I enjoy reading English fiction and non-fiction, North Carolina history, music, photography. What are your aspirations for the future? I plan to graduate with my BA after returning from Germany and attend Graduate School with the intent of pursuing a Doctorate.

I study German because I am in love with the language and the rich culture. The Germans have a wonderful mindset  that eludes most Americans. The best thing about the program is how personal it is.  From the moment you begin your first class,and until you graduate, you are never out of the care of our amazing staff!  My other interests include the dramatic arts as well as choral music. I plan to study abroad at least one summer if not more, and hope to move on with my acting career both in the United States and Europe.

What’s the best thing you like about our program? What I like about the program is how well it is set up. I believe that the program can offer something for everyone who is interested in German. If you are a beginner or even if you are already fluent in the language, the program offers something for everybody. What are your other interests? I enjoy the world of communication, especially video production. I love being a mom, which is taking up most of my time right now. Besides that I love to meet new people and simply enjoy my life as it is right now. Which accomplishments would you like to share in your academic lives or otherwise? One of my greatest accomplishments is that I had the opportunity to produce a documentary. It tells the story of my upbringing in a children’s home and compares my time there to how the home operates today. This project included my going back to Germany to work at the home and giving some of my time back. What are your plans for future? I hope to be able to work in the field of video production once again, possibly in an academic environment. I am also very interested in living and working in Europe for a few years, allowing my daughter to grow up around in different cultures.

I study German because I have fallen in love with the language and culture and because German is the best language to study for the field of Chemistry. The best thing about this program is the fact that anyone can study abroad. The tools and the financial support are available both through the school and the UNCEP program. Any students, regardless of their major, can study abroad and obtain that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so many students miss. My other interests are music (I am in the marching band at ECU) and I am involved with the Campus Crusade for Christ student ministry. I also love to travel and that's one of the main reasons I am in Germany now. While I have not started classes yet, I have already improved my German by tenfold just by living here. My plans are to finish my junior year here in Germany and return to the states for senior year and graduation. I have also decided that I want to come back to Germany for graduate school for Chemistry and to improve my German even more.

I am currently double majoring in German and Business Management with a focus on international business. Why do you study German? I’ve been exposed to German throughout my life. When I was a kid, I spent four years living in Mannheim, Germany and the culture of the German-speaking world has always been a great interest for me. Pairing international business with German also seems like a great idea, considering Germany has the largest economy in Europe and is also a pioneer in renewable energy sources. What’s the best thing you like about our program? The professors in the German program are among the best at ECU. They are all very knowledgeable on various aspects of the German language and culture and are always very friendly and helpful. What are your aspirations for future? I plan to work for a German company, preferably one that is involved with green technology. Did you study abroad through ECU? I am currently one of the first students from ECU to study at the Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg in Mannheim. I’ll be here until the summer of 2010 and so far it’s been an amazing experience. [Editor's note: ECU students with the appropriate training in German can now also apply to study at the Duale Hochschule, where Mark is currently enrolled. As part of their studies, students will complete an internship in Germany with a firm such as Daimler AG, Deutsche Bank, or Siemens. For more information on the program and application process, please contact Dr. Smith at smithdav@ecu.edu.]

A. J. spent the 2008-2009 academic year at the Universität Freiburg thanks to the University's exchange agreement with Baden-Württemberg (more info here). We had a chance to catch up with him recently about his time abroad. Why did you decide to study German?: "I am fascinated by what many people erroneously consider this "harsh, unromantic" language, but also by the history of the German-speaking world." What do you like best about ECU German? "Of all the programs I could have been a part of on campus, the German professors promote their love for the language and culture and accentuate their desire for their students to learn and succeed not just in German but also in their entire educational endeavors." What other interests do you have? "Debating current/historical affairs. Traveling. Learning other cultures and finding my place in my own culture. Facebook (who doesn't?)" Of what are you most proud? "Having the desire and ability to go into the world, i.e. my study abroad year in Germany. I was well equipped with the language and an understanding of culture from my professors at ECU. Preparing yourself mentally is the hardest part, but they'll help with that, too." Would you study abroad again knowing what you know now? "YES! I love waking up every morning and looking outside and just knowing that I am in Germany. At the end of the year I think I'll be ready to come home, if for no other reason than to see my friends and family and to finish college."
Bild: Titisee im Schwarzwald