CDS International: Participant Testimonials

Participant Testimonials

I am the perfect example of why scholarships are important for Americans going abroad. As a junior in college, I remember envying those students who could afford to go on student exchange programs offered by the University. Coming from a family of three, I knew that expenses incurred by such a program would not be feasible for me. How would I pay for school the following year?

We all know that funding for education continues to be cut, even in times of relative prosperity. Yet, college graduates are still desired with some experience in their chosen field as well as foreign language acquisition. These skills are vital in today's global marketplace. Many Americans realize this, yet we allocate very little money to young Americans to assist them with the financial help they need to be able to compete in the global marketplace.

A year after graduating and after several attempts at going abroad through various other organizations, I was awarded a participant spot on the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program for Young Professionals. The dream of studying and working abroad had finally come to fruition! Without the generous funding by the German Bundestag and the American Congress my dream would not have been financially possible.

After graduating with a degree in International Relations from California State University, Chico I knew I wanted to work in the student exchange / international professional development field. I have always believed that helping to foster international understanding is done one citizen at a time.

I lived in Bonn, Germany for the year, attending the University of Bonn and working for an international voluntary service organization, the International Jugendgemeinschaftdienste, e.V.. By being in Germany, I was able to improve the German that I learned in college and put it to practical use in my studies and work. My job supervisor gave me considerable responsibility as the admissions counselor for German students going abroad to countries like France, Greece and the United States. I am convinced that I would not have had this incredible experience in a standard internship in the field of student exchange in the U.S.

In addition to gaining valuable workplace experience, I learned a great deal about myself. Having to function day-to-day in a different language has made me a stronger person and has made me more culturally sensitive. Seeing my country from the "other side of the pond" has created a greater keenness and self-evaluation that I know will be invaluable to future employers. Scholarships like mine can truly make a difference and change the course of one's life.

by Kristina Bass