What Robert Bosch Alumni have to
say:
"During my time as a Bosch Fellow, I acquired an in-depth knowledge of Germany, fluent German language skills, and a number of professional personal contacts which have been invaluable to me in my eleven years of government service. I got my first job with the U.S. Information Agency in no small part because of the Bosch Fellowship."
- Nancy Walker 1987-88
"As a freelance cultural journalist and corporate communications manager for an international software company, I regularly put to use - and continue to build upon - the many interesting and relevant perspectives I amassed while learning and working as a professional Bosch Fellow abroad. This prestigious and well-organized program provides the opportunity to accumulate a rich scope of knowledge in international affairs that is both broad and deep, and therefore far-reaching in its positive effect."
- Sabine Kortals 1999-2000
"The Bosch Fellowship is unique in the intense high-level exposure it affords all Fellows. Both as a year of professional and personal growth in understanding German-American-European relations and as a stepping stone to an international career, the Fellowship most definitely broadens your possibilities."
- Matthew Tank 1997-98
"The Robert Bosch Fellowship Program has had a direct and positive effect on my professional development. The Robert Bosch Foundation arranged an excellent Stage for me at the Federal Ministry of Interior, the German counterpart to my U.S. employer, the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Being a Fellow opened so many doors at the Ministry, exposing me to numerous key officials and a wealth of 'insider' information in my field. My knowledge of the inner workings of a German government ministry has also proven to be a real asset in my current position, advising U.S. Army commanders on German-American government relations."
- Hannah Kuhn 1997-98
"My Bosch year led directly to my next job, as Bonn bureau chief for The Christian Science Monitor. The most amazing thing was, because I studied East-West German relations during my year - 1988-89 - I was in an ideal situation to cover the fall of the Berlin wall. While the rest of the press was parachuting in to cover the biggest story of the post World War II period, I was already in place and knew my way around. It gave me a competitive edge."
- Francine Kiefer 1988-89
"The experience of being a Bosch Fellow has continued to be important. I consider the period I spent on the Fellowship to have been one of the greatest in my life. The opportunity to live in, and experience, another culture broadened my vision of the world, made me sensitive to other cultures and to other ways of thinking. I have a deep and continuing interest in Europe and Germany that comes from the time I spent working and living there."
- Alex Kaplan, 1985-86
"The Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship in Germany has helped to advance my personal and professional interests by exposing me to a far more global perspective on critical thinking and problem solving. It has extended my outlook beyond conventional American assumptions and broadened my relationships and resources in ways that I believe dramatically improve the quality of my life and work. For these reasons, my experience in Germany - now nearly ten years behind me - continues to find positive influence in my everyday life back home."
- Henry Ramos 1991-92
"The Bosch Fellowship has consistently contributed to my career development since my participation. I have enjoyed significant opportunities and advancements in my field (environmental policy) that have directly resulted from the professional experiences I gained during the Fellowship."
- Michelle Wyman 1995-96
"The Bosch Fellowship put me in touch with the European mind. I have found my improved understanding of Germany and its neighbors to be absolutely invaluable in my professional and intellectual endeavors. Knowing how Germans see the key issues of the day gives me a tremendous advantage over my competitors in all things international."
- Kurt McDonald 1993-94
"As a newcomer to Germany, I found my Bosch year to be a tremendous, unique opportunity to understand the country and its role in European affairs in depth, as well as receive thorough training in the language, all the while having direct professional contact with government and business leaders right up to the top."
- John Meakem 1989-90
"Every day I am reminded of the value of the Bosch Fellowship. I remain grateful for having been selected, for the sacrifices made by my wife to enable us to accept and enjoy the Fellowship together, and for my employers who have appreciated and utilized the expertise I gained on the Bosch Fellowship. My job as Counsel for European Affairs in the Federal Trade Commission's International Antitrust Division stems from my fellowship experience and I have been fortunate to have the support of the Commissioners and staff of the FTC in building cooperative relationships with our counterparts in the European Union and in the EU Member State antitrust authorities, especially the Bundeskartellamt in Bonn."
- John J. Parisi 1988-1989
