Chelsea Spencer is a senior majoring in German, Scandinavian, Dutch (with an emphasis in German) and global studies and minoring in biology. During her time abroad, Spencer maximized her time by traveling, volunteering, and living with a native German family. Spencer reflects that studying abroad can work for anyone, regardless of their schedule or budget, and adds that “it’s an experience unlike any other.”
Molly Tynjala recently graduated with a major in English and a minor in political science. Driven to learn more about her heritage, she began taking Finnish classes as a sophomore and discovered a deep appreciation for Finnish language and culture. The Finnish Connection Scholarship she received allowed her to explore the country firsthand. “The support of donors means the world to me,” she says. “It illustrates to me that other people still have hope for the future and have faith that young people will achieve remarkable things.”
Anna Keltner is working toward a double-major in German, Scandinavian, Dutch (with an emphasis in Finnish) and strategic communications, with a minor in political science. She shares how learning abroad in Finland advanced her personal and professional plans and inspired new goals, adding that she “gained so much confidence, became a lot more independent, and got a much clearer picture of how [she wants her] life to go.”
Abigail Bauer is pursuing a German, Scandinavian, Dutch major and a minor in Swedish. Reflecting on a previous trip to Europe, she explains that “learning abroad makes real the history you learn in the classroom” because it creates a personal, tangible connection. She adds that learning abroad aids in personal development by helping you gain “new confidence to explore other places and their cultures,” and looks forward to returning to Germany this summer.
Senior Kat Hurlbutt reflects on her experiences as a transfer student immersed in the German program. She appreciates GSD’s emphasis on developing cross-cultural understanding alongside language skills, and plans to move to Germany after she graduates.
Abby began studying the German language because she found it beautiful and had always wanted a way to better connect with her grandparents and their heritage.
Nick Ott is one the busiest and most passionate language students in Folwell Hall. He is currently studying German and Spanish while pursuing a marketing degree from the Carlson School of Management and a minor in education. Nick balances his liberal arts education with his other studies. “I like the wide variety of things to choose from. For example, I can take linguistics and other elective classes for my own interest even if it’s not necessarily in my major.”
