On March 20, 2010, three BU students embarked on an incredible journey to Germany. They will spend the next ___ months submerged in the German culture as they continue their studies at one of Germany's most historical universities, Friedrich Schiller University, in Jena.
The university was founded in 1558 by the sons of Elector Johann Friedrich, who followed their father's dream of establishing a university. It was established on the original idea of giving students a home for the new religious opinions of the 16th-century, and it became one of the most politically radical universities, allowing students to duel and defend their passion for "Freiheit" (freedom).
Great German poets and philosophers, like Goethe, Schiller, Fichte, Hegel and many more were enrolled as students, and now three BU students, Michael Arcangeletti, Richard Steinour and Angela Sterling, will have their chance to be a part of this great history.
All three students found a love for the German language and culture several years ago. Arcangeletti, 23-years-old, is a German major with a minor in English. He plans to get his Master's degree in German and someday a PH.D. in German and Linguistics. Steinour, a 20-year-old from Columbus, NJ, is a sophomore at BU, is a German/History major. Sterling is from Berwick, PA and is studying German and Anthropology. While these students all have stories of their own, experiencing the German culture is one that unites them.
"Studying abroad is a unique and valuable experience that cannot be replaced by the classroom," said Sterling.
"It is definitely encouraged," said Laura Johnston, a German professor at BU. "It's a requirement for the department because you can't fully appreciate the language unless you are in the country and actually communicate with people."
While studies will be a top priority for the trio, Arcangeletti, Steinour and Sterling will also spend time exploring the country and learning about the culture.
According to Johnston, there are a lot of ways Germany differs from America. While she doesn't believe Germany to be a cultural-shocking country, she does think her students will be surprised by the differences between the two cultures.
"The food is different, the living situations are often different because there are about 89 million people in a country the size on Montana," said Johnston.
Starting next semester, Arcangeletti, Steinour and Sterling will take turns sharing their adventures in "Letters from Germany," a series that The Voice will feature throughout their study-abroad semester. Their experiences will be eye-opening, interesting, and pleasurable reading material for Voice readers.
Students interested in studying in Germany can contact Dr. Luke Springman of the Languages and Cultures Department at 570-389-4750.
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