Foreign languages and cultures can be learned in other ways than in the classroom. And taking the German classroom overseas can enhance many University of Memphis students' foreign language experience.
German officials and professors will be on campus today in Room 100 of the Meeman Journalism building from 3-5 p.m. to talk about the M3+ZDF exchange program.
"The officials are here to touch base with their counterparts at our University and make further contact with faculty and students," said Tom Nenon, director for center of international programs.
The exchange program connects three German universities with two American universities including The U of M and Ball State University in Indianapolis. The program focuses on mass media studies ranging from journalism to business and marketing.
U of M senior journalism major, Blair Dedrick, is currently participating in the program in Germany.
"Even though I have been to Germany before, this is the first time I have lived anywhere that I had to learn another language and survive in another culture," said Dedrick, who will be in Germany for two semesters.
A paid internship with one of Europe's largest broadcasters, ZDF, is an option for interested students after completion of one semester of classes.
"In order to gain something out of such an internship, students need to have a fairly good command of German language," said Dagmar Skopalik, head of ZDF and international relations.
In addition to Dedrick traveling abroad this semester, three German students are participating in the program here at The U of M.
Verena Schick is majoring in communications and American studies and has been at The U of M one semester.
"Art photography is the one (class) I love the most," said Schick. "Black and white photography is just great and my university does not offer these classes."
Each of the German students at The U of M said the academic world of the two countries is very different.
Johanna Dupré said classes in Germany do not require as much work as The U of M.
"Classes here are definitely more work intensive because of assignments and quizzes," Dupré said. "I don't think they are more difficult, just more time consuming. In Germany, you are a lot more on your own and if you don't read the material you won't be able to participate in class or learn anything."
In addition to academic life being different, entertainment and college life are also diverse in many ways.
Luisa Scheerer said while she never thought the U.S and Germany were very different, she soon learned from her abroad experience that, in fact, they are.
"I hope I will (again) get used to Germany's narrow roads, small cars and silence," Scheerer said. "I've never heard that many police sirens before and I believe Memphis is really noisy."
Dupré also said entertainment within different forms of American media is new to her as well.
"Here, the TV news always has an entertainment factor, where in Germany the emphasis is totally on the information it offers."
One common difference all three foreign exchange students noticed was all the driving Americans do.
"People here never walk, which is pretty strange to us Europeans because we always walk and it is no problem to live without a car," Schick said.
Studying abroad can have many advantages or benefits for students who participate.
"The experience changes the entire outlook, not only of the host country, but of your country," said Petra-Angela Wacker, University of Mainz international office. "It creates an experience, an understanding that you can never ever learn without first hand experience."
For more information, contact Joe Hayden in the journalism department at jhayden@memphis.edu.
