On August 7th, the University of Georgia (UGA) celebrates Exchange Day, a nationwide celebration of the power of international exchanges and an opportunity to raise awareness of educational and cultural exchange programs.
During the 2022-23 academic year, 113 UGA students participated in an exchange program, studying abroad at one of UGA’s 60 partner universities for a semester or year. UGA hosted 87 undergraduate and graduate students, providing them with the chance for extended study at the University of Georgia.
In honor of Exchange Day, the Office of Global Engagement proudly highlights an academic exchange in which UGA students participated this past academic year.
UGA-LMU Undergraduate German Studies Exchange
Approximately one year ago, Alex Byrd and Olivia Hogan departed from Athens and began their year-long exchange in Germany at Ludwig-Maximilian University (LMU). LMU is a globally top-ranked institution, and a strategic partner of the University of Georgia, facilitating several student and faculty exchanges each year.
Byrd and Hogan, rising juniors, were drawn to LMU for its prestigious reputation and its outstanding German studies program. Global Education advisors at the Office of Global Engagement play an instrumental role in the students’ introductions to LMU. Advisor Colleen Larson worked closely with LMU and the Department of Germanic & Slavic Studies at UGA to set students up for success.
“[Our advisor] set up everything for us, like our housing, our assistantship… it was amazing and so helpful,” Byrd and Hogan said.
This exchange is generously supported by a German Language Study and Travel grant from The Halle Foundation. Established by Claus M. Halle, a German native with significant ties to Atlanta, Georgia as an executive for the Coca-Cola Company, The Halle Foundation aims to foster a meaningful relationship between Germany and the US and promote cultural exchange. The foundation’s funding allows students pursuing German studies, like Byrd and Hogan, to participate in long-term academic exchanges.
Exchange students Alex and Olivia have no regrets about seizing the opportunity to spend a year abroad.
“I would relive this year over and over again,” Hogan said.
“This was one of the best years of my life,” Byrd added.
In addition to a new city and university, the two students had the opportunity to experience a new learning style. UGA and other American universities follow a structured approach. European academics, in comparison, are more freeform and emphasize self-guided exploration in studies.
This new academic environment prompted the students to reflect on their own learning styles, and to consider the merits of both programs.
“After experiencing this learning style, I value my degree from UGA much more,” Hogan shared.
The social aspect of university life was a cultural difference quickly noted by Alex and Olivia. Unlike their experience at UGA, where it was common to befriend classmates, the German culture is notably more reserved in academic settings.
“At first, it was difficult to make friends being an international student,” Byrd said. After adjusting to the culture and their new status as international students, the students began their new life in Munich.
Through an optional LMU Intensive German language course, Byrd and Hogan made international friends with fellow exchange students from France, Russia, the Netherlands, among other countries across the world.
University exchanges are inherently international; international students tend to flock together. The students cited that extracurricular activities, like recreational sports, expanded their social network.
Courses were not the only responsibilities the students had during their exchange; they also took on an English Teaching Assistantship where they edited presentation materials for LMU students. The students shared that their most frequent edits involved adding an American “charm,” incorporating engaging language and visuals, in contrast to “the straightforwardness of German academics and culture,” they shared. Byrd and Hogan received glowing feedback from the students they assisted and noted how much they enjoyed this portion of the exchange.
During the semester break, Byrd, an International Business and Economics and German Double Major, worked as an intern for the Georgia Department of Economic Development on a project to improve Georgia’s economy by recruiting international vendors, in this case, of German origin.
“I attended a meeting with representatives from over 8 US States, where we made the case about why a German business should choose Georgia as its international vendor,” Byrd recounted. His team was able to secure the business deal, leveraging Atlanta’s international traffic and audience as their focal argument.
As their academic year comes to a close, the two students reflect on their year in Munich and what lies ahead.
“German has been such a big part of my life for years now, and being surrounded by it is something I deeply miss when back in the U.S,” Hogan shared.
“Culture exchange [can be] homesickness, a shift in your dress, moving into a new place by yourself for the first time,” Hogan shared, “”…but through that you grow, and become a better version of yourself.”
Byrd reflects on the initial solitude of living abroad, sharing, “You can authentically be yourself. It was a blank slate for realizing who I am as a person outside of Athens,” Byrd said, an Athens native.
“I’m more in touch with who I am, especially after starting college during the pandemic.”
This Fall, both Byrd and Hogan will return to UGA’s campus to complete their undergraduate degrees. Byrd has plans to return to LMU for his graduate studies.
“I love Munich in the same way I love Athens,” he said, “It’s my home.”
Through her English Teaching Assistantship, Hogan discovered a passion for teaching and linguistics. She plans to continue her graduate studies domestically, ideally in a major metropolitan area, and return to Germany after she completes her studies.
“I consider myself more worldly now… I’ve become a better global citizen,” Hogan said.
The Office of Global Engagement at the University of Georgia takes great pride in promoting cultural and academic exchanges abroad.
For more information about exchanges and partnerships, please visit studyaway.uga.edu or international.uga.edu.