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Gilman-DAAD Germany ScholarshipsAllow American students from low-income families to take short stays in Germany. Biology student Shelby Smith, from Kentucky, visited the University of Regensburg from September to December 2023. He gave an interview in which he talks about the challenges of the first weeks, the Germans' willingness to help, and his newly awakened passion for intercultural exchange. .
Mrs. Smith, you had a difficult upbringing. From the beginning you had to take care of your parents who were unemployed and sick. In general were you able to attend normal school?
I was only able to receive regular tuition until high school (editor's note; until age 14). Afterwards I worked full time from 8 in the morning until 6 in the afternoon, a total of 40 hours a week. The only time I had to learn was always after work. So in my case, school meant homeschooling, which was really hard. But it also meant I gained valuable experience. Good time management is vital in these types of situations. And that is only possible if you can learn to motivate yourself. I think I was forced to grow up faster than many of my peers back then.
At 15 years old you started working in an ophthalmology clinic.
Yes, it was a very moving experience for me because I soon realized how much I liked the work and I could imagine going to university at some point so I could become an ophthalmologist. So, I applied to Murray State College, which is about two and a half hours from where I lived. I was the first member of my family to go to university. So it was a completely new experience for me.
When did you first hear about the DAAD's Gilman program?
That was in college. Murray State has an exchange program with the University of Regensburg and I quickly realized that it was also something that suited me. I must say there was no way I could afford it on my own. So I looked closely at the various scholarships and finally found the DAAD Gilman program. I soon felt that this program is made for people like me: first-generation students without financial resources. Then I talked to my college mentors and worked really hard on my application. At first I was a little skeptical about whether they would really accept me. However, as I filled out the form, I began to believe that my chances weren't that bad. Many of the admission requirements you mentioned were applicable to me. That motivated me.
Everything went well and in your last year you were able to study for four months in Regensburg. What were your initial impressions?
It was really exciting. The flight to Germany was the first time I got on a plane. And I had never traveled by train, bus or taxi either. Everything was totally new to me. It took me a week to get used to how supermarkets work in Germany. I still remember how nervous I was the first time I was in a German supermarket.
Did you receive enough support?
I felt I had excellent local support; The University of Regensburg is very well organized. I have a chronic illness that must be medically controlled and treated with medications. My mentors were brilliantly supportive; I would never have made it through the first few weeks alone. Although I would have appreciated a little more help beforehand. They certainly sent us information about what we can expect. But in retrospect, it would have been useful to have more details, for example about the political situation, culture and lifestyle in Germany.
What were your biggest challenges?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning to ask for help. I am a very independent person and generally find it difficult. And in the United States it is often very difficult to get help, even when you really need it. It's quite different in Germany. When you ask someone for help, chances are they will actually give it to you. However, at first I still found it difficult, for example asking at the stop if the bus was going in my direction.
Did you learn German?
Yes, I completed an intensive course. At first my German was rudimentary, but after four months I could at least go shopping and ask directions. I also plan to continue learning German. I have been in contact with exchange students from Regensburg studying here at Murray State to help me do so.
What particularly sticks out in your memory about your time in Germany?
That was definitely the trip. It is very easy to get to any place in Europe. You only need to travel a few hours by train and you are in a different country. I went to Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, England, Scotland, Austria and the Czech Republic. I saw the Colosseum and hiked in the Alps. There was even the opportunity to do some sightseeing in Germany. The program included, for example, a week in Berlin. Traveling was something I had firmly set my mind to while I was in Germany. And I'm glad everything went so well.
Is there anything else you planned to accomplish during your stay?
One of my biggest goals was to get new momentum from a different perspective and give myself a break. Lately I often wondered if I really wanted to continue my studies or if I wouldn't be better off if I had a job. I hoped that my stay in Regensburg would spark a renewed passion for learning. And that is certainly the case.
Did the course offering at the University of Regensburg help with this?
Definitely! My main subject is, of course, biology, but in Regensburg I was also in contact with literature, philosophy and world history. I don't like to admit it, but history teaching isn't that good in America when it comes to looking beyond our national borders. In Germany, history is communicated much more from a global perspective. That inspired me a lot and opened my eyes to the fact that the world has so much more to offer than I had ever imagined. And I'm looking forward to seeing even more.
What are your plans for the future? Would you like to return to Germany?
I would love to do that. The exchange program has alleviated my anxiety about international travel. In fact, I sat down with my fiancé as soon as I returned to the US and we considered when the time might be right for the next trip.
What advice would you give to students from a similar background who would like to apply for a study abroad stay and may be hesitant because they are worried that their application will not be successful or are worried about what to expect?
Do it anyway. It is a program tailored to your situation. Are you the first in your family to study? Have you never been abroad? You can be the first, like me. And your own experience is in turn an example to follow for others: for your fellow students or your parents. I can only advise you to stay motivated and not succumb to negativity!
Interview: Klaus Lüber (February 6, 2024)
This article was originally published in the .
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