Scholarships and Cheesecake
Caitlin Oldham and Julia Debska, two students at Swansea University, have had enriching experiences in Germany thanks to scholarships awarded with support from the German department. Both students are pursuing a BA in Modern Languages, Translation, and Interpreting with a focus on German and Spanish.
Their one-month study visit to the University of Freiburg in southern Germany was funded by the Hilda Hunt Scholarship, designed for Swansea students to take summer language courses in German-speaking countries. Additionally, Swansea students can apply for scholarships from the German academic exchange service, DAAD.
This study visit took place at the end of their first year of study at Swansea and served as a valuable introduction to life in Germany before their third year, during which all students spend a year in the country.
Julia Debska shared her experiences, noting that Freiburg is a beautiful city full of students with plenty of activities to enjoy. She particularly enjoyed exploring the weekly market and engaging with locals, which greatly improved her confidence in speaking German. The immersion in German culture and daily life made language learning more enjoyable for her.
Caitlin Oldham also found the experience exciting and a great way to prepare for her year abroad. Freiburg's location near the Black Forest allowed her to explore and enjoy hiking as well as try various new foods, with her favorite being Stefans Käsekuchen (cheesecake) at the Freiburg market. The University of Freiburg was friendly and diverse, providing her with the opportunity to improve her language skills and confidence.
Both students were grateful for the opportunity to experience how the German language is used in everyday life and to put their learning into practice.
Swansea University offers German language programs at various levels and it can be studied on two single honors BA programs: BA Modern Languages and BA Modern Languages, Translation, and Interpreting. Students can also combine German with other languages or subjects like English Literature, History, or International Relations.
In addition to academic study, the university places a strong emphasis on career prospects for students studying German. They organize visits to career roadshows focused on jobs for German speakers and learners, in collaboration with the German Embassy, the Goethe-Institut, and the DAAD. These opportunities aim to provide a well-rounded experience for students studying German at Swansea University.