Farewell to our Graduate Exchange Students!

For the 25/26 academic year, the German Department was pleased to host graduate exchange students Chiara Pandozzi (Universität Trier) and Zora Ruhla (TU Dresden). We are going to miss them both very much!

Chiara Pandozzi (Universität Trier)
The last two semesters have been filled with amazing opportunities on an academic, as well as on a personal level. From the beginning of my journey, my view of the exchange was shaped by the welcoming and inviting environment created by the professors and fellow students of the German department.

Being exposed to new perspectives on German literature, linguistics and pedagogy, both in my own classes and through the observation of others, has been a truly wonderful and enriching experience.

Thanks to the people in and outside of the department, I had a very lively and fulfilling time at Georgetown University. The graduate students created a lovely and accepting atmosphere and supported me through the ups and downs of both student and private life. This also included a wide range of activities and invitations: from private gatherings and exciting sporting events to the establishment of the GUGD running club, as well as deeply personal and emotional moments at birthdays and weddings.

During the regular get-togethers at Kaffestunde, I had the opportunity to meet students who were very passionate about learning and speaking German and engaging with one another. I am very grateful to have connected with the devoted attendees of the Kaffeestunde who were consistenly part of it, week after week.

Lastly, I would like to thank everybody who I have met throughout this exchange journey, as it not only broadened my perspectives but also contributed significantly to my personal growth.

Zora Ruhla (TU Dresden)
Nine months ago, I found myself in Washington, DC, carrying not only a heavy suitcase, but also a load of uncertainty and trust issues regarding my English-speaking abilities. At this time, I could never have imagined I would feel so comfortable living and studying at a place thousands of miles and an ocean away from home. However, when I finally made my way to the German Department to pick up my books for the first semester, discovering a novel written by Christa Wolf among them, my excitement continuously grew.

Arriving here suddenly became so easy, thanks to all the engaging graduate students and professors who took care of us newcomers and showed us the best spots in DC. I vividly remember our visits to the National Library of congress, Roosevelt Island, kayaking on the Potomac and seeing an American musical for the first time! Having come from a program with a large enrollment, I really enjoyed not just getting to know all of my fellow students but also becoming friends with them, sharing our lives between course discussions and finals, birthdays and weddings.

I’m so thankful for all the learning opportunities I had here during the past two semesters, both personally and professionally. With the guidance of my professors, and the opportunities to attend two conferences and many workshops, I was able to develop my academic research and writing abilities considerably, improving my work ethics and efficiency, exploring new genres (Graphic Novels!) and discovering wonderful new novels and authors. Getting insight into the German Departments Systemic Functional Linguistics based approach to language teaching has given me a completely new perspective on language and literature. Now, I’m so excited to apply and develop further what I’ve learned here at home. Thank you so much for this rewarding year and take care!