Amy Matchett

International Experience Country:
Germany
Cohort Year:
2010
Home Institution:

Thiel College

Heinz Programming Area:
Arts and Culture
International Experience Summary:

Amy Matchett spent a month studying the German language in Leipzig, Germany.  While attending classes at the Herder Institute through Leipzig University, she lived in a small urban neighborhood in an apartment with a young woman from southern China named Weh.  Amy’s roommate spoke minimal English, so Amy and Weh spoke only German in order to communicate.  In the classroom, Amy studied alongside students from Ecuador, Argentina, Hong Kong, Russia and Canada.  The classes were taught only in German by native professors.  By using only German throughout the whole trip, Amy was able to improve her speaking and writing skills while immersing herself into the European culture.  Graduating from the German program through Leipzig University, Amy scored an 88.6% on her written exam and a 90% on her oral exam.  By completing this course, she will receive 5 credit hours at Thiel College.  On weekends, Amy took the opportunity to travel to other German cities including, Berlin, Eisenach, Dresden, and Munich.  In Munich, Amy accomplished one of her life goals by visiting the Dachau concentration camp memorial site where she learned about the history of work camps during WWII.  It was here that she became extremely passionate about wanting to tell the story of the prisoners at concentration camps.  By being exposed to a whole new way of life in Germany and studying the history of the country, Amy was able to learn what it means to be a global citizen and improve her leadership skills in life and in the classroom.

Community Engagement Experience Summary:

CEE Title: Human Trafficking Awareness Day