DAAD Young Ambassadors

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• Durham University

  

  © copyright P. Arnold

  Polly Arnold

  Durham University

  Hallo!
  I am Polly Arnold, a final-year student of Modern Languages and Cultures at Durham University. I have recently had the privilege of spending a year studying at the University of Heidelberg, which has been the most exciting and rewarding part of my degree. Spending a year in such a wonderful city meant I was able to get to know a wonderful international cohort of people, get involved in political and cultural events, and get stuck into interpreting and translation, which I hadn’t studied as much at my home university.
  
  My experience of studying abroad has shown me that everyone should have the opportunity to experience what Germany has to offer. Studying there can broaden your horizons, and international communication and exchange is an irreplaceable experience and skill. I took the opportunity to visit as many new towns and cities as possible during my time in Germany, as well as attending local festivals, visiting museums, and meeting with the Heidelberg Grüne Jugend during the election period.
  
  From studying the entire range of German courses at my home university, to delving into courses at Heidelberg ranging from the German political system and the European Union to poetry, and grammatical mistakes even Muttersprachler make, the variation and excitement of a year abroad has helped shape me into a more confident and flexible person, who can’t wait to inspire others to do the same.
  
  In my role as a Young Ambassador, I am delighted to be able to encourage and help others to take the step towards this life-changing experience.
  

  E-mail: kzlf92durham.ac.uk

• Newcastle University

  

  © copyright B. Shanks-Davison

  Bibiana Shanks-Davison

  Newcastle University

  Hi everyone!
  My name is Bibi and I am going into my final year of studying Modern Languages at Newcastle University in the U.K. I chose to study three languages- German, Spanish and Portuguese, and even studied a bit of Dutch, but I think you can guess which is my favourite!
  
  I've been learning German since secondary school, and took it both at A-Level and GCSE, and now am pursuing it as part of my degree. This year I was fortunate enough to gain a place on an intensive German course in Berlin with the IIK (Institut fuer Internationale Kommunikation) which lasted a month. It truly was an amazing and enriching experience where I got to meet other like-minded German students from all over the world. Berlin honestly changed my life, and I just fell in love with the city. It was quite a shock for my relatively suburban lifestyle! Following this I studied for five months in Graz, Austria, taking classes in German and Spanish. I fell even more in love with German after seeing how much variety it has. Following this, I studied for three months in Spain before coming back home to England, where I have been preparing myself for the exciting yet challenging year ahead, in addition to my life post-graduation!

  E-mail: b.shanks-davison2newcastle.ac.uk

• University of Bristol

  Kate Foster

  University of Bristol

  E-mail: kateevefostericloud.com

• University of Cambridge

  Rebecca Rae

  University of Cambridge

  E-mail: rnr31cam.ac.uk

• University of East Anglia

  

  © copyright Green, L

  Lowell Green

  University of East Anglia

  Hi! My name’s Lowell and I’m from London, currently pursuing a joint honours degree in Politics and Economics from the University of East Anglia in Norwich. This will be my fourth academic year, having just returned from my year abroad studying at the Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität in Munich. I’m looking forward to joining the DAAD as a young ambassador to share my experience with other students looking to explore studying in Germany.
  
  Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to experience an entirely new cultural and educational environment, but I was specifically grateful every day for my choice to do so in Bavaria’s capital, Munich. Often referred to as one big village, the city is an exceptionally comfortable place to live. It was voted the most walkable city of 2025, while still having everything you could want culturally and socially. My favourite German policy, the Deutschlandticket, also allowed me to travel at no extra cost to the Alps, where I spent probably every other weekend hiking.
  
  The quality of education at LMU was outstanding and I felt motivated every day to engage with my studies. I would love the opportunity to return to Germany to further my studies, and my fluency in German, with a Master’s degree in Munich. I hope working the DAAD will keep me connected to this dream and show others the benefits I have enjoyed from my experience.
  
  

  E-mail: xqc22yuuuea.ac.uk

• University of Exeter

  

  © copyright Z. Christie

  Zoe Christie

  University of Exeter

  Hallo! My name is Zoe and I am a fourth-year Modern Languages student (French, German and Spanish) at the University of Exeter.
  
  My connection with the DAAD started in 2023 when I was one of the winners of the DAAD/ILCS German Language Competition. My prize was a trip to Berlin, visiting das Deutsche Historische Museum and meeting the curator of the exhibition “Es hätte auch anders kommen können” which was the inspiration for the competition.
  
  Since 2024 I have been a Studentenvertreterin for the UK German Ambassador Miguel Berger’s ‘Making the Case for German’ initiative, working alongside the DAAD, Goethe-Instutut and the German Embassy to promote German language learning in the UK.
  
  To fulfil the year abroad requirement for my three-language degree I studied at Valencia University last year. Alongside my courses in German, I took part in the 'Europa macht Schule' programme coordinated by the DAAD, visiting a local Spanish school to teach the pupils about an aspect of British culture “auf Deutsch”!
  
  My language learning has come a long way since I learnt the words "Kann ich helfen", a phrase I made great use of on my first visit to Germany aged five. I loved learning German at secondary school so studying German at university wasn't even a question for me!
  
  Languages have always been my passion. As I have progressed further in my studies, I recognise the importance of communication and intercultural awareness. I am looking forward to promoting the DAAD programmes at the University of Exeter.
  

  E-mail: zab201exeter.ac.uk

• University of Galway

  

  © copyright Butterfield, L

  Luke Butterfield

  University of Galway

  Hi, my name is Luke and I am a final year LLB student at the University of Galway. I'm very excited to be a DAAD young ambassador this year.
  
  My journey with German began in secondary school, where I studied it at GCSE and A-Level. I then went on to do a BA in Law and German where in third year I had the opportunity to spend my Erasmus year in Frankfurt am Main, and I can honestly say this was one of the best years of my life! Although it was scary at the start, I feel like I grew so much as a person and learnt a lot about myself.
  
  German is a real passion of mine, and has opened so many doors, and in this role, I really want to help others who are interested in going to Germany discover just how many opportunities there are, and how the DAAD can help.
  
  So if you have any queries or even if you want to know more about the DAAD and how they can help you spend some unforgettable time in Germany, please do shoot me a wee email. Alles Gute und viel Spaß!
  

  E-mail: l.butterfield1universityofgalway.ie

• University of Limerick

  

  © copyright C. Kelly

  Ciaran Kelly

  University of Limerick

  Hallo! My name is Ciaran Kelly and I just graduated from the four year Bachelor of Arts programme at the University of Limerick (UL), where I studied German Advanced and Linguistics with TESOL. I am now starting my Masters in Post-primary Education with German and ESL at UL which lasts two years.
  
  I first started learning German in secondary school in 2015 and fell in love with the language after visiting the Christmas markets in Cologne. I decided to continue learning German in University and was lucky enough to receive a DAAD Scholarship which landed me in Munich for a summer. Since then I completed an internship in a Kindergarten in Cologne for six months, did one year at the Pädagogische Hochschule Karlsruhe for my Erasmus programme, and have continuously worked with Humboldt Institut as a Summer Camp Supervisor. I also got the opportunity in the past few years to teach English in Germany, teach German in Ireland, work and volunteer with my University language department, and complete several language courses.
  
  My overall experience of living and working in Germany has been so rewarding and I love talking about every experience I’ve had with the German language, so please feel free to contact me with any questions or worries you might have. I also love talking about Irish-German connections thanks to my wonderful lecturers at UL.
  
  Fun fact: I’ve visited all but two Bundesländer in Germany!
  

  E-mail: 21236879studentmail.ul.ie

• University of Liverpool

  

  © copyright N. Woodhead

  Natalie Woodhead

  University of Liverpool

  Hallöchen! My name is Nat and I study History and German at the University of Liverpool, where I started studying German from ab initio, due to the lack of availability of A-level German in my area.
  
  I spent 10 months in Germany undergoing an internship with a nuclear energy company in Bavaria in their training centre, being immersed in the German language and German culture. I also learnt about the differing opinions on nuclear energy in Germany. During this year, I loved the opportunity to experience Germany through travel. I spent most weekends exploring Germany, other German-speaking countries, and the rest of Europe, trying different traditional foods to get a glimpse into each country’s culture. I especially loved experiencing Bavarian culture through folk festivals and events.
  
  Improving my German language skills, whilst in Germany was a unique and enriching experience; I loved speaking to and learning from native speakers, which improved my German. I spoke German every day for multiple hours, something that I miss greatly, now that I am back in the UK.
  Additionally, I love how learning another language has furthered my understanding of history. I have always had a special interest in modern history, especially modern German history; understanding German has allowed greater access to more primary and secondary sources, which has furthered my historical understanding of Germanic history.
  
  I am excited to be part of the DAAD’s Young Ambassador Programme to share how exciting learning German and experiencing a year abroad can be!
  

  E-mail: hsnwood3liverpool.ac.uk

• University of Manchester

  

  © copyright J. Cogan

  Joe Cogan

  University of Manchester

  Hey! My name is Joe, and I am a Masters student at the University of Manchester, studying Political Science with a focus on the politics and policies of the EU!
  
  My experience with the German language began at school, but after my A-Levels, I opted to pursue a degree in Classics. However, during my undergraduate studies at Durham University I was lucky enough to spend a lovely year at Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, where I fell back in love with German culture and language so much that once I had graduated, I returned to Germany as an English Language Assistant in Bonn!
  
  I’ve returned home now to begin my postgraduate studies with a view to potentially returning to Germany in future. In the meantime, I want to assist and offer guidance to those considering a stay in Germany, especially those from unrelated courses. My time abroad was one of the best experiences of my life, and I am passionate about ensuring more people are aware that this opportunity is open to them too!
  
  If you have any questions regarding my experience or more general questions about life in Germany, please do not hesitate to reach out! I look forward to hearing from as many of you as possible and making sure you make the best, life-changing decision of your life!
  

  E-mail: joseph.coganpostgrad.manchester.ac.uk

• University of Nottingham

  

  © copyright Darcy, E

  Elizabeth Darcy

  University of Nottingham

  Hallo! I am Elizabeth Darcy, fourth year Modern Languages and Business student at the University of Nottingham. This year, I am excited to be a DAAD Ambassador to promote the study of German language and culture!
  
  I have recently been on my year abroad and loved studying in Bremen for 5 months. Practicing my German with native speakers was fantastic and boosted my confidence in class. I loved the student community at Universität Bremen. There were regular events for students and I also joined Campus Kino, the university’s film society. We hosted film nights weekly, which not only helped me improve my German but also gave me the chance to make amazing friends. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and it became a highlight of my time abroad. Living in Germany gave me an appreciation for how different cultures operate and I emersed myself in the German culture. I was able to travel to visit fellow students in other parts of Germany and explore so many different regions and develop my understanding of different dialects.
  
  In January, I began studying in Ningbo, China. Whilst studying, I participated in the 7th Language Learning Conference, where I took part in a symposium on developing confidence when learning a new language. This experience allowed me to gain an insight on presenting, interacting with an audience and reflecting on my year abroad.
  
  I can't wait to bring all the experiences from my year abroad and enthusiasm for the German culture to my role as young ambassador!
  

  E-mail: elizabeth.darcy1outlook.com

• University of Oxford

  

  © copyright J. Wang

  Joanna Wang

  University of Oxford

  Hi everyone! I’m Joanna Wang, and I graduated from University College London this July with a degree in Comparative Literature. Although I had never studied German before university, I was fascinated by authors such as Schiller and Kafka and hoped to read them in the original. In my first year, I discovered medieval German literature, which soon became a lasting academic interest.
  
  To deepen this interest—and to learn more about the country so cherished by many of my lecturers—I spent my third year abroad at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. There, I continued my studies while immersing myself in a German-speaking environment. At first it was daunting, as I had only studied German for two years, but everyone was welcoming, and I gradually found my footing. I even contributed to the curriculum by introducing a Chinese text from a comparative perspective, which was especially meaningful to me.
  
  Since returning to the UK, I’ve stayed in close contact with the friends I made in Berlin. I’ve also spoken with several second-year students preparing for their own year abroad, sharing advice and helping them look forward to the experience.
  
  Looking back, I treasure my time in Germany for the friendships I built, the chance to pursue my academic interests, and the insights I gained into German culture. I would be delighted to share my experiences with others at my MA university this year!
  

  E-mail: joanna.wang.21alumni.ucl.ac.uk

• University of St Andrews

  

  © copyright C. Beechinor-Collins

  Chloe Collins

  University of St Andrews

  Hallöchen!
  My name is Chloe. I am an incoming 4th year student studying German and Russian at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. I have been studying German since secondary school after having been enamoured by the language’s case system and collective nouns.
  
  From September 2024 to February 2025 I lived and worked in Berlin for a translation and proofreading company specialising in publications from the art and art history field of study. It was in Berlin that I discovered the countless opportunities that Germany can provide for residents: the Deutschlandticket, volunteering at Sprachcafés, Tandem Programmes offered by universities to meet new people and practise your language skills, as well as the VÖBB library card, which gave me access to more than 50 Berlin libraries. I also became familiar with the German Pop Music scene, with artists such as Nina Chuba, 01099, Ski Aggu and ENNIO now filling my Spotify playlists. I also actively enjoy reading German contemporary literature from authors such as Benedict Wells.
  
  My experience in Berlin has inspired my desire to complete my Masterstudium in Germany after my undergraduate degree at St Andrews. This year, along with my position at the university’s Department of German as German Convenor, I am delighted to encourage my fellow students to work in Germany, like I did, as well as to engage with possibilities for student exchange and study.
  
  

  E-mail: cbc20st-andrews.ac.uk