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Sharing Culture, Experiences and Friendship: Insights from an Exchange Student at UD

Seizing the opportunity to study in a completely new country, develop meaningful friendships, and embracing new cultures are just a few things that Helena Denzel 19’ was able to accomplish throughout her year abroad at the University of Dayton (UD). Helena is a German-exchange student who is completing her junior year at UD, focusing on English and American Studies as her major. In May, she will be returning to Germany to prepare for her senior year and to complete her minor in German as a Second Language. Spending time with friends, cooking, and perusing through shops and restaurants in the Oregon District is where you can find Helena when she is not in class.

What interested you in studying abroad at the University of Dayton?

Augsburg University, where I study in Germany, has several exchange partners all over the world -- one of them being the University of Dayton. I chose to study at UD because I wanted to go somewhere for a year, and the other programs were only a semester long. At first it was a shock, but now I am glad that I chose to participate in the one year exchange.


Have you studied in the United States before?

No never. This was the first time that I even visited the United States. While I have lived and worked in English speaking countries (New Zealand and Australia), it was definitely a new experience with its own challenges to study abroad in an English-speaking country. When I flew into Detroit I thought, “wow everything is in squares -- the parking lots, fields, everything”. I knew other students from my university in Germany were also participating in the exchange program at UD, but I did not know them prior to meeting them here, since they were not from my department. It was a completely new experience for me.

Are you a member of any organizations on campus?

I live in the Global Learning Living Community (GLLC), an international learning community that is located in Caldwell Apartments on UD’s campus. It has allowed me to make close friendships with students from Morocco, Germany, France, Spain, and the United States.

Since exchange students arrive early in the summer, when I first arrived to my apartment it seemed more like an empty hotel room. I met with my Resident Assistant (RA) who helped me get sheets, pillows and even a battery charger that works with the outlets in the United States -- so that was very nice. I also had the opportunity to talk to my roommates throughout the summer before we moved in, so we could start getting things for the kitchen and living room. It was great to see the transformation from hotel room to a home that I shared with my roommates.

I was also enrolled in the GLLC 8-week mini course, last semester. It was amazing; I enjoyed learning about topics surrounding Global Citizenship. We also had the opportunity to experience international cuisine at restaurants in the Dayton area.


What is your favorite part of UD?

UD’s emphasis on community is very special to me. The campus at UD almost seems like its own district for students. In Germany we privately organize ourselves somewhere throughout the city because there is no campus for students to live in. We may have some buildings right next to our University for students to live in…but not as prominent as it is here at UD.


How have you shared your culture at the University of Dayton?

My friends and I cook together in my apartment, and I made a regional pasta to Germany that I make at home a lot. I also share my culture through conversations with other students at UD. Many students have been to Germany, or know a lot about Germany, so we are able to share our experiences and stories.


Learn more about the various exchange universities and opportunities by contacting the Education Abroad & Partnerships office at 937-229-3553 or visit Rike 208 for more information. 

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