German Alumni

"The German program at Wheaton gave me a deep understanding of the German language and culture. Since moving to Berlin for a year of volunteer social work (Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr), I have been able to immediately connect with the Germans around me, as well as to help the refugees and immigrants I work with to learn the German language. Danke sehr Dr. Elliot and Dr. Shaeffer." - Clayton, Music and German double major, '25

“I almost tested out of German but felt a nudge to brush up on the language. Now I’m on year three of living and working in the Black Forest of Germany.” - Noah, Communication major, German minor, '24

"The Wheaton in Germany program was my favorite part of my Wheaton experience. It grew my German to the point where I felt comfortable teaching it to high schoolers, which I did for two years at Black Forest Academy in Germany." - Elise, English and German double major, '23

"...the German language skills I acquired at Wheaton (and honed while doing an M.A. in Germany) are of great value. My language skills allow me to read primary and secondary source materials without a problem." - Tyler, History and German double major, '06

"My German major helped me understand the cultural nuances and differences between Germany and Americans...(including) 'German directness' and the importance Germans place on attention to detail and thoroughness. This was very useful when I conversed with my German clients and colleagues." - Travis, Business/Economics and German double major, '06

"Looking back, the decision to study German was one of the best that I made in college." - Alisa, German major, '05

"...having already studied a foreign language has definitely helped me as I now try to tackle Indonesian, and a bit of Javanese. I am familiar with the process of learning a new language, the techniques and methods that work for me, having already gone through this process in German. That certainly works to my advantage. Also, my study of German culture - specifically, its Turkish/Muslim minority - has informed my understanding of Muslim-Christian dialogue." - Mark, International Relations and German double major, '05

"Being a German major at Wheaton has really, truly shaped the course of my life..." Eric, German major, '05

"After I joined the firm, word traveled pretty quickly that I knew German. As a result, I've had several opportunities over the last four years to use my German skills directly to assist clients and cases." - Josh, English and Political Science double major, German minor, '02

"I use the skills I gained as a German major every day." - Inga, German major, '05