Meet Tulane's new DAAD Young Ambassodor for 2011-12 ... Lance Waters!
It is our department's great pleasure to congratulate Lance Waters, a senior pursuing a double major in German Studies and political science, for his selection as a 2011-12 DAAD Young Ambassador. The DAAD Young Ambassador program encourages students who have gone abroad to become "Young Ambassadors that will help inspire their fellow students to study in Germany by working their universities' study abroad offices, volunteer at study abroad fairs, answering questions from students and organizing their own events on campus." It is an amazing achievement that demonstrates his passion for the German culture and his ardent desire to help his peers find their passion as well. Here are some of his thoughts from an interview conducted by the German department.
Lance Waters
Origin: Memphis, TN
Major: Political Science; German Studies
Education: Tulane University; Semester: Universidad Complutense de Madrid; Year: Humboldt Universität zu Berlin; Summer Program at: Pontifica Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
Languages: Spanish, German and Catalan.
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How do you feel about becoming the DAAD Young Ambassador for Tulane?
Being named a DAAD Young Ambassador is both an honor and a privilege. The German community both in New Orleans and abroad has been more than generous with my academic growth. This award allows me to give back to the community. With the assistance of DAAD, I intend to broaden awareness of contemporary Germany at Tulane and promote studying abroad in Germany among students. All in all, I hope to persuade others not pass up the many doors which Germany and the German language open.
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What were your expectations for your studies in Germany and how have they been met?
The decision to participate in a study abroad program is always a good one, though studying in Germany is—in my opinion—a better one. Despite having previously studied in Madrid, my time in Berlin exceeded all my expectations. My experience as a student in Berlin was marked by accessible professors, a broad academic curriculum, modern facilities, and contact with students from around the world. In many ways, the country also acts as a counterweight to the prevailing cynicism toward social and political issues. Fascinating for any student of the liberal arts, the German model demonstrates how a state can successfully contend with issues such as reunification, identity, multiculturalism, and social welfare. Germany offers students not only the opportunity to study at renowned academic institutions but also the opportunity to get to know a country posed to expand economically and play an ever greater role in global affairs.
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How has Tulane shaped your German interest?
Tulane's German department and the university's overall commitment to the concerns of undergraduate students made all of this possible. The institution stresses how students can realize their academic ambitions, such studying abroad in two foreign languages, instead of proving impediments. Moreover, I am particularly grateful to the faculty at the Tulane German department who encouraged my interest in Germany and my decision to study abroad a year in Berlin. The department, in particular, makes an effort to promote and encourage each individual student's academic growth.
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What do you look forward to as a Young Ambassador?
As a DAAD Young Ambassador, I look most forward to working alongside the Tulane German department and the German-speaking community in New Orleans. I am very fortunate to reside in a city whose inhabitants serve, in effect, as stewards to the community's cultural diversity; this even includes New Orleans' German heritage. All in all, I am also looking forward to assisting students as they weigh their study abroad options and to presenting the reasons why students should seriously consider Germany as a place to study.
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What advice would you leave for future students interested in studying abroad?
Concerning advice for prospective study-abroad students, there is honestly not much that I can add that hasn't already been said. Though, I would emphasize the need to limit one's reliance on English-language media while abroad and to avoid being merely an academic tourist. Studying abroad also gives students the rare opportunity to constantly confront one's prejudices and preconceptions against a new reality. I would recommend taking advantage of such an opportunity.
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What are your future plans?
After graduating from Tulane University, I hope to attend law school and aspire to work in the fields of either comparative or immigration law.