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Young motivated Germans become modern education-nomads – but will they be part of what the media terms an ‘exodus of German professionals’?
Eva Müller*, 20, born in Münster Germany, will graduate from a liberal arts US College in May, majoring in biochemistry, minoring in mathematics. In October, she will continue her studies on a full scholarship at the University of Cambridge, UK, pursuing her Ph.D. in medicine. “I might do a postdoctoral degree in the United States, but it is my goal to ultimately return to Germany and lecture as a professor at the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich.”
Lea Braun*, 21, born in Leipzig, Germany, is a sophomore at a prestigious German University, studying towards a B.A. in molecular biotechnology, and sits on the national board for biotechnology students. “I would like to study in the U.S. because I expect more money for research, better equipment, more ‘biotechnological freedom’ due to less stringent law, and distinction for my resume.”
More than one million international students studied in the US over the past seven years as stated by the Institute of International Education. Only eight countries send more students annually than Germany. Georg Braun, President of the German board of Industry and Trade states on the official website: “More and more young people turn their backs on Germany.” In 2005, 145,000 Germans emigrated, the highest rate since 1954. “That should set off an alarm bell.” Youth today seems more career-driven and mobile then their counterparts in earlier generations. Companies expect excellent grades, experience abroad, fluency in several languages, social engagement, flexibility, and much more. In an attempt to compete, students look for the best possible education and international exposure, in the process redefining their identity, and reflecting upon the meaning and application of citizenship.
Eva Müller, the embodiment of the stereotype tall blond German with blue eyes, studying at America’s East Coast, is one of the young nomads migrating in pursuit of knowledge. Although she was accepted by Kings College London, she chose MHC because of “the liberal arts education and the big financial aid package… I have only had positive experiences with my professors. Especially my advisor is very helpful, always caring, asking you how you are and actually being interested.”
Yet, it is difficult for Eva to be away from home. She learned that bread, washing machines, and public holidays are not the same abroad. Longing for her family she became painfully aware how far 4,089 miles are, but being exposed to international experiences is what Eva calls “character building.” Sitting in her dorm room underneath the German flag, she admits: “I import food, sweets and even toothpaste from Germany, but then I only wear American clothes like GAP jeans and my favorite store is Anthropology,” – this makes Eva somewhat of a cultural hybrid. “To immerse myself in a different culture and language, to build international networks, to use the freedom of the US education system to maximize my knowledge gain, and then to return to Germany, apply what I have learned and improve the German system, that is what I want to do.”
In the case of Eva Müller there is hope she might return, but Germany agonizes over the brain drain effect that draws highly educated and motivated young professionals away. Politicians agreed something had to happen: Germany decided to remodel the education system. The country’s degree system was considered old-fashioned and was therefore brought in line with the internationally recognized B.A., M.S., Ph.D. system. The notion of elite universities modeled on Ivy League institutions was introduced; an idea foreign to Germany’s traditional approach of free, accessible, and equal tertiary education for all.
Lea Braun, is enrolled in one of the new ‘elite’ courses of study. According to her, “the German elite debate is like flower wallpaper covering an old brittle wall.” In the overhasty attempt to declare ‘elite’ as a new concept applying to German universities and students alike, the baby was thrown out with the bathwater. Fees have been introduced for the first time in German history, but no scheme for funding. Certain universities have been declared elite, without ensuring they have the equipment, enrollment and professors to deserve the name. The German approach to education is still sink or swim; Professors are not easily accessible, usually lectures cater to several hundred students, and for certain majors D is the average grade. “I am very frustrated, because my alleged elite course of study does not support me in the least. On the contrary, the expected standards are so high that you are lucky if you barely pass an exam. I am really dissatisfied with the German educations system which is why I am planning to study abroad.”
Looking at individual life-stories suggests that emigration is not always a conscious choice. Take Eva Paus, Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for Global Initiatives at MHC, who reflects upon “the twists of fate that had led me to acquire [U.S.] citizenship,” in an op-ed run in the Sunday Republican on May 5, 2002. Take Gabriele Wittig Davis, Chair of German Studies, who married and subsequently stayed. Take Janna Busse, 26, political science major at the University of Potsdam, currently at MHC on exchange, who is certain: “I could live anywhere, but I will always remain German.”
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Marcia C. Schenck
I am a junior studying International Relations, History, and African Studies in the United States, Mount Holyoke College. I was born and raised in Germany and South Africa.
I love learning more about South Africa. I volunteered at a local NGO and interned with the Department of Social Services and Poverty Alleviation last summer. This summer I spent in Geneva at the International Labor Organization. I am passionate about travelling, reading, and writing.
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