Jenna Byrd, ’22, was recently awarded a prestigious fellowship to Germany. The mass communication graduate is one of 75 Americans selected to study and work in Germany, August 2022 through June 2023, as part of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals program. Approximately 450 young professionals competed for the opportunity. 

“I wanted to live in the country and experience things firsthand,” Byrd said. “I’ve taken German language courses but never got to practice outside of class. So, my skills were falling short. I knew I wanted to catch up.” 

To compete for the fellowship, she participated in several mock and official interviews, had letters of recommendation written, completed a lengthy application and more.

So far, Byrd and her U.S. cohort have traveled to many countries bordering Germany for pleasure and to look into their relationship with their temporary home.

She discovered an “understood boundary” that exists between people in Germany.

“This is not a thing in America,” Byrd said. “Here, people keep to themselves, but they are so bright and kind that getting to know them is incredibly worthwhile.”

She also learned that communication is key, especially with her host families. 

“Like in all relationships, you have to talk about your differences, preferences and daily joys,” Byrd said. “Living with hosts has encouraged me to do just that. Some days, it’s nice to relax in my room and rest while listening to the rain. They understand that. Other days, I’m down to go out and have a ball. So far, this year has shown me I’m capable of being the communicator I know I can be.”

Every day she’s learning new things about herself and Germany, which have greatly impacted her.

“When most of us leave college, we’re stagnant; we’re either in the process of finding a job, beginning a new routine or just figuring things out,” Byrd said. “I knew I didn’t want to find myself there. Instead, I took a massive leap, deciding to partake in all this. I’m happier than I imagine I’d be elsewhere.”

Byrd and fellow students began their studies at a language school, known as a “sprachschule,” in one of three cities. She’s was placed in Köln (Cologne). Now that the two months at the sprachschule are over, students have moved to permanent placement cities. Byrd is placed in Berlin along with some fellowship recipients. Others are placed throughout the country and will remain in their permanent placement for the university and internship phases of their time abroad. 

The biggest thing she’s learned from this experience is adaptability—something she can apply in her career fields of advertising and public relations.

“I’ve always been a very schedule-oriented person, so learning to take each day as it comes has been difficult,” Byrd said. “The ‘real world’ cannot be planned ahead of time. Some days will take turns that weren’t expected, and they could be the best couple of experiences you’ve ever had.”

She plans to bring this mindset with her into her next professional space, because it allows her to trust those around her. Having faith that things will work out is key.

Byrd learned how different countries advertise in various ways. This also reinforced how important it is to be flexible in her chosen profession. 

“In the field of communication, everyone is always looking for the next popular thing,” she said. “I’ve found out that Germans are still massive fans of postcards, and they even use them for advertising. I was shocked. You never know what fad will come up next. It’s important to be able to swim through the waves, both professionally and personally.”

Byrd also learned that to lead a fulfilling life, one must branch out and work with people who are different than oneself.

“You must become worldly,” Byrd said. “Stepping out of your comfort zone is where all of your growth will stem from.”

She’s educating herself and those around her to embrace others and not stand divided by skin color, religion, sexual identity, gender, class, etc.

“I’ve always stood for that,” Byrd said. “This 11-month adventure has shown me far more about acceptance and the celebration of our differences.”

For fun, she attended Oktoberfest in Munich, Bavaria, which she deemed “incredible.”

She also toured the Cologne Chocolate Museum known as “Schokoladenmuseum Köln,” where she had her favorite German food or Soufflé Noisette—a warm, chocolate tartlet with a soft center served with caramelized walnuts and white chocolate ice cream.

“This was easily the best dessert of my life,” Byrd said. “It was perfect. Europe is known for its chocolatier history. The dish and visit were nothing short of amazing.”

Byrd has especially enjoyed getting to know her cohort mates. 

“We are all so spectacularly different and wonderful,” she said. “Each day, we have new stories to share with each other about our adventures throughout the country. I’ll miss them dearly as we continue onto to the next few phases.”

Byrd stayed with the Nimtz family in Köln. The family consists of a mother, Melanie; father, Markus; two sons—Hannes and Jasper; and daughter, Greta. Byrd’s room was decorated with artwork and bookcases lining the wall.

Now, she has moved to Berlin to live with her new host mother, Christine Zwemke, who has two sons—Ilias and Niels. Both live in Berlin, as well. Byrd and Zwemke have since begun exploring the city and getting to know one another. Bryd feels incredibly welcomed and right at home.

Before she leaves Germany next summer, she wants to have a network of personal and professional connections established. Although this is expected of her as a diplomat for cultural exchange, she intends to push herself even further with it.

“I want the type of relationships that last a lifetime, ones with people who I can continue creating memories with,” Byrd said. “The love I have for this country, its citizens and expatriates will not leave once I get on the plane home. A piece of me will always be here.”

Learn more about this year’s cohort in the CBYX for Young Professionals program.