Student Views on majoring in German
	Debbie Prowse studied for a BA Hons in German and an LLB. She spent 1994 in Germany on a German government scholarship funded by the D.A.A.D. and two months in Austria funded by the Austrian government prior to completing her German honours degree in 1995 and her Law degree in 1996. "Making the decision to pursue a career in a foreign language in New Zealand is not easy. In 1988 I was selected to go on AFS Intercultural Exchange Service to West Germany. I attended a German High School and lived with a German host family. This enabled me to experience a country whose history, culture and outlook on life continues to fascinate me. In 1990 I commenced a Double Honours Degree in German and Law at Otago University. As I write this, I am in Freiburg, Germany, courtesy of a German Academic Exchange Scholarship,
which allows me to spend a semester at Freiburg University. I will spend the Winter Semester at the University of Vienna researching for my dissertation, financed by an Austrian Academic Exchange Service Scholarship. My ability to speak German has given me the opportunity to experience life in Germany in a way which as a mono-linguist would never have been possible. It has opened up the world of German literature to me, allowed me to read about D-Day festivities from a German point of view, and enabled me to change the stereotypical view of New Zealand which many Germans have - as a tropical paradise in which sheep outnumber inhabitants by 20 to 1. The friends whom I have made here know the German me. The feeling of having two sides to one's character is an experience which is often frustrating, but allows one freedom to be someone else, without the pressure to act in a manner determined by the environment of home. The literature which I have been exposed to, both in Europe and in New Zealand, plays an important role in my knowledge of what being German, Swiss or Austrian means, as well as giving me a valuable insight into the culture and history of those countries. The choice I have made to study German at University has enabled me to move beyond the conversational level of language learning, to using my linguistic skills as a means of literary appreciation. When I return to New Zealand, I have two years of University studies to complete. My plans for the long term future are not definite, but I feel with my ability to speak German, my experience in Europe and my legal background, I would like to enter the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Whether I eventually have the opportunity to use my language skills in New Zealand is not certain, but I do have plans to continue my studies at a later date, in the hope of finding a position as a lecturer in German. The ability to speak, read and write in a foreign language opens many doors to those who make the decision to 'go against the flow' and continue with their language studies." In 1996 Debbie successfully applied for a position with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
	Jane: "Hi! 1997 is my final year at Otago University. I'm studying towards an Honours degree in German. Why did I choose German? Firstly, I love languages, and German in particular. After high school I was lucky enough to go on an exchange trip to Germany for a year. This convinced me that languages are also incredibly useful. In my first year I combined German with Chinese, English and Legal Studies. I enjoyed all of these subjects, but was particularly attracted to the German department. The lecturers are very approachable
and it is a friendly, stimulating environment to study in. I've made some great friends through studying German. I certainly don't regret my decision to study German. Not only can I now speak the language fluently, but the literature courses offered have also given me an invaluable insight into many aspects of German culture and history. There are so many talented German writers! Last year I received a scholarship, funded by the German government, to study in Germany for a Semester. This was a unique experience. It was encouraging to discover that I was able to perform alongside 'real' Germans in the courses I took at the University there. I consider this a very positive reflection on the quality of teaching at Otago. So, where to from here?! During my studies many people asked me: "But what can you DO with German?" It's been encouraging to find myself in a position of having to choose what I WANT to do. Options included journalism, foreign affairs, teaching and translating. And translating is what it is to be! I start work in Wellington in early November as Assistant Translator for the Translation Sevice within the Department of Internal Affairs."
Anne Douglas (BSc Hons in Geology) was recently awarded a year's scholarship by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for postgraduate study in Germany. Anne managed to fit 3 years of German into her Science degree, and undoubtedly having German strengthened her scholarship application. She writes: "The German language and culture has been a significant part of my life for the last ten years. Learning German has added a colourful dimension to my academic studies and provided a catalyst for travel and meeting new people. As Igrew up in rural areas of the South
Island, I became fascinated by other cultures. I have always wanted to travel overseas, and learning a foreign language was the first step to reaching this goal. At high school and later at university, the diversity that learning German provided became increasingly important. My academic studies have been focused mainly on science, and German classes often came as a welcome relief, encouraging self-expression and an alternative way of thinking. Most recently my knowledge of German has given me the opportunity to explore options of undertaking postgraduate studies in Germany, and to take advantage of academic scholarships set aside for German-speaking New Zealanders. My linguistic skills have also been an asset when seeking employment. In a competitive job market, knowledge of a foreign language can be an important factor in setting you apart form other candidates. This knowledge has allowed me to consider more varied avenues of employment than would have otherwise been possible."