My year as a DAAD Young Ambassador started August 2023 in New York during the orientation workshops.
Let me tell you what I got up to as a brand ambassador!
The first event I ran during my year as a DAAD Young Ambassador was at the Arts Major Showcase and the University of Waterloo.
This event is aimed at students already enrolled in the university but have yet to declare a major. This event gives them a chance to explore the different faculties, as well as their departments, and see what they have available.
It felt awesome being able to support my university, represent my department as an Allumni, and educate my fellow students on what is possible with a German degree.
We chatted a lot about the study abroad programs and funding opportunities that the @DAAD.usa has to offer the students interested.
The second event I ran was during the University of Waterloo's International Education Week.
During this week, there are dozens of events happening all over campus that promote expanding your education abroad.
I ran a booth in the Modern Languages building that aimed to promote the study and research abroad opportunities. I also promoted the incredible funding offered through the DAAD.
We had Haribo gummy bears, Swiss chocolate, a spin to win wheel with prizes, and tons of information on the DAAD.
The spin to win wheel did a lot of heavy lifting to draw students in at these events, so much so that professors in the department were asking to keep it for future events.
The third event I ran was at the Open House for the University of Waterloo.
During the open house, prospective high school students and their parents come to the university to explore what we have to offer.
Since I have an Honours Bachelor of Arts in German, naturally I was in the Arts faculty, specifically at the German department booth.
I was, not only, representing my major, but also the DAAD.
I cannot tell you how happy it made me to chat with students interested in joining the department, be that through a major, minor, or diploma, as well as talk about all the amazing courses and study abroad opportunities we have available, not just through UW, but also through the DAAD, CSSG program, and Goethe.
My fourth event was an online event. I did an Instagram takeover over on the DAAD USA's official instagram page.
For this takeover, I created a reel where I gave tips on what to bring to Germany based on my own experience studying abroad.
I also created short videos, posted as a story, where I detailed some moments from my time studying abroad. I talked about going to the Berlin Zoo, staying in a hostel in the city of Hann. Münden, hiking in Luxembourg, and more.
You can check those out over on the DAAD's instagram page in their Takeover Tuesdays highlight.
I had a lot of fun creating content for them and getting to interact with their audience.
UofT In-Class Presentation
For my first event of 2024, I did a pre-recorded in-class presentation at the University of Toronto. This presentation detailed information about the study and research abroad opportunities, as well as the vast amounts of funding available for all programs (short language courses, summer courses, degrees, and so much more) that the DAAD has to offer.
The presentation was presented for a first year German class taught by the ever so accomplished Owen Meunier. It was great getting to collaborate with another passionate German language instructor at a different Canadian university.
My next event took place in March during the second Faculty of Arts Open House at the University of Waterloo.
This event is very similar to the November Open House. Each department sets up a booth for prospective students and their parents to have the chance to chat with professors and students in the department. They ask questions such as "Do I need prior knowledge of German? What level of proficiency will I get to? What kind of courses can I take?"
When we talk about degree requirements, we often talk about going abroad which is where I come in! Not only am I a DAAD Young Ambassador, but I also went abroad during my degree and had those credits count towards my degree. Thus, I can speak to my experiences.
I always love being able to support my department in whatever way I can (the spin to win wheel has officially been donated). Being an educator as well, I also love events centered around informing and encouraging students in the academic journeys.
Advertising Campaign - Computer Science Faculty
Initially, I had reached out to the computer science faculty to write and article on the DAAD's RISE program for their students. However, their communications officer had an alternate suggestion.
Instead of an article, we decided to create an advertising campaign, which you can see above. This campaign will be displayed across all four digital screens in DC building, all in high traffic areas, From October till December 2024.
Articles - Earth Sciences & Biology
I also reached out to the Earth Science faculty as well as the Biology faculty to inquire about writing an article for them too. Both faculties were interested, so I sent along a one page article that they shared privately as a newsletter to their students.
This article detailed the application deadlines, facts about the internships and scholarships available through the DAAD and Mitacs, as well as shared resources for more information such as testimonials from students who have done these internships prior.
With that, my first term with the DAAD came to a close. I would say it was quite a successful year! We put on 7 events total; 4 in person and 3 online, as well as 6+ articles.
I thought this would be my one and only term with the DAAD, but excitingly, I just got the news that I have been renewed for next school term as well! So, here's to another year as DAAD Young Ambassador!
I already can't wait to put on more events promoting the DAAD and continuing to support my department!
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