PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — After a successful year of participation, Northern Maine Community College hopes to be involved again next year with the Cultural Vistas Program — a program that brings young German professionals to the U.S. to provide them with an understanding of American life and education.
During the 2014-15 academic year, 20-year-old Viola Neugebaur of Bad Neustadt, Germany lived and studied on the NMCC campus, taking courses in business and literature.
“My brother had a similar opportunity in Canada, but I always wanted to come to the United States,” explained Neugebaur. “It was an intense application process but very much worth it.”
Out of 7,000 applicants, the program gives 75 German students the chance to experience cultural immersion in the U.S. The program has existed for 31 years as a public diplomacy initiative of the U.S. and German governments.
“NMCC students have the opportunity to broaden their horizons by interacting with foreign students,” says Bill Egeler, Dean of Students. “It adds diversity to the college campus and ignites curiosity from our students about subjects beyond our local area. The learning experience is definitely a two-way exchange.”
All participants speak at least some English and are anxious to learn about American values.
“People here at NMCC have shown much interest in my culture and were always so helpful. I’m glad I had three roommates in our suite because we did many things together and I could work on my English more,” said Neugebaur. “I’m anxious to tell my friends and family about how optimistic Americans are and their can-do attitude. Northern Maine in particular is very special — the people are so polite and friendly.
While Neugebaur had a campus residential-life experience, NMCC is hoping to identify a host family for a new student next fall.
“Placing foreign students with families enriches the experience because the student becomes connected with the entire community—social and recreational opportunities are expanded, and there is another supportive group for the student,” says Andre Anderson, Assistant Director of Admissions.
Host families are compensated through monthly stipends. For more information about being a host family, contact Anderson at 207-551-7920 or email aanderson@nmcc.edu.
