Image: Marleena Tamminen, First Honor spring 2022 graduate with a dual degree in German and Economics, is one of 75 Americans selected to study and work in Germany as part of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals program – now in its 39th year. The 2022-2023 CBYX Young Professionals cohort departs for Germany on July 30 and returns in June 2023. Participants come from a wide variety of career fields and from all over the United States. This year about 450 young professionals vied for a spot in this prestigious program. Tamminen said her time as an undergraduate with the Germanic & Slavic Department greatly helped her prepare for the competitive fellowship; "My German studies have been so important for ensuring I can make the most of my time in Germany: my language and cultural skills will help me with studying and working all in German and with making connections with those I meet along the way." CBYX is a joint program of the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag (Parliament). Cultural Vistas administers the CBYX Young Professionals program through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. While in Germany, Tamminen will attend a two-month intensive language course, study at a German university and complete an internship in the career field of Economics. Participants are usually placed with host families throughout Germany, where they act as citizen ambassadors of the United States, promoting a positive image of the U.S. abroad and creating lifelong friendships and professional connections to keep German-American relations strong. “Our newest cohort of young professionals, including Marleena, is well-equipped to further our core mission – creating lasting ties between the United States and Germany,” said CBYX for Young Professionals Senior Director Dr. Daniel Villanueva. “We are thankful these promising young leaders will be representing us in Germany this year.” Participants must be U.S. citizens aged 18.5-24 and have clear career goals and prior experience in their chosen field. Young leaders from all career fields are encouraged to apply. German language ability is not required. More information on these opportunities can be found here.
