Exchange Student Ole Zimmer
Spending a Year in Bluefield,
Studying at BSC for One Semester,
then Working in Region For Six Months

(Bluefield)—Wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and relaxed footwear, 22-year old Ole Zimmer looks a lot like the other students in his Computer Science classes at Bluefield State College. However, he’s taken a different, and much longer, trip to arrive at BSC than have most of his classmates.

Zimmer, a native of Nordenham, Germany and a participant in a collaborative student exchange, is one of only 72 German students placed in higher education institutions in America this year. His stay combines a semester’s studies with a six-month internship in his chosen field of study. He’s a participant in the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Program, an initiative conceived and supported by both the United States Congress and the German Bundestag. “The one-year work/study program is a cultural exchange that gives college students an understanding for, and appreciation of everyday life abroad, a taste of how their professional counterparts are trained, and an opportunity o experience the foreign workplace in their career field,” explained Dr. Sudhakar Jamkhandi, Coordinator of International Initiatives at BSC. Through the collaborative venture, there’s also a reciprocal work-study program for young American students wishing to study and work in Germany.

“I had wanted to visit the U.S.A. for many years,” Zimmer explained between classes on campus earlier this week. “I like the language, I’m intrigued by the size of the country, and I find the wide variety of people here very interesting.”

Zimmer’s parents alerted him to the existence of the CBYX program a few years ago and his application for participation was approved last year. “The 40-page application process was very involved and it included several letters of reference,” he recalled. He was notified of his selection early this year and in June, he flew to New York City for an intensive four-day orientation session. Concurrently, Bluefield State College had applied to be a host institution, and when CBYX considered Zimmer’s academic interest, computer science, and BSC’s programs of study, the match was made.

Bluefield residents John and Betse Feuchtenberger are Zimmer’s host family in Bluefield. Thus far, his academic and social experience has been an enjoyable one. “In Germany, the opportunity to receive a college education is offered to all citizens, free of charge. Here, it’s a paid education. However, here the faculty members, staff, and other students are extremely helpful.”

“I’ve already learned quite a bit about American social and cultural life,” he continued. “Last weekend, I was included in a Feuchtenberger family weekend, where I was able to join a large number of family members who had come to town to celebrate the birthday of John and Betse’s mother.”

Carrying a 12-semester hour load, Zimmer is looking for a paid internship opportunity that will begin in January. “My background is in the area of information technology,” he said. “I love working with people and would enjoy the chance to work as a link between a staff of employees and an information technology consultant.” Area businesses seeking an affable, skilled worker with excellent computer skills are invited to contact Dr. Jamkhandi (304-327-4036).

“Although my hometown of Nordenham (population, 30,000) is slightly larger than Bluefield, both cities are filled with friendly people and the pace of life is relaxed. I am enjoying the experience thoroughly,” Zimmer said.

September 12, 2007