2025 Participants

Smiling woman with glasses and long hair, wearing a backpack, standing on a boat by a lake with mountains and trees in the background under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Nele

Home Country: Hildesheim, Germany

“Hi I’m Nele from Hildesheim, Germany. I work in residential youth services and my background is in Educational Science and Social Work with a focus on Criminology and Prevention. I also volunteer in victim support. In my free time, I love spending time with my horse, traveling, skiing, cycling, and hiking – and I’m especially looking forward to doing lots of hiking while I’m in West Virginia. I’m really excited about the program and to get to know all of you!”

Smiling man taking a selfie near a marina filled with boats, wearing glasses, a backwards cap, and a backpack.

Gerald

Home Country: Hamburg, Germany

“Hello, my name is Gerald and I live with my wife Judith in Hamburg, Germany. My educational background is in sociology. Before my studies, I worked as a businessman in the logistics sector. I have now been working in a managerial role in child, youth and family support for a long time. When I'm not working, I like to meet up with friends, cook, do sport, read or spend time in nature. I am really looking forward to gaining a deeper insight into American culture, society and the world of work. And, of course, to getting to know new and different approaches to social work. And I'm looking forward to many interesting interpersonal encounters.”

A woman with long dark hair, smiling and showing her teeth, wearing a white sports jersey with red accents, hoop earrings, and a silver chain necklace, taking a selfie indoors.

Lara

Home Country: Vitória, Brazil

Hi, I'm Lara, and I live in Vitória, Brazil. I have a degree in Sanitary and Environmental Engineering and work at an air quality consulting firm. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, hanging out with friends, watching soccer, and cooking with my family. I'm excited to explore the university, exchange cultural experiences, and grow professionally.”

A smiling woman with long blonde hair, blue eyes, and glasses resting on her head, sitting outdoors near a red building.

Johanna

Home Country: Augsburg, Germany

“Hi everyone! My name is Johanna and I live in a town called Augsburg in the south part of Germany. I studied Social Work and I am currently working as a School Social Worker, counseling teenagers and their families. Besides that I have been teaching classes at Augsburg university for three years now. When I am not busy working I enjoy having a cup of good coffee, meeting my friends and family. As often as possible I try to spend time hiking and skiing in the alps. I am really looking forward to sharing experiences, being inspired by new perspectives on Social Work and learning about people's life journeys.”

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