Backes [pictured left] arrived in Mannheim, Germany on Jan. 13 to attend a two-week German language course at Mannheim University. Following that program, she moved to Mosbach, a small town about two hours from Frankfurt, to begin her studies at Berufsakademie Mosbach.

She is enrolled in a junior business program consisting of 11 one-week courses. “I am in a class of about 35 students, about 20 of which are international students from around the world,” she writes. “The others are Germans that attend the BA (Berufsakademie).”

Backes is sharing an apartment in the Mosbach town square (read more on her ) with a female student from Finland and two male students from the UK and Hungary. She stayed with a host family for a week and says she was glad for the experience. “I learned a lot about German culture and food—I helped cook and ended up enjoying everything!”

Birkhold, [pictured right] who studies international trade at Berufsakademie, wanted to come to the U.S. to experience college life in a new environment. Though his school has partnerships with other U.S. colleges and universities, Birkhold chose Augsburg primarily because of its size. “At my school there are smaller classes like at Augsburg,” he said, “and I heard that I can live on campus.”

Though he is not a fan of the harsh Minnesota winter, Birkhold said he has been enjoying life in Minneapolis and at Augsburg. He has gone to the Mall of America, seen a Timberwolves game, and is participating in intramural sports including soccer.

Birkhold is taking general business courses this semester and says he has been impressed with the friendliness of Augsburg faculty, staff, and students. “I feel like the they care about me.”

The post The Minneapolis – Mosbach exchange appeared first on News and Media.

Minnesota’s participation in this aspect of the democratic process also brings opportunities to our Augsburg campus. Because of its commitment to civic engagement and service learning, Augsburg was chosen by the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars to host 250 students from across the country for a 2-week seminar in conjunction with the RNC. Twenty-three Augsburg students will participate in internships through the program, each working in the preparation and planning stages of this event to learn about the behind-the-scenes efforts involved with a national convention. Augsburg communication studies professors Bob Groven and Kristin Chamberlain are serving on the faculty of the Washington Center Seminar.

This week we feature Eric Franzen (pictured left), a graduate student in education, and Shannon Backes, a junior studying international business. Check back in a few days for more profiles

<!–, and go to www.augsburg.edu/getpolitical for more profiles and the most current report on Augsburg’s role in the RNC–>

Eric Franzen — Master’s in Education

After receiving a B.A. in piano performance from the University of Minnesota, Eric decided to pursue a master’s in education at Augsburg. Along with his love for music, Eric also enjoys politics. “I began my fascination with politics several years ago. I experienced some dramatic changes in my fundamental ways of living and soon began to question the rhetoric that we hear repeated so often around us.” This year, Eric has been involved in many different political events, including his neighborhood caucus, district convention, the state convention, and now the national convention. Eric is also a candidate for the House of Representatives in SD60a of Minneapolis.

“The process and power for the citizens of the United States to sway government and elect anyone they feel like is truly amazing.” Eric’s goal for the convention is to learn as much as possible about the process by immersing himself into it. “I hope to meet and learn from the respected leaders and thinkers of this country,” he said.

Shannon Backes — Junior

This Spring Lake Park native will begin her second year at Augsburg this fall. She began her college career as a PSEO at Bethel University and now studies international business at Augsburg. Shannon also has a minor in German and plans to study abroad in Mosbach, Germany in the spring of 2009. Shannon remembers her family’s tradition of discussing political issues at family gatherings. “I became interested in politics during long conversations with family members about controversial issues. When I heard different sides of an issue, I would research on my own in order to have my own opinion for the next debate.” While working in the summer, Shannon listens to talk radio shows, such as Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, to hear the latest news in politics. “They have great insight among others such as Ann Coulter, Jason Lewis, Bill O’Reilly and Laura Ingraham.” After graduation, Shannon hopes to live in Germany while working for an international firm.

Story by Amanda Symes, contributor

The post Auggie interns at the RNC — part 2 appeared first on News and Media.