Max Wuttke, 22, is an international student from Berlin, Germany. He previously attended Humboldt University in Berlin, one of three main universities in the city.
Max Wuttke, 22, is an international student from Berlin, Germany. He previously attended Humboldt University in Berlin, one of three main universities in the city.
Wuttke approached his foreign exchange program at Humboldt and they suggested he look in to colleges and universities in Virginia. After visiting the Virginia Wesleyan Web site, Wuttke, an American studies major, knew Wesleyan was the school for him.
"My university in Berlin has 40,000 students so it's quite urban," said Wuttke. "But you have close relationships with the students here."
Wuttke has observed many differences between Germany and the United States, not just in the school systems, but in terms of culture in general. One difference is the use of public transportation. In the U.S., most people own a car. In Germany, as in many European countries, most people ride the subway.
"Public transportation is good in Berlin," said Wuttke, who does not own a vehicle.
Another major difference is the rules that the German government enforces for students who graduate from high school. Wuttke says that students either do community service or join the German Army for nine months. When Wuttke graduated, he completed community service.
"I worked in a kindergarten," he said. "It's something different - working with kids." Also, students do not pay tuition at colleges and universities - they pay only a registration and transportation fee.
"I pay for room and board and our German government helps with the rest," said Wuttke."They support students who want to study abroad."
Although German institutes are much bigger, he says he has enjoyed the small atmosphere of Virginia Wesleyan and likes that everything from the residence halls to the restrooms are shared. The residence halls are one of his favorite parts of living here because he had his own apartment in Berlin.
"People are more friendly here," said Wuttke. "In Germany if someone says 'hi,' you wonder why they're talking to you."
As an American studies major, Wuttke has been able to take a variety of courses offered by the College. One class he is taking is Globalization and Empire. "People complain about how many books [we read]," said Wuttke, "But at least you have the opportunity to read them."