Dickinson study-abroad students appeared on German television and radio to share their thoughts about the American presidential election.

The students, who are enrolled in a study-abroad program at the University of Bremen, had gathered at about 2 a.m., German time, so that they could watch the election results unfold on television. A television reporter joined their informal election party to film their reactions to breaking American news.

Speaking in German, the reporter asked each student to share his or her opinions about the candidates, and to explain to the German viewers why this election was important to them. According to Sarah McGaughey, associate professor of German, the students—who had only arrived in Bremen just two months before—responded in articulate and fluent German.

"It is rewarding to see them engaging in political discourse in German," says McGaughey. "I think this experience enriches their understanding of the United States and makes clear that this was an historical election."

After the election, Jessie Strasbaugh '10, Faye Welts '10 and Jens Schröder, the Dickinson German department's administrative coordinator, attended an election breakfast at the Hilton Hotel Bremen, where they were interviewed for German radio.

According to Schröder, Richard Mowrer '10 expressed the group's general excitement when he said, "Since 5 a.m. today [German time], we have a new future!"

The students are among a number of Dickinsonians who attracted media attention abroad, including students who were interviewed for the most popular radio network in Spain.

(From left): Malte Tarnow, Dickinson overseas assistant, the television crew and interviewer, Matthew Hayden '10 and Katelyn Monfet '10 wait for 2 a.m., when the live broadcast would begin. The interviewer asks Rick Mowrer '10 and Jessie Strasbaugh '10 why the election is important to them.

The news anchor interviews Matthew Hayden '10, as American coverage of the election broadcasts on a big-screen TV. Despite the pressure of live television--and the close proximity of the camera and equipment--the students are composed and articulate. The reporter (foreground) asks Matthew Hayden '10 (3rd from left) for his views on the historical importance of this election, as (from left): third-year students Andrew Dexter, Amelia Richardson and Katelyn Monfet look on.

While they enjoyed a post-election breakfast at the German American Friendship Society, Jessie Strasbaugh '10 and Faye Welts '10 (center) were interviewed by a German radio journalist.

View video of Dickinson students' reaction to the election on TV from Bremen, Germany.