Matt Schreiber

How did your major contribute to preparing you for your current career?

As a student at the University of Vienna, German has been critical. My studies are conducted in both English and German, so being able to communicate effectively and understanding the complex political, philosophical and sociological terms in both languages has proved to be vital.

How did your major influence your worldview?

German has been a constant presence in my life since I began my studies; it has constantly challenged me to seek out and explore different styles of thought and has really expanded my horizons. It has caused me many a headache but has opened my world to so many interesting stories, people and experiences.

How did your major help you cultivate interests and passions that extend beyond your career to a rewarding personal life?

German allowed me to develop myself and push my boundaries beyond what I believed was possible. I have been able to explore history and literature, use the language to communicate and travel, and understand the world through an entirely new lens.

Tell us how study abroad fit into your plans, academically and/or professionally.

Although I had studied German for some years and had a seemingly good understanding of the language, my time at the KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt made the language real for me. It was not just something that I read or practiced from a textbook; it was something that I could integrate into my everyday life. German wasn’t just about grammatical constructions and vocabulary; it was about applying the concepts that I learned in the classroom. This was the foundation that allowed me to make the transition to living in a German-speaking world, which ultimately brought me to study at the university of Vienna.

What advice would you give to a student considering a major in German?

Once you get past the initial hurdles, learning German opens many possibilities. German is a language with a lot to offer: an extensive literary catalog, interesting history, many different dialects, and great travel opportunities. Like many things, it is what you make of it. There’s something for everyone: history, philosophy, classical (and modern!) music, architecture, etc.