The trip included visits to the historical sites of the National Socialist Party Rallies in Nuremberg, the courtroom of the Nuremberg Processes, the atrium in the University of Munich’s main building where the student members of the White Rose resistance movement were arrested while distributing anti-Nazi pamphlets, the site of the “Beer Hall Putsch” where Hitler first tried to overthrow the German government in 1923, the Dachau Concentration Camp, and a number of historically significant places in Berlin, including the Reichstag, as well as the site of the atrocious 1933 book burning event.

Students got to visit, study, and compare numerous memorial sites and places of remembrance, including the national Holocaust Memorial right next to the Brandenburg Gate, the Jewish Museum with its multiple experiential memorial features, and many “Stolpersteine” in various cities – brass “tripping stones” in the sidewalks that remind of the Jews who used to live in nearby buildings.

In addition to a rather full program, students had free time to explore Munich and Berlin, get acquainted with German cuisine and public transportation, experience Karaoke and other aspects of German night life, and visit an opera show and other cultural performances. Among the highlights were the ‘free’ days. Splitting into two groups, some went to Salzburg, Austria, while others climbed the “Hirschberg,” a 5,500-foot peak in the foothills of the Alps. On the free day in Berlin, students took advantage of the warm weather and went to the Wannsee beach, while others explored Berlin flea markets.

Despite the trip’s heavy and dark historical theme, many students regretted having to return after only 12 days. “This has been the highlight of my college education,” one student wrote in the trip evaluations. Others praised the “unforgettable memories that will stay in my heart forever” and noted that they had gained “lifelong friendships” on the trip. German and double major Matthew Hohmann noted: “I spent 20 years having never left the country and after this trip I want to always be out of it.” Here’s hoping that many other Montclair students will have the opportunity to study abroad, be it on a faculty-led trip like this one, in a summer program, or for a semester or year abroad. The students from this trip certainly caught the travel bug and many of them sure will return abroad one day.

Every guest was a winner, receiving a German-themed temporary tattoo, stickers, gummy bears, an inspirational German-language message, or a flag from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, or Liechtenstein as a souvenir. The club not only handed out hundreds of prizes to interested visitors, but also enjoyed special connections with the many guests who had visited a German-speaking country before, who plan to visit, and/or who are taking German classes at Montclair.

The club members themselves represent some of the diversity typical at Montclair, with members of the executive board also sharing connections to Dominican, Mexican, Peruvian, Polish, Italian, Ukrainian, Kazak and other cultures, and to majors such as Language, Business & Culture; Math; Data Science; Chemistry; Linguistics and more.

As can be seen in this and in the recent feature of staff member Casey Coleman, who organizes the day, World’s Fair Day brings together many kinds of campus organizations and connects with hundreds of attendees from the campus and local communities, including everyone from the University President Jonathan Koppell to the University mascots to children visiting campus for Take Your Child to Work Day. Held on the final day of campus events before finals, the day also served as a culmination of an action-packed year in which German Club enjoyed outings to the NJ Devil’s and the Jewish History Center in New York City, karaoke auf Deutsch, and much more. The executive board has already begun shaping plans for next fall’s events, no doubt informed by the study abroad many club members will undertake in Germany this summer.

As part of this partnership, each year two ��Ʒ���˸������� University students receive full-year, full-ride scholarships, including a living stipend, to study at the and live in Graz.

This year, Jose Padilla and Atticus Heuges have not only explored academics and new social connections in German – they were even featured in a local Graz newspaper. In their German interview with a reporter, published in (Bürger:inneninformation der Stadt Graz), a large public monthly news outlet for the city of Graz, the students discussed their admiration for the Austrian quality of life, their sense of security living in a country without weapons, and their appreciation for low tuition costs at Austrian universities (non-European Union citizens pay 750 Euros, or about 900 dollars, per semester).

Ranging from the challenge of being in lectures where they only understand about 80 percent of the professor’s presentation because of the language barrier to praise for Austrian investment in fundamentals such as public health care and public transportation, the interview demonstrates how these students are indeed living up to the ’s purpose of boosting intercultural communication between the United States and Austria.

Jose Padilla plans to return in the fall to continue his degree in Political Science, while Atticus Heuges plans to pursue a career teaching in Europe after graduation.

In her years with the Italian Program here at ��Ʒ���˸������� University, Angela has distinguished herself, both in the classroom and beyond, in many ways. She has served as a Tutor of Italian at Center for Academic Success and Tutoring (CAST), was awarded the Coccia-Inserra Italian Internship as well as an MSU Italian graduate scholarship and has been a valuable assistant for a number of Italian projects and events. This distinguished NECFTL award will support her in her practicum to complete licensure as she moves on to become an effective, inclusive and innovative educator.

MAT Director Dr. Gina Miele commented: “I am especially proud that Angela Sabetta, the first student in our Dual MAT in Italian and Teaching Students with Disabilities program, won the prestigious Future Language Educator Award from NECTFL, the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

Last year, Angela was the recipient of the Cavaliere Mary Ann Re PhD Scholarship for Graduate Studies in Italian. She also participated in Montclair’s Reggio Emilia Immersion course and study abroad program in Spring 2025. This year, she also garnered a scholarship from the National Organization of Italian American Women for her graduate studies.

The Reggio Emilia approach is a globally renowned philosophy that views students as capable, curious individuals who actively shape their learning, and Angela has applied it with great success in her classroom.”

Angela had the following to say about this special distinction from NECTFL: “When I learned that ��Ʒ���˸������� University is the only university in the whole state offering a dual- certification program for both Italian and TSOD, applying was a no-brainer. World Language classes are inherently inclusive, so I wanted to ensure that I would be fully prepared to serve students of all abilities, P-12. This training also serves as a career change for me, having had a decade-long run in the music industry. This time last year, I attended the Reggio Children conference in Northern Italy and learned about how the classroom can act as a ‘third teacher’. I cannot wait to transfer all of my working skills and newly acquired knowledge on teaching methodologies to my classroom.”

The Italian Program is happy and proud to add that Angela has recently accepted a teaching position in Italian in a Bergen County public school.

The scholarship will support Roby’s participation in an intensive, immersive eight-week summer program in Mandarin at Tamkang University in New Taipei City, Taiwan, where participants complete the equivalent of one year of language study. During the program, he will live with a host family, meet regularly with a language exchange partner on campus, and immerse himself in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the local community. Following the program, he hopes to continue his studies at National Taiwan University’s International Chinese Language Learning Program for the academic year and the following summer term. He has also considered the possibility of living in Taiwan long-term by pursuing a master’s degree in Political Science at National Taiwan University and seeking employment in a Chinese-speaking environment.

I am deeply grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to further develop my Chinese language skills. Wherever I ultimately go, I am confident that the language training I have received at ��Ʒ���˸������� University, along with the experiences provided by the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship and National Taiwan University, will prepare me to use Chinese effectively in my career and continue developing my skills to their fullest potential.
—Jacob Roby

His achievement highlights the strength of ��Ʒ���˸������� University’s language programs in fostering student success and advancing global understanding and engagement. This milestone marks the second time a Chinese minor at Montclair has been awarded the Critical Language Scholarship. To learn more about the scholarship, visit

Students also produced short French-language films, which were screened during the afternoon session. Wayne Valley High School took first place in the advanced “Tableaux Vivants” competition for “La Place de la Révolution,” while Cresskill High School earned second place for “Couper les limites.” In the “Poésie en images” contest for beginning and intermediate students, Ramsey High School earned first place for “Liberté” and third place for “Je veux retourner chez moi.” Bernardsville Middle School took second place for “La Marseillaise” and Ridge High School received an Honorable Mention for “Le Loup et le Chien.”

“I was truly impressed by the level of engagement and excitement on the part of all the local high school students and teachers participating in French Day,” said Dr. Kathleen Loysen, Chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures. She also said “The French faculty at Montclair appreciate this opportunity to share our knowledge of and love for the French language and Francophone history and culture. And I think the students themselves were pleasantly surprised to discover that the college classroom can be fun, interactive, and compelling, in addition to being challenging. Everyone rose to the occasion. The buzz was palpable!”

French is spoken on five continents, which underscores its significance as a global language and its value in the global workplace. For more information about future events at ��Ʒ���˸������� University, please visit

What has been your favorite French class and why?
My favorite class has been : Structure of the French Language because it helped me understand French beyond everyday communication. I learned about the technical components of a language I already speak, such as syntax, phonology, and morphology. This class strengthened my analytical skills and changed the way I think about language as a structured system.

What do you like most about your French classes or the French learning community on campus?
What I like most is the supportive and motivating learning environment. French classes encourage active participation, discussion, and curiosity, which helps build confidence in speaking and understanding the language. The French learning community on campus also creates a sense of belonging among students who share a genuine interest in language and culture.

What is your favorite French word or phrase?
My favorite French phrase is « tout vient à point à qui sait attendre » that could be translated as everything comes in time to those who know how to wait. I like it because it emphasizes the value of patience and perseverance. The phrase reflects a timeless wisdom that effort and dedication are eventually rewarded, which resonates with both my academic journey and my approach to learning language.

How can you imagine you will use your French in the future?
I imagine using French both academically and professionally in the future. I plan to pursue graduate studies and become a professor, teaching French language and linguistics. I also hope to conduct research, contribute to academic discussions, and help future students develop a strong appreciation for the French language.

Students have used these scholarships to cover much of their tuition, housing, and even travel costs for the in which they take German courses alongside students from around the world, taking time to explore Neuschwanstein castle, the Alps, the BMW headquarters, and other sites along the way.

The students, many of whom choose to major or minor German and/or the interdisciplinary Language, Business & Culture (LBC) major with a concentration in German, return with three credits toward their major or minor as well as unforgettable experiences to take into their continued studies and careers in a variety of fields.

Hear From the Students

My summer experience in Munich was a life-changing experience that helped me learn more German than I did before and interact with people around the world. I had many first-time experiences, such as hiking, going to Austria, and experiencing nightlife. I had an amazing time and I thank the Kade Foundation for assisting in funding that experience for me. – Miguel Disla; Mathematics Major, German Minor

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to participate in the MISU’s summer program at München. Thanks to the Kade Foundation scholarship, I was able to improve my German through daily interactive lessons taught by Valeria. At first I did experience culture shock, but I learned to adapt and live here for the entirety of August. I am truly grateful for making unforgettable and fun memories with friends from around the world. –Ruth Fernandez; Language, Business & Culture and Business Administration Double Major

The Kade scholarship that I received helped me travel to Europe for the first time in my life. My experience changed me immensely and helped me gain insight into a new culture and experience. I also learned a lot about how much I like to travel and I also met many students from all over the world giving me connections to a plethora of different cultures. – Eric Anilonis; Economics Major, German minor

I am so thankful for the experience I had in Munich this summer; as my first time living away from home I felt independent and more ready to explore the world. I am thankful for the stipend as it allowed me more freedom to explore the culture and truly live out my international experience as fully as I could! – David Darius; Biology and German Double Major

My Munich summer experience was inspiring and allowed me to build lifelong connections to the language, culture and people. While there, I attended classes, interacted with locals, experienced historical landmarks and made connections with people from around the world.  – Madison Gunderman; Psychology 

I am a triple major with around 1 1/2 years of experience in learning German. This scholarship allowed me to pursue my dream of visiting Germany as well as support me in learning German. I was able to go to Austria for a weekend with friends and experience the culture and landscape over there. It was a lot of fun and I got to eat a lot of good food as well. This opportunity solidified my aspiration to work and study in Germany for my graduate program in geoscience. – Kit Haig; Earth and Environmental Sciences, Geographic, Environmental and Urban Studies, and German triple major

I’m majoring in linguistics and language, business, and culture with a German concentration. This scholarship has helped me complete my course requirements for my major concentration. It has also helped me gain first hand experience on what it is like to study in a foreign country, such as Konstanz, Germany, and gain insight on cultural differences and practices, learning history, etc. The most memorable experience for me was meeting and getting to know other fellow students from around the world, as well as meeting two new friends whom I’ll never forget. Studying abroad has increased my aspirations in traveling more to see the world, learn new languages and cultures, and looking forward to conducting more business travel. It also makes me aspire to meet new people from different backgrounds and create new friendships and connections for memorable experiences. – Ykaterina Diaz; Linguistics and Language, Business & Culture (concentration in German) double major

Montclair’s students have won coveted spots at the GSE three years running and have frequently gone on to pursue graduate study or international scholarships upon completing their BAs at Montclair.

• Ath-Yah Brathwaite, a 2023 GSE winner, stayed in touch with other graduate student prospective students after her travel workshop, was accepted with graduate assistantships and full tuition waiver at several German Studies MA and Ph.D. programs across the country, and has begun her masters degree at the University of Maryland in College Park.

• Bailey Dunn received a upon graduation and is spending the 2025-2026 academic year in Austria while also working on an online masters in creative writing at Johns Hopkins University.

• Avelisse Guzman is currently doing a prestigious Fulbright grant-funded year in Germany and is considering various teaching and/or graduate study options after her Fulbright grant is completed.

• Jack McCabe is currently considering a variety of travel and study plans, many of which are tied to scholarships, grants, and paid assistantships in the United States or Europe. He describes his participation in the summer program as one of his richest undergraduate experiences and looks forward to further building on his experience with applied German language, culture, and historical work.

These students, like others pursuing a German major or minor or a Language, Business & Culture major with a concentration in German with Montclair’s German program, each got to participate in a study abroad experience. They each complete their undergraduate studies poised to pursue international careers, intercultural leadership roles at international corporations, teaching, or a variety of other careers in which they apply their language, communication, and intercultural expertise.

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