"Look at what the university provides as a whole. For me, Miami had not only a great academic environment, but so many other things: extracurriculars that I was passionate about, great housing options, and a gorgeous campus. For me, once I saw all that Miami has to offer, it wasn't a difficult decision at all."
Why Miami?
Janie Moore at the rink
"I chose Miami because I loved the combination of academics and athletics provided here. I have been a competitive figure skater for my whole life, and I knew that my initial college search was going to be constrained by where I could continue in the sport while also getting a good education. I loved Miami's skating program, but then I stayed at Miami because of the academics. I knew that Oxford would be a great educational environment.
"Neither of my current majors in German and information systems and analytics are what I declared when I first entered college. I explored a lot of different options my first year and quickly realized that Miami has an almost overwhelming number of opportunities. For literally anything you want to do, you can find an avenue where other people are excited and want to help you. My first year at Miami was definitely a year of discovery!"
Best Miami Experiences
"My favorite part about Miami's Department of German, Russian, Asian and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures (GRAMELAC) is the flexibility of my professors. Being a German major can mean so many different things, depending on if you are interested in German culture or literature or language, so the professors are very knowledgeable about all these areas. They're excited to work with you on independent studies or to make sure you are in the courses that best match your interests.
Janie Moore and the Brandenburg Gate, Germany
"Every faculty member I have met has been absolutely wonderful, but professor of German John M. Jeep is the professor I've worked the most with. He was in charge of my study abroad program to Germany this past summer and is now overseeing my independent study on German-American business. Additionally, he was the first person I spoke to about my interest in German, so I really appreciate the support he has offered me at every step of the way."
Miami and the Liberal Arts
"Miami's liberal arts education plays a huge part in my day-to-day life as a student. Being a German major doesn't mean you're just sitting down reading German texts all day — you're getting a holistic education and a chance to learn about the sciences, the creative arts, and whatever areas you feel will give you a well-rounded education. It's very nice to not have to immediately focus on what you think you might want to study, but instead get the chance to discover lots of different areas.
"The liberal arts definitely help students become more flexible and improve their ability to express themselves in multiple ways. A big part of taking courses outside of your major is about teaching you about problem solving and thinking through new challenges. Miami teaches you to become a lifelong learner instead of just memorizing stuff in one concentration."
Intensive, Immersive Exploration of Germany
Janie Moore with classmates and faculty in Dessau, Germany
"This past summer I studied abroad on the 7-week Intensive German Summer program with 13 students and Dr. Jeep. It took place in Heidelberg, Jena, Dessau, and Berlin and was fully immersive, so we lived with German host families and took classes 5 hours a day that focused on grammar and German history. After classes, the program showcased German culture through its various field trips throughout those cities.
"This study abroad experience was a totally transformative experience for me. I had never been to Europe before, so I really appreciated the chance to get immersed in a totally different culture, and this faculty-led program was a really good way to do that. Dr. Jeep and assistant teaching professor of German Catherine Grimm, who was there for the first part of the program, had so much knowledge to to keep me from getting lost, both culturally and literally!
"After having studied German in a classroom setting for 4½ years, I loved being able to test my language skills throughout my stay. It was very exciting to see that I could actually communicate with native speakers. Even though it was challenging sometimes, the experience helped my affirm my confidence in my language skills.
"All in all, the Intensive German Summer program gave me a much better perspective on what it means to be one of many global citizens in a huge and diverse world. I have only ever lived in one country, and that gives me a very specific viewpoint. Getting a small taste of what life can be like around the globe really inspired me to think about how the impact of my life can be bigger than just myself."
Advice to Students
"My biggest advice to students considering Miami would be to look at what the university provides as a whole. For me, Miami had not only a great academic environment, but so many other things: extracurriculars that I was passionate about, great housing options, and a gorgeous campus. For me, once I saw all that Miami has to offer, it wasn't a difficult decision at all.
"The best way to get into the German program is to get connected and involved in opportunities outside of class, such as German Club. You can try to slide by in a class just by memorizing things for the exam, but a lot of learning a language is what you make of it.
"There is a saying that has stuck with me that goes, 'When you speak to someone in a foreign language, you're speaking to their head. When you speak to someone in their native language, you're speaking to their heart.' Strive to learn a second language, not just to succeed on an exam, but to be able to communicate with other global citizens!"
[November 2019]
Miami University Oxford, Ohio est. 1809
College of Arts and Science
