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Tracy Ridley

Tracy Ridley Hometown: Matthews, NC
Graduating Class: 2023
Current Profession: Intern, Detecon International GmbH, Cologne, Germany

What languages did you study at UNC and what were your most memorable moments from those global language courses?

I studied German at Carolina. The German Program in the Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures offers endless opportunities and unwavering support. The Program enabled me to get the very most out of my language study. My best memories are the relationships I forged with my classmates and professors in my German courses. Everyone had different experiences with German and that always made for a fruitful exchange of ideas. One memory that really sticks out in particular was the role-play situations in Business German (GERM 304). They prepared me for my internship in Germany. My friends and I always had few laughs in the process. Yes, German is fun!

Did you study abroad or do an internship abroad and, if so, what about these experiences impacted your bachelor’s degree the most?

In addition to studying in South Korea and Sweden, I studied abroad in Mannheim, Germany, and returned to Germany as an intern at Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA in Gütersloh, Germany, in the summer before my senior year. The language skills that I acquired through my German courses helped me conduct professional interviews and give lengthy presentations in German. I’ve also been able to apply my knowledge about the German language and culture gained from my German courses.

How did the study of German shape your overall academic training at Carolina? 

In my four years at Carolina, I regularly paired my degree requirements with my interests in German. The German Program’s courses are remarkably diverse such that I was able to fulfill general education requirement while studying truly enjoyable subject matter.

How has language study at Carolina shaped your outlook and professional aspirations following graduation?

The German Program helped me improve my German language skills so much that I’ve moved to Germany where I plan to continue my educational and career goals. I am currently an intern and will join the master’s program in Gender Studies at the University of Vienna this fall. I have succeeded in surrounding myself with the German language. Without my training at Carolina, I would have never been qualified for these incredible opportunities. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add that you believe new students should know about your global language experience at Carolina?

I never before experienced anything like the incredible mentoring and encouragement to be found in Carolina’s German Program. Professors, graduate students and undergraduates are truly invested in helping you achieve your language learning and career goals. I always felt supported inside and outside the classroom.

Pathway

Year 2

  • Studied Abroad in South Korea in the fall
  • Studied Abroad in Germany in the spring

Year 4

  • Studied Abroad in Sweden in the fall
  • Finished both majors in spring

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 1

  • Took first German Course in the fall
  • Started Euro Major

Year 3

  • Declared Euro Major
  • Passed C2 language exam in Business German II
  • Declared German Major

Pathway

Year 1

  • Took first German Course in the fall
  • Started Euro Major

Year 2

  • Studied Abroad in South Korea in the fall
  • Studied Abroad in Germany in the spring

Year 3

  • Declared Euro Major
  • Passed C2 language exam in Business German II
  • Declared German Major

Year 4

  • Studied Abroad in Sweden in the fall
  • Finished both majors in spring