Image: Congratulations to James C. Thompson, a recipient of a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award to Germany in journalism. James recently graduated (UGA ’17) Summa Cum Laude with Highest Honors and degrees in both history and digital and broadcast journalism from the University of Georgia, in addition to earning a minor in German. This month James Is taking an intensive language course at Marburg University before moving on to Freiburg. In Freiburg, he hopes first to pursue an independent project, creating a short documentary film exploring outreach efforts of the German faith communities to German youths, perceived as trending away from the traditional norms of organized religion. “This particular grant seems to be a perfect combination of my interests.” James explained. “I’ll get to work as a journalist while further developing my German-language skills and learning more about the country’s history and culture.” In late September, James will begin his internship with the Badische Zeitung, the daily newspaper in Freiburg, Germany. Experience and education acquired through UGA’s Grady College degree program in digital and broadcast journalism makes this Fulbrighter a perfect fit for the newspaper internship. He hopes to uses his technical expertise to create video content for the newspaper’s website and expand their digital presence. James love for Germany and affinity for history began a long time ago, prompted by an excellent foreign language program at Screven County High School, and contact with German exchange students hosted by his family. While at UGA, he earned his German minor and travelled on a study abroad trip to Freiburg, continuing his language studies at the Goethe Institute and interacting with local families and culture. His travels made a big impact on this Fulbright scholar: “Anyone who wants to report and decipher current events needs the ability to view the world through a wide lens. During my time abroad, I’m confident that I’ll encounter many experiences, cultures, and viewpoints that will help broaden my perspective.” Grateful for the opportunity afforded to him by the Fulbright Scholar’s program, James also has an appreciation for his teachers here at Georgia and the help of Maria de Rocher, UGA’s Fulbright coordinator. “All of my history professors and classes at UGA were amazing. I’m especially grateful to Professors John Short and John Morrow who supervised my senior thesis. Their guidance and encouragement were invaluable. The research and writing process allowed me learn more about the Cold War era in Germany while honing my language skills, as several of my sources were in German.” Fulbright student grants give recent graduates opportunities for personal and career development and international experience. Grantees plan their own programs. A number of travel grants are available to selected countries as well as grants for teaching English in secondary schools. If you are a UGA student interested in the Fulbright program, please contact UGA’s Fulbright coordinator, Maria de Rocher.
