Alexis Haring '22

Alexis: I had previously taken German for 5 years before coming to UMass, and I did not think it would be possible to continue to take German classes while pursuing a degree in Biology. But thankfully, I had a German 320 class with Professor Feldhaus. She suggested that I try the STEM-German courses through iSTEP. Now, several years later, I have joined iSTEP as a double major. This has allowed me to continue to grow my German fluency and increased my internships/study abroad options.

Alexis: Both Biology and German offer flexible options that fit within my primary major of Biology and my secondary major of STEM-German. It’s possible to not be constantly overloading on credits every semester. So it's definitely a balance but worth it since the program offers many opportunities for students.

Alexis: I am involved in the UMass Synchronized Skating Team, Pre-Med Society, and the UMass Minuteman Marching Band.

Alexis: I have not been abroad to Germany yet, but I will be at Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf researching stem cell niches in the Arabidopsis plant in summer 2021. I was one of 268 out of 1635 applicants to receive the DAAD RISE scholarship. I will be in Düsseldorf for 12 weeks, and I am really excited for this opportunity and thankful for iSTEP for helping me get there.

Alexis: iSTEP has prepared me to be successful in Germany because I have gained German fluency and know technical terms that are typically not taught in a regular German classroom.

Alexis: That anyone who thinks they want to learn a second language should really consider the iSTEP program in conjunction with a STEM degree. The classes that UMass offers can work with your schedule. Also, being able to speak another language is something that is well sought after in the workforce. This program also opens up amazing study abroad programs for people to partake in.