The U.S. Department of State and German Bundestag are pleased to announce Moritz Rudrof as the June Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) German Participant of the Month! Moritz, a CBYX Young Professionals program participant, was placed by Cultural Vistas at Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) and is hosted in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Moritz has quickly integrated himself into his college community where he volunteered at the Afghan Refugee Supply Drive organized by CFCC’s International Club. CFCC’s Senior Director of Admissions, Recruitment, and Engagement said, “Moritz has been a joy to work with... He asks thoughtful questions, provides detailed information, and seems to care deeply about the importance of this experience – both in representing his country and also learning about America and sharing his experiences. We are grateful Moritz is studying with us – he is making a difference and we look forward to his continued commitment to the CBYX program and experience.”
Moritz has engaged in the community, talking soccer with Ecuadorian neighbors and speaking to Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. He has also proven to be a great cheerleader for his host brother during soccer games and karate lessons.
Moritz participated in the six-week CBYX Congressional Internship Program (CIP), which allowed him to intern in Congressman David Trone’s (D-MD) Washington, DC office. He applied for the CIP program with the desire to get more involved in politics. Back in Germany, Moritz is a draftsman for architecture so the foray into politics and a more classic office environment was an exciting new opportunity. Moritz has long been interested in U.S. history and government. As such, he felt that it was “an invaluable opportunity to acquire practical work experience at the level of the federal government while expanding my knowledge of the legislative process and the responsibilities of a congressperson, while enhancing my analytical, communication, and research skills.” Moritz further reflected on his role in Congress, saying the experience “shapes my perspective of Washington, and in turn, I help to shape Congress’ perspective on international exchange.” This is the power of being a citizen ambassador.
The German CBYX alumni association’s German language “Greetings from Germany” podcast has been another outlet for Moritz to share his U.S. experience. Moritz hopes to get across that “[a]n exchange is an experience that creates memories lasting for [a] lifetime. It is about the never-ending desire to try something else, face new challenges, broaden the horizon, think outside the box, and communicate in another language. And therefore, the CBYX program creates unique opportunities: It’s not only about getting to know different cultures, but also the chance to compare politically different actors and fields of tension with each other and to establish valuable contacts in the process.”
Congratulations, Moritz!
