Rochester Exchange Student in the 1990s

Dr. Esther Fritsch, Managing Director Department of English I, University of Cologne

Rochester-Cologne Exchange – back in the 1990s…

I went on the exchange to the University of Rochester (U of R) in the mid-1990s and remember that I was impressed right away by the ivy-clad campus, the cosy library reading room and the snow-safe tunnels between the buildings – which turned out to be very useful when the ‘lake-effect snow’ hit during the winter. I was able to attend courses not just in the Modern Languages and Cultures (MLC) department, but also in English and History. My MA thesis was supervised jointly by professors from MLC and English and sparked some ideas for my subsequent PhD project. Since there was a big group of graduate students in MLC, we organized events with well-known public speakers as part of a graduate colloquium; it was quite exciting to pick up a well-known academic such as Ihab Hassan at the airport with a rickety student car. So academically, I greatly profited from the learning (and teaching) experience, but also some university politics going on at the time provided valuable insights (especially in retrospect). In town, Mount Hope Cemetery and Highland Park (especially during lilac season) were some of my favorite places – as well as the cafés, restaurants and bookstores along Park Avenue. The volleyball team and shared houses with lots of parties were great for socializing – I am still friends with some people I met at the U of R almost 30 years ago! This is a great exchange – with a tradition since the 1950s – which will hopefully continue for a long time to come.

Rochester Exchange Student in 2014-2015

Dr. Burak Sezer, TU Dortmund

Participating in the exchange program between the University of Cologne and the University of Rochester from 2014 to 2015 was a transformative experience. This may sound a little cliché, but it is absolutely true. Shortly after I arrived, I immediately found myself immersed in a stimulating academic environment, and it wasn't until Rochester that I realized that I loved studying and discussing literature.

The opportunity to study abroad not only broadened my academic horizons but also fostered personal growth, given that this was my first longer transcontinental experience. I needed to navigate new challenges (finding affordable housing, buying groceries without a car...) which can be tough at first. But I quicky received so much kindness and help from so many people, in both personal and professional matters. I met so many people from so many different backgrounds, and all of them had different stories to tell. I was able to make great friends on the way, and I am, ten years later, still in touch with most of them.

To say that the University of Rochester is beautiful to the eye is almost an understatement. I vividly remember sitting on the benches reading and enjoying the sight. No matter where the bench is on campus, it's rewarding sitting there, especially during the semester breaks. I was told that the winters can be harsh, but I personally didn't find that unfavorable. Quite the contrary, I liked the snow a lot. Just remember to bring a pair of thick boots and long underwear, and you'll be fine. However, if you want to see the Niagara Falls, remember to go from the Canadian side.

The exchange program was truly the highlight of my academic journey, and I will always cherish the time spent there. Initially, I was a little afraid to go, but I am more than happy that I jumped in at the deep end. Not only figuratively: Please remember to spend as much time as possible at Lake Ontario; I have only the fondest memories of that magical place.

The Cologne-Rochester exchange program is tailor-made for those that like to work hard, play hard.

Rochester Exchange Student in 2021-2022

Kathrin Lachenmaier, University of Rochester PhD Student

Rochester, Cologne, and Back

Studying in Rochester has been an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience. I first came here in 2021 through the Rochester-Cologne exchange, a program that goes all the way back to the 1950s. Two years later, in 2023, I returned to start my PhD in English. Ever since my first year as an undergrad studying English, I had my sights set on being part of this exchange, earning a master’s in Comparative Literature, and teaching an introductory German course. The program didn’t disappoint. I loved the wide range of courses I took, from comparative studies of Edgar Allan Poe and E.T.A. Hoffmann to African American literature and performance studies. The professors were fantastic, always willing to discuss ideas both in class and during office hours. I also had engaging conversations with peers from various graduate programs and attended some amazing guest lectures and symposia, which are just some of the many reasons why I decided to come back to Rochester for my PhD.

One of the standout opportunities at Rochester, in my opinion, is the strong focus on African and African American literatures and cultures across different departments, including the Frederick Douglass Institute and Department of Black Studies. Rochester’s connection to the namesake, Frederick Douglass, is significant—not only did he live in town for many years alongside women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony, but he also published his abolitionist paper, The North Star, right here in the city. Beyond academics, Rochester is a great place to explore. From the legacy of Kodak founder George Eastman to the beautiful parks and waterfalls just a short drive away, the city and its surroundings are full of things to discover. I can’t recommend the Rochester exchange highly enough, especially if you’re thinking about an academic career. The courses here will expose you to new ideas and perspectives that might spark future research projects—just like they did for me.

Rochester Exchange Student in 2023-2024

Mira Schruff, Cologne M.A. Student

From August 2023 to May 2024, I completed a master’s degree in Comparative Literature at the University of Rochester and taught German as a foreign language as part of the Cologne-Rochester Exchange. My time in Rochester was profoundly enriching on both professional and personal levels.

The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, where exchange students are based, along with all the affiliated professors, warmly welcomed me, recognized my interests, and supported my projects. Thanks to this support, I was able to present a paper at NeMLA in Boston. In addition to regular classes, I had the opportunity to engage in one-on-one independent study meetings focused on an author of my interest. Furthermore, I received support in planning and conducting my German classes while also having the freedom for creative and independent lesson design. Teaching German was a lot of fun – my students were highly motivated, and engaging with German in a different cultural and linguistic environment provided me with a new perspective on my native language.

I lived with three other international students on May Street, within walking distance of the university and between Mount Hope Cemetery and the lovely Highland Park. Rochester offers not only beautiful parks but also a vibrant cultural scene. The city is surrounded by picturesque state parks, lakes, and hiking areas, and is relatively close to major cities like NYC, Boston, and Chicago.

I highly recommend the Rochester exchange and would not want to miss this experience for anything!