STILLWATER, Okla. – Stefan Ralston, a student at Oklahoma State University from
Jenks, Okla., has been selected to participate in the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange
for Young Professionals (CBYX), a year-long, federally-funded fellowship for study
and work in Germany.
Ralston, Aerospace Administration and Operations senior, was selected as one
of 75 participants (among more than 600 applicants) for this unique fellowship program.
Since 1984, more than 1,650 Americans have been awarded this opportunity to gain
cultural, theoretical and practical work experience in Germany, and Ralston will
be participating in the 30th year of the CBYX program (2013-2014).
While in Germany, he will attend a two-month intensive German language course,
study at a German university or professional school for four months, and complete
a five-month internship with a German company in his career field. Participants
are placed throughout Germany, and have the opportunity to learn about everyday
German life from a variety of perspectives.
“Germany is a strong US ally, an influential leader of the European Union, and,
similar to Oklahoma, hosts career opportunities in the vast aviation field,” Ralston
said. “During the yearlong professional exchange, I endeavor to better understand
the education and career lifestyles in Germany, as well as learn more about their
history, politics and traditions.”
Conceived and supported by members of the United States Congress and the German
Parliament [Bundestag], the CBYX program is financially supported by the Bureau
of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State under the authority
of the Fulbright-Hays Act. Participants come from nearly every career field, and
from all over the United States.
“As Oklahoma State University continues to increase the opportunities for young
adults in business, STEM (scientific, technical, engineering, and mathematical),
agricultural, and vocational fields to live and study abroad, programs like CBYX
make a significant difference to our effectiveness in helping all OSU students have
meaningful international experiences,” said Jeff Simpson, Director, OSU Study Abroad,
National Student Exchange Office.
Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents between the ages of
18-24 and have clear career goals and experience in their professional fields. German
language ability is not required, but is strongly recommended.
CBYX is a reciprocal scholarship program. While American participants like Ralston
will experience life in Germany, young German professionals will live here in the
United States during the upcoming academic year. German participants study at US
colleges in the fall and work in local businesses in the spring, all while living
with an American host. CBYX for Young Professionals is currently looking for interested
host families, host companies, and host colleges who would like to take part in
this exciting cultural exchange. Anyone interested in becoming involved in the program
or hosting a German participant can find out more by visiting www.cbyx.info