Newswise — STONY BROOK, NY, May 5, 2014 – Nicole Bustamante, a Stony Brook University senior majoring in Health Sciences with a concentration in Public Health and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies, at has been selected to participate in the prestigious Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX), a year-long, federally-funded fellowship to study and work in Germany. Ms. Bustamante, a Tappan, New York native, was selected as one of 75 participants for this unique fellowship program. Since 1984, approximately 1,700 Americans have been awarded this opportunity to gain cultural, academic, and practical work experience in Germany. Bustamante will be participating in the 31st year of the CBYX program.
While in Germany, Ms. Bustamante 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 her career field (Public Health). Participants are placed throughout Germany and have the opportunity to learn about everyday German life from a variety of perspectives.
“Nicole Bustamante is a shining example of the impact experiences outside of class can have on a student's career trajectory,” said Marianna Savoca, Director of the Career Center, Stony Brook University. “Her years at Stony Brook have been filled with involvement in student organizations, like the National Residence Hall Honorary and the Alternative Spring Break Program, volunteer work at Stony Brook Medical, and internships with the United Nations and a NGO that supports children's health in developing countries. We are so proud of her.”
“I have always loved learning and being a chosen for the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals Fellowship allows me to learn not just about my field of interest in International Public Health on a university and professional level, but I get to learn about a whole new culture during my year long stay in Germany” said Bustamante. “I am so honored to be a participant in this program and I am ready to have a life-changing experience.”
Conceived 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, and by the Bundestag. Participants come from a wide variety of career fields, and from all over the United States.
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. Young professionals in STEM, business, agricultural, and vocational fields are especially encouraged to apply, though candidates in all career fields are eligible. German language ability is not required, but is strongly recommended. Interested applicants should visit www.CBYX.info for more information.
CBYX is a reciprocal scholarship program. While Bustamante and her fellow participants spend the year living in Germany, 75 young German professionals will also be spending the year experiencing life in the United States. German participants study at US colleges in the fall and work at local businesses in the spring, all while living with an American host throughout the year. 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 visit https://cbyx.info/host .
Editor’s Note: Nicole Bustamante can be reached at [email protected]
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