Photo credit to Bella Penninger
Full of fun and enlightenment, this year’s German Day was a great success in promoting UBC’s German Studies program and celebrating the German language and culture.
The exciting event was held on September 23rd and invited both High School and University students to explore the CENES department and the diverse opportunities UBC has to offer for German enthusiasts and learners. The fun-filled day began at 10 am with an informative presentation on the advantages of studying German. Dr. Ilinca Iuraşcu talked about the mental benefits of learning foreign languages as well as the various ways in which studying German can boost one’s academics and future career.
The lecture was followed by a relaxing scavenger hunt across the UBC campus. Divided into teams of four, the attendees explored the architectural and natural beauty of UBC with a Work Learn student who guided them. They got to know the various buildings on campus by connecting them to the meaning of German loanwords that were to be translated at the hand of the buildings’ purposes.
UBC Work Learns at UBC German Day. Photo credit to Biz Nijdam.
At the Arts Student Centre, the group engaged in several fun activities while eating pizza and socializing with fellow students and faculty members of the CENES department. A challenging but entertaining German tongue twister challenge brought lots of laughter and enjoyment to the event and revealed some hidden talents among the students who completed the task with ease.
Afterwards, the students showcased their craftsmanship and creativity while making German traditional “Kastanienmännchen”. With toothpicks, googly eyes and leaves they made unique chestnut figures that they could take home as souvenirs. The attendees received insight into the German Studies program through the personal accounts of Work Learn students about their experiences with the program. On top of that, Dr. Elizabeth “Biz” Nijdam held an interesting presentation on German folk and fairy tales as an introduction to the course GMST 121 which is offered at UBC.
Singer-songwriter Ami Warning performing at UBC German Day. Photo Credit to Biz Nijdam.
The big highlight of the day was the concert of German singer-songwriter Ami Warning, who performed several of her songs, all written by herself and sang in German. With a upbeat melody and meaningful lyrics, Ami won the hearts of the audience and allowed them to delve into the vibrant and musical aspects of German culture.
