Hi!
My name is Biz Nijdam, and I am thrilled to be entering my second year as the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the German Program within the Department of Central, Eastern, and Northern European Studies (CENES) at the University of British Columbia.
Over the past year, I have dedicated myself to enhancing our program’s connections both within and beyond the university. I have focused on developing programming that links our German courses with multilingual initiatives across campus, fostering a richer and more inclusive learning environment. Additionally, I have worked to strengthen our ties with the German Students Association, ensuring that our students have access to a broader network of resources and opportunities to expand their social and educational horizons.
However, my top priority has been to engage with students on an individual level. By understanding their unique personal, professional and academic goals, I have been able to tailor our program to better support their ambitions. Whether through personalized advising, creating targeted funding opportunities, using my power as the Director of Undergraduate Studies to help them meet their program requirements, or facilitating connections with industry professionals and other faculty, my aim has been to provide a comprehensive support system for our students.
The German program at UBC offers a diverse range of courses in both English and German, covering topics such as Germanophone culture, film, history, language, literature, media, philosophy, society, and politics. Our curriculum is designed to inspire students and prepare them for a multilingual and multicultural future, equipping them with the skills necessary for making new friends, finding jobs, networking, planning travel, and engaging with a complex world. To find out more about our rich course offerings, visit this link.
Want to talk about German Studies? Reach out!
I’d be glad to chat with you about any aspect of UBC’s German program. The best way to reach me is via email at biz.nijdam@ubc.ca or you can schedule a meeting directly with me. I’d be glad to make an appointment to talk about:
- Individual course offerings
- One of our undergraduate programs (honours, major, minor, German Studies minor)
- The $30,000+ in scholarships and award prizes in German Studies
- External funding sources for research and study in German Studies (including graduate school planning)
- Study abroad programs in Berlin, Freiburg, Kassel, Munich and Weimar
- Internships through UBC and DAAD
- Anything that interests you: I value conversation and welcome the chance to meet and get to know students
As we move into this new academic year, I am excited to continue building on these foundations. I invite you to learn more about our program and discover how it can benefit you or your organization. Together, we can create meaningful and impactful experiences for our students.
