U.K., Germany Name SFSU Students Exchange Program 'Ambassadors'

Eric Ziller promotes study in Germany, Frederick Shaw promotes study in U.K.

Two San Francisco State University students have been hired as "ambassadors" this year by European government agencies, to promote the benefits of studying abroad.

Eric Ziller, a double major in German and international business, is one of 15 American and Canadian college students named young ambassadors by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), a German national agency that supports international academic cooperation. Ziller is the only California student among the DAAD ambassadors. Others attend Yale, Princeton, Pennsylvania, University of British Columbia and the like. Last year Ziller attended Fachhochschule Reutlingen and Universität Tübingen.

Frederick Shaw, a radio and television major, is one of 63 student ambassadors for the British Council, the United Kingdom's international organization for educational opportunities and cultural relations. Last year Shaw attended University of East Anglia.

As ambassadors, Ziller and Shaw are charged with organizing campus events to promote study in Germany and the United Kingdom, respectively. They also collaborate with SFSU's Office of International Programs and other Bay Area institutions to inform peers on educational and research opportunities overseas.

Ziller, a graduate of Polytechnical High School in Long Beach, learned a great deal about import and export management at one of the top-ranked business schools in Germany. The experience also reaffirmed the second-generation German American's pride for the country and its culture.

"My experience in Germany was without a doubt one of the most fulfilling and exciting adventures I've ever undertaken in my life," said Ziller, who plans to attend graduate school in Germany. "I want to keep the feeling alive and give back."

Shaw, a Brighton, Colo. native, said study abroad allows students to learn about themselves, the United States and different education systems.

"My time overseas changed my life," said Shaw, who plans to work in travel television. "It helped me become more confident in my abilities to do anything, after being in several countries where I was unfamiliar with the culture."

DAAD program began this fall and is modeled after the U.K. program. Ambassadors were chosen based on their enthusiasm for studying abroad, written and verbal communication skills, and faculty recommendations.

SFSU students can study abroad - for the same tuition and fees they pay at SFSU - through two state-supported programs. CSU International Programs are affiliated with more than 50 universities in 19 countries. The SFSU Bilateral Exchange Program is affiliated with 29 associated universities in 14 countries. For details, call (415) 338-1293 or visit SFSU's Study Abroad Web site at: www.sfsu.edu/~studyabr.

Contact: Matt Itelson, (415) 338-1743; (415) 338-1665; matti@sfsu.edu