MONROE - Even on his way home from a school exchange program in Germany, Joe Ganshert knew he wanted to go back.
That was two years ago.
In a few weeks, Ganshert's dream will become a reality as he boards a plane bound for Germany once again - this time, for a full year.
Ganshert, who just graduated from Monroe High School, is a recipient of the Congress Bundestag Vocational Scholarship to study and work in Germany. The scholarship program is funded by the United States Congress and German Bundestag. It has stringent requirements, with only 25 scholarships awarded each year. Young people selected must exhibit maturity and responsibility and are expected to serve as ambassadors for the United States.
Ganshert is the son of Thomas and Jodi Ganshert of Monroe.
This is the second time in two years a MHS graduate has earned the prestigious scholarship. Last June, Joe Huber left for a year in Germany under the program. Huber was the first student from MHS to earn the distinction, although Ganshert applied and was named an alternate last year.
Ganshert will leave June 30 for Washington D.C., where he will have a two-week orientation. He will spend the next seven weeks in Bonn, Germany where he will receive intensive language preparation.
Then the real adventure will begin. Under the program, participants attend a training school before beginning an internship with a Germany company or agency. During their internship, students live with a German host family. Ganshert will be living in Bergisch Glabbach, which is outside of Cologne in northwest Germany.
Ganshert has spoken with Huber and exchanged a few e-mails, so he's comfortable knowing what to expect from his year abroad. He's also had contact with other participants, the program's regional directors and Facebook group members that share information about the scholarship program.
But Ganshert realizes there will be some surprises in store, as his experience will be unique.
He also encouraged other students interested in spending time abroad to do it.
"I could have a completely different experience (than Joe Huber)," Ganshert said. "I still expect to have a good time."
Ganshert said he's been spending his time since graduation "hanging out" and visiting family. When he returns from Germany, he plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison and eventually go to either medical or dental school.
Until then, he's looking forward to what adventures await him in Germany.
"I'm really super excited," he said.
That was two years ago.
In a few weeks, Ganshert's dream will become a reality as he boards a plane bound for Germany once again - this time, for a full year.
Ganshert, who just graduated from Monroe High School, is a recipient of the Congress Bundestag Vocational Scholarship to study and work in Germany. The scholarship program is funded by the United States Congress and German Bundestag. It has stringent requirements, with only 25 scholarships awarded each year. Young people selected must exhibit maturity and responsibility and are expected to serve as ambassadors for the United States.
Ganshert is the son of Thomas and Jodi Ganshert of Monroe.
This is the second time in two years a MHS graduate has earned the prestigious scholarship. Last June, Joe Huber left for a year in Germany under the program. Huber was the first student from MHS to earn the distinction, although Ganshert applied and was named an alternate last year.
Ganshert will leave June 30 for Washington D.C., where he will have a two-week orientation. He will spend the next seven weeks in Bonn, Germany where he will receive intensive language preparation.
Then the real adventure will begin. Under the program, participants attend a training school before beginning an internship with a Germany company or agency. During their internship, students live with a German host family. Ganshert will be living in Bergisch Glabbach, which is outside of Cologne in northwest Germany.
Ganshert has spoken with Huber and exchanged a few e-mails, so he's comfortable knowing what to expect from his year abroad. He's also had contact with other participants, the program's regional directors and Facebook group members that share information about the scholarship program.
But Ganshert realizes there will be some surprises in store, as his experience will be unique.
He also encouraged other students interested in spending time abroad to do it.
"I could have a completely different experience (than Joe Huber)," Ganshert said. "I still expect to have a good time."
Ganshert said he's been spending his time since graduation "hanging out" and visiting family. When he returns from Germany, he plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison and eventually go to either medical or dental school.
Until then, he's looking forward to what adventures await him in Germany.
"I'm really super excited," he said.