CDSsence Winter 2009 by CDS International

Issue 24 | The Newsletter of CDS International, Inc. | Winter 2008/09

Photos from Abroad, Photos from “Home” A Look Inside the Photo Contests Sponsored by CDS International

ntries for the 2008 My America and Beyond My America photo contests and ABROADcast video contest are in! As we begin our evaluations, we wanted to give you one last look at the winners from the previous year’s contests. Nestor Lacle was the 1st place winner in the My America photo contest. His photo essay Old Glory expressed his experiences in America through varying portrayals of the US flag. Sven Licht took 2nd place with his essay America, My Way, and Lisa Galinski rounded out the top three with her collection titled New York – My Most Colorful City. Jessica Hart won 1st place in the Beyond My America photo contest with her essay EmmaIhrer-Strasse 8. Congratulations to them all! The annual photo contests challenge CDS participants to look beyond the stereotypes of their host countries by creatively expressing their impressions of their new home’s culture and people through photography. The beauty and the scope of each entry makes these contests one of our most successful intercultural initiatives. Continued on Page 2

In This Issue

Another Side of Germany Beyond My America contest winner Jessica Hart’s photo essay Emma-Ihrer-Strasse 8 captures life in a refugee camp in Munich, Germany. This photo, Dalia, is among her favorites from the collection.

A Cause to Celebrate

DS International celebrated its 40th anniversary this November with a house Pg 1 A Cause to Celebrate warming party in its new Park Avenue Pg 2 Letter from the Executive Director South office. Over 100 prominent supporters *Special Technology Feature : Wired://World Wide* of the organization attended the celebration, Pg 5 Participant Footprints: The German Job Search including board members, current and former Pg 6 Host Company Profile: Green Map System staff, representatives from host companies, and Pg 7 Whatever Happened to the Postcard? alumni in the New York City area. Guests spent Pg 7 Coffeetalk the evening reliving fond memories of their exPg 8 Important Dates periences abroad and recognizing those who so graciously assisted CDS achieve 40 years of Contributing Writers: success. Alissa Green International chemical and health care com Helkin von Schwaab pany Bayer AG was honored during the evening Emily Wiechers for its longstanding support of CDS. In addition Editor and Layout: to providing CDS with its initial office space at Chad Robertson the time of the organization’s founding in 1968, Pg 1 Photos from Abroad, Photos from “Home”

Bayer has also contributed over $4 million throughout the course of CDS’s history to help promote cross-cultural understanding and professional development. CDS Executive Director Rob Fenstermacher and Chairman of the Board Karl Geercken presented Rebecca Lucore, Executive Director of the Bayer USA Foundation, an award in appreciation of Bayer’s generosity. Also in attendance were Consul General of Germany Dr. Horst Freitag, former Chairman of the Board Gerd Mueller, former President Peter Ruof, and former Executive Director Wolfgang Linz and his wife, former Senior Program Officer Ute Schott. For 23 years, Mr. Linz served as Executive Director of CDS, building key partnerships with organizations such as the Robert Continued on Page 4

The Newsletter of CDS International, Inc. | Winter 2008/09

Photo Contests Continued from Page 1 Nearly 100 participants submitted an entry for the chance to win prizes that included a travel voucher from STA travel, a digital camera, and an iPod. From this group, finalists were selected according to an objective score that took into account aesthetic appeal, thematic strength based on a 100-word essay, and the overall impression of the essay. Professionals from the international and artistic communities then selected the overall winners. Graciously agreeing to judge the contest were Jason Yarashes of the National Council for International Visitors, Cari Guittard of Business for Diplomatic Action, Christopher Kojm from the 9/11 Commission, and Pauline Shapiro from Sotheby’s. The My America photo contest offers participants living in the United States on the J-1 Visa

Spain the same opportunity to express their impressions of a foreign land. First place winner Jessica Hart was interning with esteemed Munich photographer Elias Hassos when he first facilitated her contact with a nearby refugee camp, the topic of her essay. Hart was surprised to find such a place in Munich and was even more surprised to learn that few of her German friends knew anything about the center. “It didn’t mold my idea of what Germany is, but it’s another side of Germany that isn’t often talked about, that many Germans didn’t even know existed. I really wanted to let people know what was going on, and that kind of became the whole goal of the essay.” Her favorite photo was that of six year old the chance to explore the varied facets of life in America. Participants explored a variety of Dalia. With only Dalia occupying the frame, her themes in their photos that ranged from life on elbows jutting out at a 90-degree angle, Hart exthe road as they criss-crossed the country, to the plains that “she carries herself like a grown womexploration of the inner-cities’ depths and the an. She has this expression that’s very seriouss, surprisingly “inhomogeneous” lives of U.S. citi- like the grown woman she’s had to become.” The entries from these contests reinforce our zens. First place winner Nestor Lacle focused on one of the United State’s greatest symbols — her belief that international experiences lead to new persepctives and better understandings of flag. “The flag represents both good and bad things,” other cultures. Though the 2008 deadline has stated Nestor. “It’s so interwoven through every passed, we are already preparing for the 2009 aspect of life; you can’t go anywhere without see- contests. In addition to the photo contests, we ing it. There’s a photo with a U.S. flag in the rub- will also be featuring a new video contest, aptly tibish bin and the people around me were at first tled ABROADcast. Get out that camera and start disapproving, saying you should bury it. But then showing us the life abroad you lead! Details on a boy scout told us that the proper thing is to actu- the 2009 contest will be available on our website ally burn it.” This picture makes as strong of an im- this spring. Looking for inspiration? Take this tip pression on the viewer as it did the photographer. from 2nd place My America winner Sven Licht. “Do The Beyond My America photo contest gave something new and don’t try to think of what other participants in Argentina, Germany, Russia, and people will like. Go and see the real America.” on the wrong side of the street. Alex just couldn’t figure out why

Letter from the Executive Director

daddy was late. I couldn’t believe how thoroughly technology had encroached into our lives.

As a student whose worldviews were shaped by international travel

in the 80’s and 90’s, I was privileged to witness the shift in communicay six-year-old son Alex has a hard time conceptual-

tion across different cultures firsthand. More significantly, I saw these

izing a world without cell phones. For him, they have

advancements become increasingly integrated into both our personal

always been there, just as his favorite climbing tree has

and professional lives. CDS International’s young and savvy staff not

always been down the street. This came up recently when I tempo-

only grew up as these changes were taking place, but also learned to

rarily misplaced my cell phone forcing my wife and me to resort to

adopt and adapt to them instinctively. They understand what works

20th century scheduling techniques. To pick a time and location to

and what doesn’t and are able to creatively apply new technologies

meet can be tough enough with a cell phone, but without one re-

to all facets of our work. Whether conducting video conference calls,

quired that we narrow our rendezvous down to an exact minute and

answering questions posted in Facebook groups, or communicating

street corner. I thought I had the old tactics down until I found myself

information through our online application system, we, as a team, have

Page 2

To learn more about the photo and video contests, visit www.cdsintl.org/contests

The Newsletter of CDS International, Inc. | Winter 2008/09

Alissa Green

Submissions from the Finalists: The Old Varsity Diner, Midtown (opposite page) by My America 2nd Place Winner Jens Licht; Melange (top left) by My America 3rd Place Winner Lisa Galinski; Old Glory Can Be Neglected (top right) by My America 1st Place Winner Nestor Lacle; It is Good to Have Options (left) by Beyond My America Finalist John Castle.

fully incorporated Web 2.0 into our work at CDS. These tools have not

With our first 40 years behind us and many more successful years

only helped us create an international, professional network designed

ahead, it is clear that we have only begun to unlock the potential of the

to improve participants’ experiences abroad, but has also streamlined

new technologies available to enhance our ability to realize CDS’s mis-

the processes needed to get them there.

sion. Our staff constantly searches for new areas of expansion, but the

As CDS continues to improve its workflow, each CDS stakeholder

magic behind Web 2.0 is the incredible sociability it allows, so now we

benefits from improved communication and services thus enabling us

want to hear from you! I encourage you to get on your BlackBerries,

to more effectively fulfill our mission. This issue of CDSsence recogniz-

iPhones, and email to connect with us on our Facebook, Twitter, and

es the impact new technologies have had on our organization as well

LinkedIn groups. We want to hear your stories and ideas of how we can

as the role they have played in shaping a more personalized dialogue

continue to increase our international outreach. Please also be sure to

within our international network. This issue also pays tribute to how far

visit our newly relaunched website to learn more about CDS’s current

we, as an organization, have come in 40 years thanks to the dedication

initiatives. We are excited to connect with you on whatever platform,

and vision of our staff, partners, and leaders such as former Executive

application, or mode of communication you prefer but please know

Director Wolfgang Linz who served CDS tirelessly and with enormous

that if all else fails, you can try me on that standby of technology, my

commitment for 23 years and continues to do so as a Board Member.

cell phone. I don’t think Alex will let me misplace it again.

To learn more about the photo and video contests, visit www.cdsintl.org/contests

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The Newsletter of CDS International, Inc. | Winter 2008/09

40 th Anniversary

that either. It’s really a mission for the staff to help expose as many young people as possible Continued from Page 1 to international culture and diversity, to make Bosch Stiftung and establishing core pro- them more tolerant and considerate to people grams such as the Congress-Bundestag Youth of other cultures — and this is what we need Exchange for Young Professionals. Together now, more than ever before.” In recognition of this mission, the evening with his wife Ms. Schott, who was instrumental in creating the Professional Development also featured an exhibit of CDS’s My America Program for international students entering the and Beyond My America contest photos. Over United States on the J-1 visa, the couple primed 50 vivid pictures taken by CDS participants while abroad were on display. Framed versions CDS for growth and continued success. “CDS has come a long way since when of the photos were available for purchase with we first started our operations 40 years all proceeds benefitting the CDS International ago. We’ve grown from 3 to 35 people,” said Scholarship Fund. “This is just another extension of the good Wolfgang about CDS’s progress. “We have an outstanding, professional, dedicated, and work done by CDS,” 2000-2001 CBYX aluminternationally-minded staff that doesn’t view na Rebecca Smetana said of the photo benits service as a job, and for me it wasn’t like efit. “The photos remind you of wonderful

experiences and are amazing examples in themselves. Living abroad changed my life and career, literally.” Smetana interned at Daimler-Chrysler during her program year in Germany and used this network of contacts to find a job at Mercedes-Benz upon returning to the United States. The evening concluded with a toast to all those who were instrumental in helping CDS grow. Chairman of the Board Karl Geercken remarked, “It’s been a wonderful evening and there’s a very festive spirit here tonight. You can feel how dedicated the staff is and that we’re in very good hands for the next 40 years to come!” Nearly $1,500 was raised for the CDS International Scholarship Fund through picture sales. Alissa Green

CELEBRATING THE FIRST 40 (clockwise from top left) • Wolfgang Linz, former Executive Director, chats with two alumni of the organization; • Dr. Horst Freitag, Consul General of Germany, recognizes the intercultural efforts CDS has made over the past 40 years. Here he meets with Executive Director Rob Fenstermacher and Chairman of the Board Karl Geercken; • Former President Peter Ruof meets with Rob; • John Early and Tom O’Connor, both former staff members, share a joke; • Current Board Members Dr. Norbert Schneider and Gudrun Johnson-Stein look on with Gudrun’s husband Dieter Stein, former CEO of BASF; • Past meets present as former and current colleagues meet. Here, Hildegard Franco, Anna Oberle, Scott Curry, Matthias Neureither, Ute Schott, and Katerina Holubova catch up on old times. Page 4

www.flickr.com/photos/cdsevents

Wired://World Wide

The Newsletter of CDS International, Inc. | Winter 2008/09

01010111011001010010011101110010011001010010000001101110011011110010000001110011011 10100011100100110000101101110011001110110010101110010011100110010000001110100011011 11001000000110110001101111011101100110010100001101000010100101100101101111011101010 01000000110101101101110011011110111011100100000011101000110100001100101001000000111 001001110101011011000110010101110011001011000010000001100001011011100110010 a look at how technology is changing experiences abroad 00010000001110011011011110010000001100100011011110010000001001001

Particpant Footprints: The German Job Search

ete Heiss had a contract of employment before he boarded his plane to Germany on the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals last summer. The American CBYX alum (’07-’08) experienced few of the traditional job-search worries. What kind of paper should the resume be printed on? How should the cover letter’s introduction be formatted? Pete simply posted his resume online. Within weeks he received a call-back. The German company he would be working for, optimise-it GmbH, had searched an online database for his particular skill set and found him immediately. If only it had always been this easy! American CBYX alum (’93-’94) Andrew Dowd remembers finding his program internship by pure luck. “Basically, I found it by picking companies like IBM and Siemens, and writing blindly to their HR officers and offices. I wasn’t using the internet and I don’t remember how I got their addresses. Maybe CDS provided them to me.” We

give Andrew full credit for doing the legwork that would lead to his internship at IBM. That internship that would go on to launch his entire career. Technical innovations over the past decade have completely altered the process of finding internships abroad, making it increasingly easy for participants to search for work. Internet search engines, company websites, and resume matching services are just a few of the online tools now utilized in procuring positions. Interviews can be conducted via Skype, a free internet-based phone service that cuts down on the traditional costs associated with overseas communications. Participants can even see photos of the very block where their potential place of business is located using Google Maps. Expanded internet usage has changed not only the professional aspects, but also the personal aspects of living abroad. Many participants now research the cultural shocks they can expect to experience before ever stepping foot in their new home abroad. A simple click can give insight into the host country’s average seasonal temperatures, specific regional holidays, and home-grown recipes that even the most seasoned traveler would envy. “Fifteen years ago, you could only get the slightest impression of what life was like overseas through magazines. The internet now gives complete access to life abroad. I am even able to check up on German newspapers, something I would have had a lot of trouble doing back when I was a participant,” Andrew said. NETWORK OF CONNECTIONS Andrew Dowd (second from left) continues to work with international groups. He tries to He cautions that for all of maintain his contact with Germany through the internet. technology’s helpful advanc-

TECH SAVVY Pete Heiss had no problem finding his internship before the 2007-08 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange

es, there are also significant, potential drawbacks that could unintentionally sabotage the international experience. Andrew warns against constant online chat with friends back home for fear that a reliance on people back home could water down the abroad experience, not to mention fluency in a new language. Instead, focus should be on meeting new friends and exploring the host country’s rich cultural traditions. As a sign of generational differences, Pete considers the social networking site Facebook as one of his favorite websites, emphasizing that the ease with which he was able to communicate with friends back home made it much easier to adapt to life in Germany. What both Pete and Andrew can agree on, however, is that nothing can compare to the awe-inspiring, distinctive experience of living on foreign soil. “Americans have access to different viewpoints but fail to really experience other cultures,” Andrew says. “Without this experience, it’s hard to fully appreciate other views. That’s why organizations like CDS are so important; they not only allow you to develop a new perspective, but also give you a chance to be introspective.” Alissa Green

For more information on the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange, please visit www.cdsintl.org/cbyx

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The Newsletter of CDS International, Inc. | Winter 2008/09

Host Company Profile: Green Map System

Mapping out a Greener Community with CDS Participants

ouston isn’t the first place people think the Open Green Map that integrates Green Map Miikka primarily concentrated on creating a of when it comes to environmental con- Icons, Google Maps, local knowledge and the layer that would communicate between Google sideration. The heavy smog in the city omnipresent social factors of Web 2.0. Ms. Maps and the Open Green Map. He worked causes eye irritation but it’s the smell from the Brawer explains that “Green Mapmakers can with the Google Maps API code and interlaced petro-chemical plants that can really grate on create an Open Green Map in any language. it with features that would be used to create a the nerves. “The smell of money” as the old People are invited to enhance each site by add- Green Map, effectively utilizing Drupal, an opensaying goes. Even in this, one of the most pol- ing comments, uploading pictures and includ- source software to benefit communities worldluted pockets of America, local citizens wide. “Anyone can update the map”, are coming together to map out a fresh Miikka said. “You can create your own perspective on the greening of their map, say, in Finland, expand on differcommunity with the help of Green Map ent maps that already exist, and add System, a CDS host organization. comments, images, and details. You Green Map System is a non-profit orgadon’t have to pay to add information to nization that helps communities around other maps, but there is a small fee to the world identify and chart green recreate your own map and use any of sources in their neighborhoods. Local the Green Map tools”. mapmakers use a series of Green Map® Green Map System continues to garIcons, a universal symbol set created by ner awards from international technolthe network of Green Mapmakers, to MAPPING IT ALL OUT Wendy Brawer (third from left) and ogy critics, most recently recognized point out sustainable living and toxic her staff at the Green Map System. CDS Participants Gottfried by the NetSquared and Tele Atlas Haider and Miikka Lammela (second from right) have helped her awards. It was also the cover story in hotspots within a given community. create an online community of mapmakers around the world. The Houston Green Map is just one the August 2008 issue of Delta Sky, of nearly 400 maps that have already been ing their own personal impact assessments. the official magazine of Delta Airlines. A pubpublished using adaptable Green Mapmaking The goal is instant publication of these maps lic launch for the Open Green Map is planned tools and lively iconography. It bills itself as “a to encourage the public to experience each site for spring 2009 and the Green Map staff is now pocket guide offering environmental education and share how each point on the map enhanc- concentrating on the marketing and business aspects that will compliment the launch. Ms. opportunities along Houston’s light-rail corri- es their life.” OpenGreenMap.org was soft launched for Brawer hopes to continue her work with CDS dor.” Highlights include environmental habitats, community gardens, museums, and farmers mapmaking in July 2008, though the project interns in the future. “CDS interns are ahead markets, few of which would receive publicity only started in April. Ms. Brawer likes to at- of the curve as far as new technologies and when competing with headlines like “Welcome tribute the swift building of the project to the new opportunities are concerned. Hopefully to Smog City”. As seen on GreenMap.org, these support of CDS and the ingenuity of the two they can continue to help us reach out to an maps help tourists and city residents support CDS interns who joined Green Map System even greater audience!” She is not the only green city development while offering network- for the summer, Gottfried Haider and Miikka one impressed and we hope the CDS network ing opportunities between green organizations. Lammela. “Gottfried brought very perceptive can help her achieve these goals. A special thanks to Wendy and her husband Green Map System recently began hiring commentary to the look and feel of the design, CDS interns to significantly expand its out- with an emphasis on effective usability. Miikka Ray who gave a grant from RSF Social Finance reach. Wendy Brawer, founding director of the was very sharp and very positive. His general to CDS from the Rivington Ridge Fund, a donor organization, hired CDS interns to help stream- attitude was ‘yes, we can do that. We can fig- advised fund allowing them to support projects line the map-making process. They did so by ure that out’. He was determined to try to make they believe in! Chad Robertson creating an easy-to-use online interface called every idea work well.” Page 6

http://www.cdsintl.org/interntrainusa/hostresources.php

Wired://World Wide

The Newsletter of CDS International, Inc. | Winter 2008/09

Whatever Happened to the Postcard? I used to fret over an empty mailbox. Maybe something happened to the postman, I’d think. Or maybe I gave the wrong address. Or maybe I just don’t have anyone to give my address to. Now I fret over something in my mailbox. Bills undeniably. I don’t even get good catalogues in the mail anymore. So what’s taken the letter’s place? Email is the obvious answer, but there’s more to it than that. To find out, we turn to our participants. CDS participants are often on the cutting edge when it comes to online communication, as they seek out the easiest and most economical way to communicate with friends and family abroad. I spoke to current Robert Bosch Fellow Seth Beattie (via email of course) about the technologies he uses to bridge the distance between “home” and home. A reply waited for me in my inbox the very next day. No frets with this mail. Below are his thoughts on the latest innovations in the tech community. • Blogs – Short for “web log”, many of our participants keep these online journals to share their experiences with friends and strangers alike. Blogs run the gamut in regards to topics; some are extremely personal while others instigate thought and discussion. Readers can leave comments on what has been written and have update notifications sent automatically whenever a new article has been written. Seth discussed the possibility of blogging with Geniocity (www.geniocity.com), so be sure to check in soon. • File sharing – Seth has found the website yousendit (www.yousendit.com) useful for sending large files such as videos or high resolution photos. He isn’t the only one either. It’s also the preferred method of sending photo entries for the photo and video contests CDS sponsors. Flickr (www.flickr.com) is another media sharing website that gives you the chance to organize photos with “tags” and share them with the world. Check out CDS’s pictures on flickr at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cdsevents. • Chat – There are several different “chat” platforms that allow you to talk instantly with people throughout the world. Seth uses Gchat (www.gmail.com), which is built into his email inbox and allows him to

chat with people in his address book. Skype (www.skype.com) is another chat platform that also features phone and video conferencing components. Through Skype, users can talk in real time without worrying about international phone charges as it is a free service. Naturally this is a very popular feature among CDS participants and has even gained traction with CDS staff who use it to conduct phone interviews with J-1 visa applicants. • Social Networking Sites – Social networking sites have quickly become the tie that bonds among 18 to 35 year olds. The most popular site is Facebook (www.facebook.com), which allows users to create profiles and “friend” people from around the world. Seth and 19 other Bosch Fellows currently in Germany have even gone so far so as to create a Fellowship group on the site. This expands their network of both professional and personal contacts, while giving them a tool that can be used to share ideas on life abroad and coordinate events such as a Thanksgiving meal. Linked-In (www.linkedin.com) is another social networking site that differentiates itself by catering to a professional crowd. CDS International has groups on both sites. Login and join today! Emily Wiechers

COFFEETALK Staff Extensions and Upgrades

ith a clean cache and refurbished office, CDS made several system unit updates this past fall. Boosting the J-1 Programs were musically and linguistically talented Andrea Kahn, recent AmeriCorps graduate Bryant Pritchett, and worldwide traveler Nina Herzog. Valuable plug and play extensions to the Internships Abroad department were Berlin native Susanne Awiszus, internationally

experienced Marie Kratzmann, and multi-cultural Elise Serbaroli. Anja Heinz was a welcomed add-on to the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange program team and Susana Lee was reincorporated into the CDS intranet after a year abroad in Germany. System upgrades include Joanna Curtis to Exchange Compliance and Operations Manager, Nicole Sisco and Will Maier to Program Officer, Roxana Pleacoff and Anna Oberle to www.cdsintl.org

Senior Program Manager, and Chad Robertson and Emily Wiechers to External Relations Manager and Coordinator respectively. Guiding the evercomplicated series of tubes, are Helkin von Schwaab and Evan Kerrigan in the new information systems extension of the External Relations Department. The newest addition to the CDS meme is baby Dmitri, son to Melissa Graves and her husband Igor. Congratulations to them both! Page 7

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IMPORTANT DATES Come learn about the latest CDS program offerings by visiting us at one of the following fairs:

Join our Groups on Facebook and LinkedIn!

Georgetown University Career Fair February 19th, 2009 NYU Wagner Public Service Career Fair March 5th, 2009 Columbia University Non-Profit Career Fair March 6th, 2009 University of Georgia Career Fair March 25th, 2009 American University Spring Career Fair March 26th, 2009

Visit Our New Website! The new CDS International website is now live! Check out the attractive layout and learn the latest happenings at CDS . www.cdsintl.org

Keep up with old travel buddies, meet the current group of participants, and find out the very latest from your friends at CDS. www.facebook.com

Update and expand your professional networks by connecting to fellow CDS alumni. Join the CDS International Alumni group. www.linkedin.com

HELP SEND YOUNG AMERICANS ABROAD! Donate to the CDS Scholarship Fund Today! www.cdsintl.org/donate/