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Peter Sproule at Von Parish Costume Library. Peter Sproule at Von Parish Costume Library.Congratulations to Peter Sproule, a senior majoring in German and studio art, on receiving a prestigious Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals award. This program, funded by the US Congress and German legislatures, provides one-year cultural exchange placements for 75 Americans in German host communities, and 75 Germans in US host communities. CBYX includes funding for advanced German language classes, coursework at a German university, and an internship in an organization related to the recipient’s career area. Peter intends to carry out his award project in Munich, Germany.

Originally from Houghton, Michigan, Peter has been active in courses and activities on campus, and has also participated in numerous opportunities for off-campus learning. He spent the spring of his junior year studying at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, Germany, where he also carried out an internship at the Von Parish Costume Library, a collection of the Munich City Museum. Last semester, he took part in Carthage in Chicago, interning with the archives of the DANK Haus German-American Cultural Center. Peter has long been interested in international education, having spent the year before college as an exchange student in South Korea.

Peter Sproule in Munich archive Peter Sproule in Munich archive“In his various off-campus learning experiences,” says German Prof. Gregory Baer, “Peter has shown much enthusiasm for exploring cultures and helping to build intercultural bridges. I have seen these same abilities in his academic encounters with German culture in my German courses at Carthage College. His approach to understanding culture is nuanced—seeking connections, but acknowledging differences. Such an approach will serve him well as a CBYX participant and in his future career.”

The CBYX Program will allow Peter to deepen his understanding of German language and culture while strengthening his ties to academic and curatorial professionals in the fields of art, art history, and museum studies with whom he works in Germany. These contacts will undoubtedly prove valuable as Peter pursues advanced degrees and additional practical experience after completing his year in Germany. Peter plans to continue working in the area of art history, ultimately pursuing a career in the museum, archival, or gallery fields.

Congratulations to Peter Sproule on his CBYX award!