 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Alumni Profile: Anja Mohn |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DAAD grant(s): One-Year Graduate Grant, 2001/2
Current occupation: Artist/Designer, business owner
Current city of residence: Brooklyn, NY
Contact: anja_mohn@web.de
How has your time in the US affected your academic/professional career path?
Living in a different country, studying here and now living here has broadened my horizon in every way. I have never learned as much about my own country as I did living in a different place. It is like you can see everything from a distance and seeing and learning how other people live, approach life, puts your old views in new perspective. Going to a different country for a significant amount of time gives you a chance to re-invent yourself and your life and mix the best from both your home and your guest country into a whole new you.
What's the most important piece of advice you could give a new DAAD grantee?
Always to be open to see things from another point of view. Always be open to change and try new things and steps. Learn as much as you can.
What was your most dramatic experience of culture shock in the US?
My most dramatic experience of culture shock was overall to find out, that many more things are different here in America then I thought. Ways of talking, behaving etc.; cultural codes one never was aware of until they didn’t work the way they did back home. Many things are very subtle. One needs to be open to learn and adjust. Sometimes I felt like I knew nothing. It is good to have a good and patient advisor so one has someone to ask and learn from.
Other than family/friends, what did you miss most while abroad? What do you miss from Germany now that you're back?
Other than my family and friends I did not miss much, being here in America is too much of an adventure every day! And I am still here. After finishing my degree (MFA, Parsons School for Design) I went on to realize a second small American Dream of mine: I started my own business for art services & design.
If you could go back and live your overseas adventure again, what would you do differently?
I would do the same thing!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
