UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Modern Languages

Beth A. Buckmaster (Broad Field Social Studies and German, graduated 2005)

In 2005 I graduated from the University of Wisconsin River Falls with a dual degree in Broad Field Social Studies and German language. I continued at UWRF and received my Initial Educator's License and am currently the German teacher at Menomonie High School in Menomonie, Wisconsin. UWRF was an incredible experience and one that I am thankful to have taken part in, and has helped both my professional as well as personal goals. The Modern Language Department helped me to achieve my goals while leading a program that allows students to be creative and challenged.

In 2005 I was selected by the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) to partake in a competitive, countrywide, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that consisted of a 1-month full scholarship stay in Leipzig, Germany that concentrated on teachers in the German field. Herr Dr. Johansson worked closely with me to complete my speech, submitted a recommendation and helped me to prepare. I was one of just 20 teachers in the United States to participate on this full scholarship. It would not have been possible for me to travel to Germany without this scholarship. It helped out my language in a way that only being in the country can do for a student learning a foreign language.

In 2006 I applied for and received a scholarship through the Fulbright Program, which is a well-known international program that establishes a mutual agreement between all countries that promotes cultural understanding through language. Once again, with the help and assistance of the German Department at UWRF, I was one of only 36 participants selected to become a teacher's assistant in Vienna, Austria and it was a highly, competitive pool of applicants. Only because of my degree in German language from the University of Wisconsin River Falls was I selected, and I will forever be indebted to the hard work, genuine caring and dedication that both Frau Dr. Johansson and Herr Dr. Johansson showed me, which helped me to grow from a college student into a successful first-year teacher of German.

In today's global market, constant communication and need for understanding a degree in German language is essential. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns. The Modern Language Department at UWRF is an essential part of the overall campus as well as showing all students, staff, parents and community members that we need to continue our language programs and allow all students to understand the true meaning behind this international world market that we are living in. It isn't enough to know English, but also to learn another language and the culture of people from all over the world.

Contact Us

Modern Languages
284 Kleinpell Fine Arts 
College of Arts and Sciences
715-425-3121
eva.opseth@uwrf.edu 

Mailing address:
Modern Languages
University of Wisconsin - River Falls
410 S. 3rd St.
River Falls, WI 54022 US

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