Stockbridge grad Alec Twining selected for fellowship in Germany

Information from Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals with additions by Judy Brune

 Alec Twining is one of 75 Americans selected to study and work in Germany as part of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals program, now in its 38th year. Twining, a 2017 graduate of Stockbridge High School and a recent Calvin University graduate, will depart for Germany on July 31 and will return in June 2022. 

 Twining, who completed his bachelor’s degree from Calvin University with a double major in electrical engineering and German, is one of about 450 young professionals who vied for a spot in this prestigious program. Participants come from all over the United States, representing a wide variety of career fields. 

 The son of John and Susanne Twining, of Stockbridge, Twining has traveled to Germany before as part of a study abroad program through his university. Honored to be chosen for the fellowship, he is looking forward to “better understanding the culture and language, as well as exploring new places.”

 After arriving in Cologne, Twining will attend a two-month intensive language course. He will then begin his studies at a German university and will complete an internship in the career field of electrical engineering with a focus on the automotive industry.  

 Participants are placed with host families throughout Germany, where they act as citizen ambassadors of the United States, promoting a positive image abroad and creating lifelong friendships and professional connections. While Americans like Twining spend the year living in Germany, 75 young German professionals will spend the year experiencing life in the United States. German participants study at U.S. colleges and work at local businesses, while living with American hosts. 

 “Our newest cohort of young professionals, including Alec, is well-equipped to further our core mission – creating lasting ties between the United States and Germany,” said CBYX Young Professionals Senior Director Dr. Daniel Villanueva. “We are thankful these promising young leaders will be representing us this year.” 

 After completing the program, Twining’s goal is to work for a German automotive company with the hopes of traveling to Germany more frequently.

“I’m excited about developing relationships with Germans and making long-term connections,” he said.

Alec Twining, shown in front of the Fernsehturm Berlin (Berlin Television Tower) along with the Brandenburg Gate, will be returning to Germany to participate in the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals program. Photo from calvin.edu.