The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals is a yearlong fellowship that annually provides 75 American and 75 German young professionals the opportunity to spend a year in each other’s countries, studying, interning and living with hosts on a cultural immersion program. Public Health major Dallas Blackwell is the first student from UAB to be awarded the fellowship.

Students accepted into the fellowship experience three phases of the program: two months of German language school, four months of classes in chosen career field at a university, technical school, or professional school, and a five-month internship in chosen career field. The CBYX fellowship is funded by the German Bundestag and U.S. Congress through the U.S. Department of State.

“As a public health student with a concentration in global health studies, I believe the cross-cultural skills and perspectives I will gain from this program will be invaluable in my future endeavors,” said Blackwell. “By immersing myself in German society, I aim to gain insights into different healthcare systems, public health practices and cultural attitudes towards health and well-being.”

Blackwell studied German for several years in high school and college, which led to a passion for the German language and culture as well as an interest in deepening her understanding of German society. After previously living abroad and experiencing the positive impact of cross-cultural exchange, she is eager to once again embrace a new culture, broaden her perspectives and build meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds.

“I hope that these experiences will heighten my understanding of global health issues and impact my future education and career path,” said Blackwell. “Additionally, the interpersonal skills developed through cultural immersion and communication in a foreign language are essential for collaborating and engaging with diverse communities and advocating for equitable public health outcomes on a global scale.”

Blackwell is a Senior from Hueytown, AL majoring in Public Health with a concentration in Global Health Studies. Learn more about the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX).