EIU Media Relations

EIU's global connections make student's study abroad dream a reality

(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University’s commitment to creating opportunities for its students has made one public relations major’s lifelong dream of studying abroad come true.

Sydney Mason, a senior from Chenoa, Illinois, will become the first EIU student to study at Jade Hochschule in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, thanks to a major-specific exchange agreement facilitated by EIU School of Communication and Journalism professor Dr. Claudia Janssen Danyi.

Professor Janssen Danyi established the exchange program after visiting colleagues near her hometown in Germany a few years ago. When she presented the opportunity to her class, Mason shared that she had always dreamed of studying abroad to connect with her ancestral roots in Germany.

“I couldn't believe it when I found out that EIU’s partner university was located near where my ancestors were from in the city of Wilhelmshaven,” Mason said. "It felt like the stars aligned and this opportunity was custom made for my academic and personal fulfillment in the State of Lower Saxony.”

Initially, Mason was hesitant to arrange the trip—she admits having financial concerns, and was also worried studying overseas might impact her goal to graduate in spring 2025. However, with the help of EIU’s Study abroad Office, the School of Communication and Journalism, and the University’s German partners, EIU was able to make the opportunity affordable while meeting Mason’s academic timeline expectations. She’ll be heading to Germany in March.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received to make this dream a reality,” Mason said. “I can’t wait to immerse myself in the culture, explore my heritage, and take communication courses in Germany that will enhance my personal and professional skills and sociocultural knowledge.”

Mason’s semester abroad is made possible largely through affordable housing opportunities at The Jade Hochschule (Jade University of Applied Sciences) and scholarships from EIU’s Study Abroad office. While in Germany, Mason will create visual content for a practicum and potential scholarship, capturing her broad experiences in Wilhelmshaven.

“Sydney's story exemplifies how EIU’s international partnerships can enrich our students’ lives and education," said Dr. Ryan Hendrickson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs—the unit that oversees EIU’s William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad. “We’re thrilled to see Sydney's dream come true and look forward to more students benefiting from opportunities like this in the future.”

Eastern Illinois University’s dedication to bringing the world to its campus and connecting students with global experiences prepares them to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. Mason’s journey is a testament to the power of international education and the opportunities that await EIU students studying overseas, as well as the opportunities EIU provides international students seeking the same experiences and opportunities in the Midwest and across the United States.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400. For more information about study abroad opportunities at EIU, visit abroad.eiu.edu.