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Heidsieck Scholar Profile: Nora “Brooke” Roggausch

Nora “Brooke” Roggausch is one of our 2016 Heidsieck Scholars. She comes from Berlin and is a student at Carl von Ossietzky Universität, studying art and economics, set to graduate in 2017. Her Heidsieck scholarship went towards funding her semester in the United States at California State University Long Beach

Why did you decide to study abroad?

As an artist, I believe it is of great importance to have extensive knowledge of the international art world. Europe and North America are culturally and economically entangled. As the American art world is considered progressive and sets standards in today’s globalized world, I consider it essential to learn about this world.

And so what have you found to be the main difference between the systems in America and Germany?

Studying in the U.S. is structured more rigidly than studying in Germany, and there is more commitment to the campus.

In Germany the students are generally more autonomous. There are less graded assignments throughout the semester and academic papers are usually written in the semester break. Depending on the program, the classes´ structures include more critical discussions.

In the U.S. the classes are at a high level and I found the content as well as the heavy workload to be very challenging. However, the level of supervision is great. I think there is quite some performance pressure, but for me personally the intensity of the study was incredibly enriching.

Do you feel like that experience has changed you in any way?

Yes, definitely. My understanding of the concept of national identity changed. In my experience, the local existence of an individual constitutes a major part of their identity. The proportional relationship between cultural heritage and external attribution is a fascinating subject to me. After the [US Presidential] elections, the situation was very much a reality to me, it didn’t matter that I am not a US citizen. This experience changed how I position myself towards any cultural or sociopolitical environment.

What have been the highlights of your experience abroad?

I have taken in so much new knowledge, art, sun, and kindness, that I don´t even know where to start. Some of the highlights were Las Vegas, cheerleading, the L.A. art scene and the CSULB campus in general. I loved U.S. college life.

Have you done any travelling here?

I have been to San Diego, Las Vegas, Santa Monica and Los Angeles so far. San Francisco, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Northern California, and Disneyland are still on the list. Also I will spend Christmas in Montreal and New Years in New York.

What’s the one thing you brought with you that you can’t go without?

Pink hair dye.

What’s next for you?

When I return to Germany I have my first little museum exhibition coming up. It is great timing because it allows me to wrap up my studying experience, show the results, and keep up my artistic practice next to my academic work. If all goes well, I will graduate next summer.