A semester in Germany, master studies

My name is Ingvild Skartveit and I am currently attending the 6th semester of a 5 year long masterprogram leading to the degree Master of Economic Theory and Econometrics at University of Oslo (UoO), Department of Economics. Having taken 120 study points in Economic subjects, I plan to have taken 60 more by the end of 2010. I am in this application applying for a scholarship to Germany for my 8th semester, spring of 2011. I am a girl of 21 and I have studied Economics at UoO since 2007. During the last y ears I have worked in three Lutheran churches in Oslo as a church servant, and have been a part of the Salvation Army Brass Band Oslo 3., as a musician and the last year as a member of the board. I have also this winter worked as a substitute teacher at s chools. The reasons that I wish to study in Germany are many. From an academic perspective the country is widely known to hold a high level and has solid traditions. This applies in particular to the University of Mannheim, where I hope to study. I am al ready proud to attend an academically excellent institute, but it would be a rewarding experience to get a chance to learn and explore my subject with different eyes. As Europe and EUs largest economy Germany has a multitude of challenges, both in connect ion with the Euro and the other EU countries and with the aftermath of the financial crisis. It would be very interesting to see if this is reflected in the teaching. As the subjects the university is offering is still unclear, I haven't yet explicitly d ecided. I do consider it a goal to choose teaching in connection with these subjects. Some of my other reasons for wanting to study there are the language and the culture. By studying German a summer in Kiel I have learned the basics and think a semester in Germany will be an excellent way to learn the language fluently. Knowledge about the German culture and language will prove to be a valuable asset, since German is an important country to Norway.