Abigail Chay

My name is Abigail Chay, I graduated my BA studies in PPE - Philosophy, Political Science, Economy & Law at the honors program of Tel-Aviv University with distinction. The fall of 2021, I continued my MA studies in the EF program at the Hebrew University.

When I heard about this scholarship, I saw it as an opportunity to bring German studies to a real use and learn about not only the German language but also the German culture by experiencing it. From a pretty young age I have been fascinated with cultures and languages. I see language as something more than just communication, for me language carries a baggage of culture and history within it.

As a person who has family members abroad in Europe, I have always been eager to learn about Israel's foreign relations; and Europe- Israel relations especially. Naturally I was very interested in German based on my studies preferences to focus on EU politics and its connections with Israel, and it encouraged me to learn more about German history and language. The DAAD-Stiftung’s scholarship gave me the opportunity to fly to Berlin to improve my German skills and to experience more of European culture. I had the chance to learn more about Germany from within.

At the beginning it was quite a shock for me – communication only in German both in class and after class. The different teachers and the new life experience of living in Germany and meeting local people helped me to get a variety of glimpses of the German people and culture. In addition, I had the opportunity to learn more about other nations' perspectives towards Germany, which gave me knowledge that I wouldn’t find from the first source in any other situation. The class was mixed with people from different countries which I found super! I had the chance to meet new friends from all over the world and have so many things in common with them, and foremost our common love for German culture and language.

During the scholarship period I enjoyed a different but fantastic lifestyle. I had the most wonderful time experiencing specifically Christmas and generally the European winter as a “local”. My friends and we had a great time visiting Christmas markets and local parks and other attractions in the city. One special moment was when I met Dr. Gustav Winkler, which was so kind to share about his life story and really seems to care about my life and goals. As a granddaughter for Holocaust survivors this meeting was very moving for me personally.

I see myself returning to Germany. As a Master student that focuses on European politics and culture, the opportunity to both study and live these political-economical changes and models drive me to professionalize this field academically and professionally, and I believe the course gave me more than linguistic tools which will help me in my academic studies. I would like to thank the DAAD-Stiftung, Stefanie Lohmann and Dr. Gustav Winkler for this once in a lifetime experience.

Thanks to the support of the DAAD-Stiftung's "Dr. Gustav Winkler Scholarship" I had the chance to experience living the German lifestyle and culture from within and studying in a divorced environment that despite its differences share a common love to the German language and culture. I had the best time and would definitely like to come back to Germany.