Finding Their Voice Abroad
A summer in Germany helped expand one student’s worldview
Caroline Hamilton ’25, a film and video major with a minor in German, discovered their passion for storytelling early in life. “The connections you make with characters onscreen – and the chance to see yourself reflected – mean a lot to me,” Hamilton said. “It can even be lifesaving, because you don’t feel so alone.”
When it came time to choose a university, Grand Valley stood out for its strong Department of Visual and Media Arts and its supportive learning environment. “I liked the smaller class sizes at Grand Valley because I could connect one-on-one with my professors,” Hamilton said.
A Journey Abroad
As their final summer at Grand Valley approached, Hamilton set their sights on studying abroad in Germany to deepen their understanding of the language and culture tied to their minor. While the opportunity excited them, the cost of the trip raised concerns. Thankfully, generous scholarship support – funded by members of the Laker community – helped make their dream a reality.
Hamilton applied for and received multiple Grand Valley scholarships to help cover their study abroad expenses. “The scholarships I received relieved me of the stress of wondering, ‘Am I going to be able to afford this?’” they said.
During the six-week program, Hamilton studied German language and culture at local universities and worked closely with a native speaker. Immersed in daily life abroad, they found themselves navigating everything – from bus rides to conversations – independently, gaining both linguistic skills and confidence. “I was thrust into a situation where I had to adapt without relying on someone to hold my hand,” they said.
Lessons Beyond the Classroom
Grand Valley’s study abroad programs are designed to prepare students like Hamilton to thrive in a globally connected world. While in Germany, they embraced opportunities to explore history, art, and everyday culture – applying what they learned in class to real-world experiences.
“Studying abroad – whether for language, an internship, or just the experience – is so helpful,” Hamilton said. “It’s helped me grow as a person and just makes me see more perspectives of things.”
Those lessons will stay with them long after graduation, especially as they pursue a career in film. Hamilton plans to draw on their time abroad to create stories that resonate more deeply with a diverse audience. “I really want to work as a writer in TV or film,” they said. “More than anything, I want to keep using film – it’s such a powerful connection tool.”
A Lasting Impact
Hamilton’s transformative experience in Germany was made possible by donors who believe in the power of education and global learning. With a broadened worldview and renewed confidence, they're now ready to make a greater impact through art and in their community.
“I hope that other students can take advantage of Grand Valley scholarships because my experience was so beneficial,” they said. “I want other students to have that experience, too.”