ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – German native Marika Klinck loves taking art classes at Winthrop University because they are so hands-on.
Here for the fall semester, she is enrolled in 2D Design, screen printing, painting, sculpture and art education classes in preparation for teaching art when she graduates.
“I really like working with my hands,” said Klinck, who is at Winthrop on a Fulbright Germany scholarship and is one of some 250 German graduate or undergraduate students in this year’s program to study in the United States. German students in the U.S. on a Fulbright scholarship are supported by the German-American Fulbright Commission (Fulbright Germany), which manages bilateral exchanges between the two countries.
She enjoys painting projects the most, especially painting outside or in nature in order to creatively capture her surroundings. “I also love to illustrate books, and I am planning on illustrating a children's book as part of my bachelor's thesis,” Klinck said. “I also enjoy collaging with everyday materials, such as 'trash' or flyers, because I like to create sustainable artworks.”
One of the major reasons she decided to study at Winthrop was because she was impressed by the variety of art classes. “I read about all these fantastic art classes. I always wanted to go to the southern part of the U.S., since my dearest hobby back home is horseback riding and next to my art studies, I wanted to experience Southern culture and maybe visit some cowboy events,” she said.
Her university, Europa-Universität Flensburg in northern Germany, is a partner university with Winthrop.
Klinck recommends for students to study abroad if there is an opportunity. “I have been here for one month now, and I have already had so many great experiences and met fantastic people,” she said. “From my point of view, finding friends around the world benefits you in many ways and opens new perspectives for both parties. I think it is important to meet other cultures with respect, and you can learn a lot about yourself and the lifestyles of different cultures while staying abroad.”
This is her first time in the United States, though she has traveled across Europe to Denmark, Austria, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Norway and France.
Arriving in August, Klinck has found the weather hot and humid. The people she has met here though make up for the high temperatures because they are so hospitable and are friendly right away. Over the next few months, Klinck wants to travel to Florida in December and possibly some other areas.
She doesn’t have a car, so her ability to get around the city and in the region is limited. During her one trip to Charlotte, she visited a local thrift store and some small local shops, which sell different types of clothing or artworks, Klinck said. “I really enjoyed how colorful the houses and murals were.”
Klinck expects to graduate next summer and then will seek a master’s degree. Once she completes it, Klinck will apply to teach English and art in a high school setting.
For more information, contact Judy Longshaw, news and media services manager, at longshawj@winthrop.edu.
