When Joey DiPalma arrives at The University of Tulsa this fall, he’ll bring more than excitement for his next chapter. He’ll bring a year of international experience shaped by growth, independence and discovery.
After graduating from high school in Dallas, DiPalma spent a gap year in Germany, an opportunity he earned through the highly competitive Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Vocational Scholarship Program, a dynamic and immersive exchange program offered jointly by the U.S. and German governments. The program is designed to strengthen ties between U.S. and German youth, improving their career skills through formal study and work experience while expanding their perspectives and awareness of each other’s culture, society, history and politics.
“UTulsa supported me in pursuing this opportunity by holding my place at the university, which gave me the confidence to participate,” DiPalma explained.
That assistance ultimately shaped his college decision.
“Something that really inspired me to choose UTulsa was how seen and valued I felt,” DiPalma said. “My admission counselor was so friendly and made me feel supported throughout the process. UTulsa was also very generous with its scholarship opportunities, and I love that it’s a smaller, more intimate school while still being located in a larger city environment.”
As he prepares for his first year at UTulsa, DiPalma plans to study music and health sciences. Leaving home for college can be an intimidating step for many students, but thanks to his time abroad, DiPalma feels prepared.
“From navigating Berlin’s extensive public transportation system every day to making my way through the city while trying to be pünktlich (on time) for my errands, I gained a new level of independence,” he explained. “Most importantly, I learned what it’s like to step outside of my comfort zone and live in a culture that isn’t my own. Through those experiences, I learned how to adapt, persevere and grow.”
DiPalma interned with the Berlin House of Representatives, where he learned about Germany’s multiparty political system and how government functions there. He learned about cultural traditions and values as well.
“What surprised me most was how quickly I felt immersed in Germany and connected to my Berlin community,” he said. “From playing on my school’s basketball team to performing in a band, I discovered that anything is possible when you put yourself out there.”
UTulsa’s Center for Global Engagement strives to make international experiences possible for all students by working with them to find options that fit their personal and professional goals and satisfy academic, budget and timeframe requirements. Beyond finding the classes and locations that are right for students, CGE is proud to offer international internship, research and service-learning opportunities.