William Avis

William Avis (Industrial Design, ’21) was awarded the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX) fellowship. The fellowship is funded by the German Bundestag and U.S. Department of State, and annually provides 75 American and 75 German young professionals, between the ages of 18½–24, the opportunity to spend one year in each other’s countries, studying, interning, and living with hosts on a cultural immersion program.

William will complete two months of intensive German language training followed by a semester of classes in Germany. The program concludes with a three-month internship in Germany related to his field of study.

“Upon returning from a positive study abroad experience in Copenhagen, Denmark, I wanted to seek out other avenues for work or study abroad,” says William. “My long-term goals are to work abroad in a design firm, incorporating knowledge of multi-cultural design into my work. I believe all international experience is positive because learning about other cultures and people creates more empathy in the world. The CBYX program aligns with my goal of learning and expanding my cultural experience.” 

RIT students interested in applying for the CBYX fellowship should contact Jenny Sullivan (jenny.sullivan@rit.edu), Director of Education Abroad & International Fellowships.