Skip to main content

Guilford in Austria, a College Tradition


Show from left are Ian, Eva (Ian's wife), Dylan, and Caleb. They're standing outdoors with Austria's landscape behind them.

Ian Stafford '18, Ian's wife, Eva, Dylan Mask ’20, and Caleb Bausman ’19 pose together outdoors in Austria after a recent hike.

"Each year since 1995, I have encouraged my German majors to apply for these scholarships. We've had one to three apply nearly every year, with a great success rate."

Professor Dave Limburg
Modern Language Studies / German

Five Guilford alumni are currently living, working, and learning in Austria. Meet Dylan Mask ’20, Jameson Lynch ’20, Caleb Bausman ’19, Nita Tyndall ’20, and Ian Stafford ’18.


By Natalie Whitmeyer '20

Guilford College prides itself in its excellent and expansive study abroad and exchange programs. The Office of Global and Off-campus Initiatives believes in the value of off-campus experiences, where an alternative location becomes a laboratory for academic, professional, personal, and cultural exploration.

One particular program — which has had a tremendous impact on many Guilfordians — is the Fulbright Program, an international exchange that works to strengthen relationships among individuals across the globe.

Professor of Modern Language Studies Dave Limburg, who teaches German at Guilford, has been leading study abroad programs for years. He says each experience brings new opportunities for student growth and learning. Many of his students graduate and head off to the Fulbright Program. In fact, 39 Guilford students have received this award with 22 heading to Austria.

“Each year since 1995, I have encouraged my German majors to apply for these scholarships. We've had one to three apply nearly every year, with a great success rate," Dave says. "Whether in Austria or Germany, the English Teaching Assistants and U.S. Teaching Assistantships (USTA) are a fantastic opportunity for recently graduated college students to live and work in a country whose language, literature, and culture they have been studying. They assist English teachers in German or Austrian high schools and have plenty of time to experience life in their communities and to travel, all with financial support to cover their cost of living for about a year."

Between their Guilford education and their time in Austria, these five alumni are absorbing a variety of experiences that they will turn to throughout their lives.

"It's wonderful to see all five of these amazing, recent German graduates living, studying, and working in Austria in the same year," Dave says. "All five achieved their majors in German after participating in our study abroad opportunities based in Munich, which range from a three-week experience to a full semester.”

Read on to learn more about their experiences.

Related link: Megan Zdon '21 is latest Guilfordian heading to Austria to teach and learn.


Caleb Bausman stands outdoors in the mountains in Austria, wearing a backpack.
Meet Caleb Bausman '19

Caleb Bausman ’19, a double major in German and History, is originally from Arlington, Mass. He initially discovered Guilford through the book Colleges That Change Lives.

Jameson Lynch '20 stands in front of an office building wearing a gray suit, white shirt, and gray tie.
Meet Jameson Lynch '20

Jameson Lynch ’20, a double major in German and Political Science, is originally from Wales, Mass. He first learned about Guilford from his high school English teacher, who told him Guilford would be his perfect fit. “She wasn’t wrong!” he says.

Dylan Mask '20 stands outdoors on a cobblestone street wearing jeans, glasses, and a blue sweater.
Meet Dylan Mask '20

Dylan Mask ’20, a double major in History and German with a minor in Film from Charlotte, N.C., is still in his first year of teaching English in Freistadt. He’s applying to law school, and he’s also considering a doctorate in History.

Ian Stafford '18 stands outside wearing a gray tee, a backpack, and a baseball cap.
Meet Ian Stafford '18

Ian Stafford ’18, originally from Durham, N.C., graduated with a German major and a Psychology minor, and he was a member of the German Honors Society. 

Nita Tyndall '20 stands outdoors on a green lawn wearing glasses, a hat, jeans, a gray tee, and a puffy blue jacket.
Meet Nita Tyndall '20

Nita Tyndall ’20, originally from Durham, N.C., graduated with a second bachelor’s degree at Guilford in German after completing a degree in English at UNCG. Initially interviewing for a job on campus, they instantly fell in love with Guilford.

Photo of a yellow castle covered with snow by Nita Tyndall '20
Q&A With Guilfordians in Austria

The five Guilford alumni living and working in Austria share more about their study abroad experiences and how they found out about the Fulbright Program.


Explore the World With Guilford

Are you hoping to study abroad during college? Guilford is the place for you! Guilford has a long history of study abroad, and the Office of Global and Off-campus Initiatives would love to help you discover your dream location. You can also learn more about the College's variety of majors and minors, including Modern Language Studies, which houses Dave's German classes as well as French, Japanese, and Spanish. Schedule your personalized visit online, or contact the Office of Admission at 336.316.2100 or admission@guilford.edu to learn more. Or if you're ready to become a Guilfordian, begin your application today!