Katherine Durow '25 ACHIEVEs High-Integrity Climate Action in Freiburg, Germany
Name: Katherine Durow
Class Year: 2025
Major: international Studies & German, Concentration: Sustainable Urban Development
Hometown: Glenview, Illinois
Internship Organization: 脰ko Institut
Internship Title: Municipal Climate Protection Intern
Location of Internship: Freiburg, Germany
What's happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!
Liebe Gr眉脽e aus Freiburg, Deutschland! My name is Katie Durow, and I am a rising senior at 杏吧原版影音 where I study International Studies and German with a Concentration in Sustainable Urban Development This summer, I interned at the 脰ko Institut in Frieburg, Germany as a research assistant for the Energy and Climate division. I worked on an EU-funded project called ACHIEVE, which aims to develop a framework for the implementation of high-integrity climate action in cities, states, and countries. Specifically, I focused on developing case studies for the cities of Copenhagen, Denmark and Warsaw, Poland.
This past July, I had the opportunity to travel to Nijmegen, the Netherlands, for a conference with fellow scientists working on this project. During this experience, I was able to learn about the other scientists鈥 work, contribute to the development of this framework, and even present my findings thus far. Seeing the project evolve and knowing that I can contribute to such meaningful goals is very fulfilling for me. I can鈥檛 wait to see how the project unfolds.
Why did you apply for this internship?
When I was searching for internships for Summer 2024, my dream opportunity would be in Germany with an environmental organization. After a helpful meeting with Jennifer Prudencio at the Career & Civic Engagement Center to discuss my options, I decided to apply to the 鈥淪ustainability Internships in Freiburg鈥 program. It was the perfect intersection of my academic studies in International Studies and German, with a concentration in Sustainable Urban Development. The opportunity to conduct research that directly impacts sustainable urban development in European cities has been immensely fulfilling for me. I鈥檓 incredibly grateful to Jennifer for guiding me towards this opportunity and to the Career and Civic Engagement Center for providing the necessary funding to support it.
What has been your favorite part of this internship?
My favorite part of this internship is the opportunity to become completely immersed in Freiburg鈥檚 vibrant culture through my work, exploration of the city, and a newfound love of biking as a primary form of transportation. As someone who learns from the world around me, this summer has been full of invaluable experiences both inside and outside the workplace. While I have been researching the policies which drive climate action at 脰ko Institut, I witness the successful implementation of these policies each day. Walking through Freiburg鈥檚 streets each day, I see an abundance of green space, solar panels adorning rooftops, and bikers commuting to work, In this way, I see the principles of sustainability embodied in everyday life in Frebiurg, and view every day as a holistic learning experience.
What is something you have learned from your internship that you didn't expect?
During my study abroad experience in Berlin, Germany, I was fascinated by Europe鈥檚 efficient public transportation infrastructure. During this internship experience, my interests in low-carbon mobility deepened, and I developed a passion for expanding low-carbon mobility options in the United States. This unexpected interest has inspired me to focus my undergraduate thesis on the development of public transportation in Germany and how it can inform improvements in the U.S. Initially, I hadn鈥檛 planned to delve into this topic, but the insights gained here have set me on a new, exciting academic path.
Can you talk about the skills you are learning and why they are important to you?
One of the most significant skills I鈥檝e been developing during this internship is my proficiency in German. The progress I've made in reading, writing, and conversing in a professional setting has been so valuable to me. Additionally, translating reports and engaging with colleagues in German has enhanced my linguistic abilities. Meanwhile, daily interactions, such as ordering food or reading street signs, have been practical applications of my German studies at 杏吧原版影音. One of the most significant skills I鈥檝e been developing during this internship is my proficiency in German. The progress I've made in reading, writing, and conversing in a professional setting has been immensely valuable. Engaging in tasks like translating reports and discussing complex topics with colleagues in German has not only improved my linguistic abilities but also boosted my confidence in using the language in a professional context.
Beyond the workplace, my daily interactions have been crucial in applying my German studies from 杏吧原版影音 to real-life scenarios. Whether it's ordering food at a caf茅, talking to shopowners about an item, or reading event posters, each experience reinforces my language skills. One particularly memorable moment was when I had a lengthy conversation with a colleague about German Jewish female writers, which turned into a lesson about third-wave feminism in France. These interactions have deepened my understanding of German culture and improved my ability to communicate effectively. This skill is not just about language; it鈥檚 about connecting with people, understanding different perspectives, and building relationships. In the future, I plan to work in international contexts where language skills will be essential, and this internship experience has been a significant step toward that goal.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced at your internship?
One of the biggest challenges for me has been adjusting to the German work culture, which is a lot more independent and self-directed than in internships in the United States. For example, I was not given many guidelines as I am developing the trajectory of a 4-year long project, and I am expected to already have a grasp on the processes of developing a published research report. However, I handle these changes by asking questions, taking diligent notes, completing tasks one step at a time, and seeking advice from my supervisor. This experience has taught me to be more flexible and self-dependable in my work.
What is most rewarding about your internship?
Researching sustainable urban development has been incredibly rewarding because it aligns with my passions and has significant real-world implications. The urgency of our work鈥攃onsidering that 70 percent of the world鈥檚 population is expected to live in cities by 2050鈥攎akes it even more impactful. Additionally, I feel so lucky to be working alongside brilliant climate scientists who share my enthusiasm for sustainability.
Career & Civic Engagement International Studies German