In America, students felt free to say whatever they wanted, and they wanted to be heard. Even though it was very different from what they were used to, Iris and Jörg learned to embrace the learning partnerships that formed in their classrooms and value the more student-centered and communicative approach.
“The 400-level classes are my favorite because you can see all that the students have learned over the years. We speak Spanish during the entire class. At the advanced level, students can really create with the language, discuss complex ideas and express what they think. Lower levels are more about repetition,” Jörg said.
However, Iris prefers the beginner level courses.
“For me, it’s German 105. The students are so excited, and every day when they walk out of the classroom they have learned something measurable,” she said. “They feel empowered, and it’s just so gratifying. It is a fun course and my favorite.”
In their three decades at UD, the Busches have seen many changes, from the growth of businesses on Main Street, to adding languages like Japanese, Chinese and Korean to the DLLC curriculum, and they’ve drawn on their language skills to develop and lead study abroad programs in Germany, Argentina, Costa Rica and Spain.
“The programs are a good opportunity to speak the language with real people. When you teach in the classroom all year, it’s nice to live in the country and experience all the things you teach about culture,” Jörg said.
“If you want to spread your wings, to get to know yourself, to know your own culture better, you need to study abroad. You need to contrast what you know with another culture. Students are young and free, so for them the time is now,” Iris said.
Life after UD
The family has always returned to Germany during breaks, but Newark and UD are home. They became American citizens in the early 2000s, and their two grandchildren are growing up in Ohio.
“We are American Germans. We have grown with the department and the University, and we feel like we are a part of Newark,” Iris said. “I’ve lived more of my life in America, and these have been very good years. I have always embraced the American way of being. I feel that people are more welcoming here, friendly, and they take an interest in people they meet. We have so many very good friends here.”
In retirement the couple plans to do what many Americans do — spend time with grandchildren, pursue hobbies, take classes and volunteer.
“We consider ourselves incredibly lucky. We were here at the right time, with the right people, in the right place,” Iris said. “It is unbelievable that it happened to us, two East Germans.”
Article by Megan M.F. Everhart
Photos courtesy of Iris and Jörg Busch
December 21, 2023