The busy bee has nothing on Mandy Haenelt.
The bubbly German international student gushes about her numerous extracurricular activities and reflects on how well she’s fitting in on campus. A poster student for the International Cultural Service Program, Haenelt is finishing her senior year at the University and wrapping up a degree in German Studies. She plans to continue her higher education as a graduate student next year at the University’s College of Education.
Haenelt decided to attend the University when she met a group of soldiers stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. When she discovered one of her new U.S Army friends called Eugene home, Haenelt quickly took an interest in Oregon culture. After some of the soldiers offered her an extended invitation to come to Eugene, Haenelt jumped at the opportunity to travel. She left her hometown of Chemnitz and began a new life in unfamiliar territory.
At the University, Haenelt quickly acclimated to student life. In addition to involvement in ICSP, she is a tutor for Academic Learning Services, a German instructor at Lane Community College and a radio disc jockey for the University’s campus radio station, KWVA 88.1 FM.
In summer 2008, Haenelt decided to restart the radio station’s cultural program, “Music from around the World.” While another student helped get the program on the air a few years ago, it didn’t last long and ultimately disappeared.
“I can see why,” Haenelt said of why the program fizzled. “I had to be very persistent to get this done. I came back from Germany early and had no idea what I was doing. I literally knew nothing about radio.”

But in time, Haenelt received specialized DJ training and now has her own show on the air Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Each week, Haenelt invites a different international student from ICSP onto her show to discuss life back home in his or her culture. Guests also play instruments live on the air.
“Last week we had a girl from Vietnam and she sang on the air,” Haenelt said. “Her voice was beautiful and we even had someone call in after the show, wanting to try her out.”
Sarah Mollner, news director at KWVA, said the show has had a great response so far and that listeners have conveyed their excitement. She added that the program’s strength lies in the opportunity for University students to hear a young person’s voice behind the learning.
“It’s interesting to hear what our generation likes in different countries,” Mollner said. “And it’s also great for the international community because it helps them tie into the University community.”
The ICSP offers financial scholarships to approximately 50 international University students in exchange for 80 hours of community service. Through the ICSP’s orientation, students explore stereotypes they have about U.S. culture in an effort to prepare them for their community work requirement. After much training and preparation, the students travel to elementary, middle and high schools in the community, as well as retirement homes and various organizations in the greater Eugene-Springfield area.
Magid Shirzadegan, director of International Student and Scholar Services, said training the students for what to expect in their school presentations proves to be crucial.
Haenelt said the program asks ICSP students to speak about their country’s history, traditions and daily life in public presentations at schools. As an older student in the program, Haenelt, 32, also talks about life in Germany before the Berlin Wall came down. When she visits younger children, her popularity soars as she teaches the chicken dance.
Shirzadegan said the ICSP’s unique qualities work to provide scholarships to international students who otherwise would not be able to attend the University.
“It also provides an opportunity for these students to learn about America beyond the University,” Shirzadegan said. “I look at this program as a bridge between the University and community and between cultures.”
[email protected]