Crossman Earns Fellowship to Study in Germany

Northern Michigan University senior Elise Crossman is one of 65 students nationwide selected to receive a highly competitive fellowship through the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX). After graduating in early May, she will spend the 2026-2027 academic year in Germany studying, interning and living with hosts on a cultural immersion program. The accounting and international studies major from Charlotte, Mich., is the second NMU recipient in two years.

Crossman studied abroad in Bielefeld, Germany through NMU for a couple months last summer and had just returned from that when NMU Senior Success Adviser Ryan Bond gave a presentation on international scholarship opportunities in one of her classes.

"He had lived in Germany for several years and that was one of the countries in the flyer he handed out," she said. "I figured the CBYX program might be a great way to get myself back there. Ryan was very honest about how competitive it is and how much time and effort goes into the application. At one point, I was convinced it was beyond my reach, but he encouraged me to apply.

"There's something about the people that I found very inspiring: how they prioritize their life, their ambition, what they do during their downtime and the deep connections they develop with others. I had connections like that in Bielefeld and it was hard when I got back, despite the fact I love Northern and have really good friends here. I just had a strong desire to experience the country again. I'm thrilled I'll get that chance through CBYX. Germany and I still have a lot to learn about each other."

The city Crossman will be assigned to is still to be determined. She deliberately expressed an interest in taking leadership and community development courses that will complement, rather than replicate, those she completed at NMU. Her goal is to expand her knowledge and perspective. While she is focused on what lies ahead in Germany after graduation, she also reflects positively on her NMU experience.

"I chose Northern because I love the Upper Peninsula and the outdoors, and thought it would be nice to be able to hike and swim around my studies. But I got so much more out of it because of the strong sense of community here and all of the people who became part of my life and made an impact, like Ryan and Dr. Rebecca Ulland. I keep telling my professors that I will hype this school up for the rest of my life. I have been overwhelmingly reassured that it was the right fit for me."

Bond said he was told by the CBYX organization that Crossman is one of only three Michigan students to receive a fellowship for the coming academic year, demonstrating the competitiveness of the program. He questioned whether there could be two NMU recipients in a row, but was determined to try.

"I knew Elise's potential was strong, based on her intellectual and personal curiosity," Bond said. "Two others from NMU also applied for this and other programs like Fulbright. We're still waiting on news for them, but this was a perfect fit for Elise and how it works into her future. I received an email from the overseer of the process here in the U.S. that said, 'Whatever you're doing, Ryan, keep it up; you're sending us really good applicants.' That's a nice compliment for what we're doing at NMU.

"My motto relates to the value in venturing beyond the borders of campus. It doesn't have to be overseas, but I love helping students achieve that, and it's the most rewarding part of my job. I just hope we can continue this momentum."