Sonja Bretschneider '95, US/Germany/Singapore
Sonja (Rhoten) Bretschneider was born and raised in Germany by American parents. She graduated in 1995 with an Asian Studies major, emphasis on Japan. She has lived in Asia for 11 years, and currently teaches at UWCSEA in Singapore, where she her husband are raising their two Third Culture Kids.
How did you learn about St. Olaf and why did you choose to study here?
My grandmother went (to St. Olaf) for a year and it had all I wanted, strong liberal arts program as I wasn't sure what to study, great music program (I was in the St. Olaf Choir), diverse international program (I studied in Japan for a year), beautiful campus away from distractions of cities and close to my grandmother.
Did you go on to graduate studies? In what? And where?
M.Ed in social studies education (7-12) from University of Minnesota (Twin Cities).
What were you involved in at St. Olaf?
St. Olaf Choir (alto), International Student Organization (president my last year), various part-time work and an organization now called GLOW to learn more about homosexual issues.
What was your most funny (or embarrassing) cross-cultural moment at St. Olaf?
I was in an elevator in the dorm where most international students were living and someone introduced me to a student with the last name of 'Ng'. I laughed at the name out loud and commented how funny it was. Here I was an Asian Studies major and I did not know that Ng is the most common Cantonese last name and that I would be meeting lots of them for the rest of my life.
What do you miss most about St. Olaf?
The warm and friendly students and professors who were always there and great teachers and mentors, the bright, sunny Minnesota winters with thick snow.
What advice would you give to international students and Global Nomads/Third Culture Kids considering St. Olaf? Why should they choose St. Olaf?
St. Olaf is a good place if you are a more studious, interested person, rather than one who looks forward to the next party and spring breaks in Mexico. Nationality and cultural background don't really matter as you can find all kinds of people on campus and find your niche. As a general culture at St. Olaf, you will find safety, education, heritage (religion, music and the scandinavian values of hard work and open-mindedness/search for progress) and nature as the cornerstones of the campus environment. If you value most of those points as well, you will feel at home.
