We are celebrating the EUROTECH program’s 30th anniversary, and we invited our alums to participate by reflecting on the program. Here’s our third portrait of William “Cliff” Birtwell (’11):

1) When you think back on your EUROTECH studies at UConn in 2011, what stands out most for you, in your memory?

I remember developing interesting friendships with those in the EUROTECH program. We had a fairly inflexible course schedule in order to fit in the required German classes into an already aggressive engineering curriculum. So, I ended up spending a lot of time with those in my German classes and we tended to stay together throughout the semesters. We had a unique shared experience in that and of course in the excursion which brought us to Germany to tour the various universities and companies we might find ourselves at later. Those relationships stand out to me most from my time at UConn.

2) What aspects or elements of the EUROTECH program have helped you pursue the career or life phase you are in now?

I moved to Berlin four years ago to co-found a SaaS startup. When getting to know my potential co-founders they shared with me that they found it attractive to have an American on board, citing our reputation for having up-start and a strong work ethic. I’m positive though that a larger influence in their decision came from my having had the experience of living in Germany and a decent handle on the German language. More importantly though, living abroad and learning a culture firsthand was likely the most significant experience in my life so far. It was a complete shift of perspective. Most of my goals, efforts, and eventually my actions were oriented on this experience.

3) What advice would you give any current or prospective EUROTECH student?

If you are having doubts about starting or continuing with the EUROTECH program – Mach es! I doubt you will regret it.

Learn more about Cliff and his experience at Meisterwerk here (in German and English).