Ziehmer was born in Jettenbach, Germany to a German farmer and a Sri Lankan mother. He studied to become an elementary teacher in Germany, but because of events in his personal life (he made the mistake of introducing his girlfriend to his co-worker) he wanted to make a drastic change in his life. As a part of a rotary exchange, he went to America. `That was life-changing. For the first time I was on my own and I could do what I thought was best for me.' Back in Germany, he used a search engine on the Internet and by accident came across a translated version of the EDMM homepage. `At that point I fell in love again. The program was both educational and technical - exactly what I wanted. Twente University was the only university in Europe that had everything I expected from a program, so I enrolled and moved to Enschede.'
According to Ziehmer, not only do Dutch programs of study differ greatly from German ones, but the student life around it is also completely different in Holland. He thinks this might be one of the major reasons why Germans students aren't very active in student clubs and associations. `In Germany, student culture is not the same. Everything is top-down, the professor is always the center of attention. Also, at most universities, there isn't enough money to set up student associations or other extra-curricular activities. German students come to Twente not knowing what they can expect, not knowing that they can become active. It is up to Dutch student associations to convince foreign students of all the possibilities that are available.'
During the introduction in his first year, Ziehmer wasn't aware of the existence of Dimensie. `I merely bought my books there; that was it.' It wasn't until he got his hand on a flyer during Dimensie's campaign week that he decided to participate in some workshops. `I was astonished with the professionalism that students like me used to organize events. It just clicked. I became an active member of the excursion committee and the Internet committee. I loved the fact that in this protected environment, you are allowed to make mistakes and learn from them as well.' After a few good talks with several active members of Dimensie, he decided to become active at a higher level: he took up not one, but two functions on the board.
`For Germans it isn't a large step to come to Holland. If they really want to study psychology or EDMM, they will do anything for it. There are also many students from right across the border, they can continue to live in their home towns.' Ziehmer thinks the language might be a problem at first, but through practice these problems can be overcome. `When I enrolled, I had to follow a language course for six weeks. It was very professional, and after a while I learned how to function professionally in Dutch. If Dutch students reach out to them, the Germans are very thankful. The introduction at the beginning of each year is the biggest opportunity for student's associations to make contact. Be a good doegroep-ouder and there are many chances right around the corner.'
FAVORITES:
Hometown: Jettenbach, Germany
Languages: German, Dutch, English
Favorite TV show: In NL Klokhuis and in Germany Lövenzahn.
Favorite food: Spaghetti
Favorite drink: Bitter Lemon
Favorite sports: Athletics and salsa dancing
Best part about living in the Netherlands: `Having the opportunity to work in this great team, Dimensie's board.'
Worst part about living in the Netherlands: `The absence of the Aldi-Süd, with its wide assortment and many luxury goods.'
