FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) — Two students from the University of North Alabama have been selected for a prestigious international fellowship that will take them to Germany as part of a highly competitive cultural exchange program.

Graduate student Ella Stephenson and sophomore Caleb Ellis have been awarded Young Professionals fellowships through the Congress-Bundestag Young Exchange (CBYX), a program jointly funded by the United States Congress and the German Bundestag.

The opportunity will take the students to Germany for a year to live, work, and study.

“I am incredibly honored to have been selected to participate in the 2026-2027 program,” said Ella, who is working toward her Master’s in Business Administration through the Sanders College of Business and Technology. “After studying abroad in Switzerland during the Spring 2025 semester and participating in a two-week, four-country trip with the Sanders College in Summer 2024, I am excited to embark on this new journey that my time at UNA has well-prepared me for.”

According to University officials, approximately 1,000 students apply for these fellowships, with 150 individuals interviewed to fill one of the 65 openings. CBYX is an ambassadorial fellowship involving cultural exchange at a German university, in the community, and in the workforce. During the fall, students take language and culture courses; in the spring, they complete an internship.

“To me, winning CBYX YP means that I get the opportunity to fully experience my dream of living in Germany,” said Caleb. “This opportunity will help me greatly in reaching my goal of wanting to become a software or AI engineer in Germany.”

Dr. Matthew Price, UNA’s Director of the Center for Premier Awards and Scholarly Engagement, worked with Ella and Caleb on their applications and subsequent interview processes.

“I’m incredibly proud of Caleb and Ella,” said Dr. Matthew Price, Director of the Center for Premier Awards and Scholarly Engagement. “CBYX’s application is rigorous, with essays due in the fall and a tough interview in the spring. Their success reflects their commitment to cultural exchange and global workforce development. They’re two of UNA’s best!”

UNA has had a previous recipient, but Ella and Caleb have made institutional history by being the first students to be selected in the same award cycle for CBYX.

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