German by birth but American at heart, I have spent my life navigating and embracing both cultures. Originally from Hamburg, I first learned English in kindergarten in Rochelle Park, New Jersey, and had my most formative year as a foreign exchange student in Owensboro, Kentucky, where I lived with a wonderful American host family.

I completed an M.A. in Political Science, English/American Studies (Cultural Studies), and Modern & Contemporary History at FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg and Kalamazoo College, Michigan (USA). Additionally, I earned a PGCert in Teaching English for Academic Purposes from the University of Leicester (UK) and am a certified English Language Coach (ELC).

Before joining the Language Center as Coordinator of the English Language Section in 2021, I taught Academic and Scientific English at TU Braunschweig and FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg, as well as German as a Foreign Language at the University of Mannheim. In my current role, I oversee curriculum development, support English instructors, monitor student progress, and ensure high-quality language instruction.

My favorite words in the English language are awkward and awesome.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

The most inspiring part of my job is empowering students to gain confidence and proficiency in their English skills.

E-Mail:  [email protected]

Geraldine Barry ist.......

English Native Speaker, originally raised in a nondescript town somewhere in Southern England, best forgotten and should not be visited. Worked in a variety of educational institutions before leaving that strange island off the coast of Europe. Has now been resident in Germany for an increasing number of years.

In possession of an Honours Degree from the University of Bristol and a Master of Arts in Education. Teacher of Academic English, Business English and English for Specific Purposes. Author of English coursebooks and audio material and examiner for the Cambridge ESOL examinations.

Very happy to be working at the University of Oldenburg - I recommend it!

My professional background is in foreign language teaching methodology with a focus on English as a Foreign language. I received my Master’s degree in TESOL and Linguistics from West Virginia University (USA) and my PhD in English Teaching Methodology from the UOL, after studying English, Linguistics and Intercultural Communication at the Universities of Bremen and Munich (Germany). Since 2009 I have had the pleasure of being the director of the Language Centre at UOL. I am also involved in the national association of Language Centres in Germany, AKS e.V. 

As a member of the English team at the Language Centre, my teaching focuses on the levels B2 and C1 in both general and specific English for Academic Purposes, and I am responsible for the DAAD Exam.

My favorite word in the English language is boundlessness. 

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
I get to meet students from all different kinds of study programs in the classroom. Seeing them improve their language competences and facilitating meaningful conversations in correct English among them, with their different perspectives on specific issues, is the most rewarding experience of my teaching.

I completed my teaching degree in English Language and Literature in Indonesia, where I was born and raised. During my studies, I also completed the Japanese Language and Literature Program at Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan. After moving to Germany and completing my Master's degree in American Studies at the Ruhr University Bochum, I have taught Business English, Academic English and English for Specific Purposes in companies, adult education centers, and language centers at various universities. Currently, I am teaching English for University Studies courses at the Language Centre of the University of Oldenburg. My interests include digital learning platforms, the intersection of agile methodology and teaching, and environmental humanities.

My favorite word in the English language is flabbergasted.

What's the most inspiring part of your job? 
The moment when my students can see their progress in learning, whether it is expressing themselves confidently in English, understanding the subtle nuances of the language, or just laughing at jokes in English. My students have helped me grow as a teacher and person.