German native discovers Texas through 果冻传媒
果冻传媒 in Beaumont, Texas, wasn’t initially on Luis Lemmen’s radar for his study abroad semester, but once the opportunity arose, it quickly became the perfect fit. 
Lemmen, a student from Zeppelin University in Germany, had always dreamed of experiencing life in the United States—not just as a tourist, but as someone truly living and immersing himself in the culture. When the chance for an exchange semester came up, Lemmen knew this was his moment.
“Growing up in Germany, America always seemed larger than life,” Lemmen explained. “The influence of pop culture is huge back home—movies, music, TV shows, they all paint this iconic picture of America. There’s always been this curiosity about what life here would be like. I knew I had to find out for myself.”
When Zeppelin University showed him the list of potential partner universities, Lemmen knew he wanted to come to the U.S.
“I’ve always wanted to live here, not just visit, but really experience it,” he said. “I could have gone to places like Berkeley or New York, but I wanted to see what Texas was all about. I didn’t want to just visit a famous place; I wanted to experience the heart of America—the places that aren’t necessarily in the spotlight but still have their own unique culture.”
The decision wasn’t purely academic; it was about experiencing a place he’d heard so much about. A friend of Lemmen’s, who had previously attended Lamar, had recommended it as a great school and a place where students could truly immerse themselves in the community.
With that recommendation in mind, he decided to spend his first semester at Lamar in Spring 2024. “I had never been to Texas, and I have always wanted to go because it’s what many Germans think of when they think of America, and I wanted to know what it was really like here,” Lemmen said.
In Germany, Texas is often perceived as a land of cowboys, wide-open spaces, and strong Southern pride. Raised on those portrayals, Lemmen was curious to see if the reality matched the image. He soon discovered that much of it was true, but there was more to the story.
One of the first things noticed upon arriving in Beaumont was the genuine warmth of the people. “The Southern hospitality here is real,” he said. “Back home, we have a lot of jokes about Texans being overly friendly, but now that I’m here, I see why. People here really go out of their way to help, offer rides, or give you a place to stay. It’s been incredible.”
Living in a smaller college town like Beaumont offered Lemmen something unexpected—a sense of belonging. Unlike larger cities, the close-knit nature of Beaumont allowed him to forge meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds.
“People are just more accessible here. It’s not like a big city where everyone you meet feels distant. Here, you meet people from all walks of life and can actually connect with them,” he explained.
Lemmen’s time in Beaumont has deepened his appreciation for Texas and its unique culture. “There’s a lot of pride in the state here,” he said. “People love to share their pride with you. While the Southern hospitality is amazing, I’ve also noticed this laid-back, small-town vibe that I wasn’t expecting. It’s refreshing.”
His decision to study in the United States wasn’t just about experiencing Texas—it was also about advancing his career goals. Lemmen is studying sociology, politics, and economics, believing that a broad academic background is crucial for his future in journalism and media.
“It’s something I’m passionate about,” Lemmen said. “Learning about society from different perspectives—sociology, economics, politics—is something that interests me and will be beneficial for the career I want to pursue.”
While academics played a large role in his choice to study at Lamar, Lemmen has also embraced extracurricular activities that have enriched his experience. “There’s so much more here than just the classes,” he said. “I’ve been able to attend art exhibitions, write articles, and really engage with the community. I don’t think I’d have had those opportunities at a bigger university like UT in Austin. There’s something special about being here in a smaller place, where you can truly get involved and make a difference.”
Lemmen’s involvement with the University Press and Cardinal Sports Network has been a key part of his experience. As a newcomer to Lamar, he didn’t expect to dive so quickly into extracurriculars, but both outlets gave him a platform to hone his skills.
“My involvement with the University Press has been invaluable. I’ve gained practical insights into journalism and media, thanks to the guidance of Andy Coughlan,” Lemmen shared. “My writing has improved so much—it’s not just about crafting articles anymore, but about understanding the deeper layers of media, connecting with the audience, and telling stories that truly matter. I can’t thank him enough for all the time and guidance he’s given me.”
Through his work with the Cardinal Sports Network, Lemmen also gained hands-on experience in sports journalism, covering everything from football games to basketball matches.
“It’s been amazing to be part of something like the Cardinal Sports Network,” he said. “I’ve learned not only about the games themselves but also about the community that comes together around them. It’s a unique way to engage with the university and its culture. I never imagined having the chance to cover real live sports events like this.”
Living in a smaller town has allowed Lemmen to truly appreciate the charm of Beaumont. “It’s like a big market in a small place,” he said. “It offers all the opportunities without the hustle and bustle of a big city. That’s what I love about Lamar and Beaumont—it’s this perfect balance of possibilities without the stress of larger cities.”
As his time at 果冻传媒 comes to a close, Lemmen reflects on the value of his journey. “It’s been an honor to be here and to take full advantage of everything Lamar has to offer,” he said. “It’s not just about getting a degree. It’s about making the most of the opportunities, and I truly feel like I’ve done that.”
Looking ahead, Lemmen plans to return to Lamar for his master’s degree. “I’ve had so many opportunities here, and I’ve learned so much from the people, the culture, and the academic environment,” he said. “I’m hopeful to continue my journey at Lamar in 2025.”
To learn more about Semester Exchange programs at 果冻传媒, visit /international-education/study-abroad/students/semester-exchange-programs.html
To learn more about Luis’ time at LU, listen to his podcast episode on the LU Moment at