Communities

Sister Cities welcomes Rosenberg to NU

Ulm, Germany native to intern locally for next 3 months

New Ulm – A welcome reception was held at the Kegel Klub Wednesday evening for Jan "Rosie" Rosenberg, the 2026 Hans Joohs Cultural Exchange recipient, who arrived in New Ulm on July 24. 

Arranged by the Sister Cities Commission, the reception allowed Rosenberg to share a little about himself and what he is looking forward to during his three months in the United States. 

Born in Ulm, Germany, Rosenberg lived there until May, when he moved to Blaubeuren to be closer to his job as a paramedic. Although law and licensing prevents Rosenberg from working as a paramedic during his time here, he still hopes to learn about the American medical field. 

During his stay, Rosenberg will be working at the Country Club as a cook, given his interest in cooking and previous restaurant experience.

"The reason I started cooking is because I want to cook meals from all around the world. I don't want to cook just one meal," Rosenberg said, "I'm pretty proud that I can cook most of the meals from around the world."

Along with an interest in cooking, Rosenberg enjoys archery, hiking, and other outdoor activities. 

Brian and Mary Lou Serbus, Rosenberg's host family, took him to Bob Webb's cabin where Rosenberg enjoyed kayaking and swimming. Rosenberg began his medical care in the water rescue field. 

The Serbus' have been a host family for the exchange program since 2004, and have hosted nine people over the years.

"We still get Christmas cards from most of them and get told updates of how things are going," Mary Lou Serbus said, "It's a great way to connect with another culture."

To make Rosenberg comfortable, they put up a German flag in his room and made a welcome sign.

"Rosie is very sweet and so helpful," Mary Lou Serbus said, "and he makes meals for us because he likes to cook."

As longtime hosts, The Serbus' have compiled a few consistent activities for their homestay guests to experience American culture. 

"We've always gone to Bob Webb's cabin and we've typically taken them to Saint Paul or Minneapolis," Brian Serbus said. 

Sports games are also a staple. Rosenberg will be going to a Twins game. 

"He wanted to see a pro baseball team because it’s not big in Germany and this way he can experience it," Mary Lou Serbus said. 

Another aspect of America that Rosenberg finds interesting is the Western. 

"My grandpa loves the United States... and so I grew up with all the Westerns and movies and books," Rosenberg said. "He told me, if you ever visit the United States, you can't come back without a cowboy hat."

Rosenberg will have plenty of time to acquire his cowboy hat, as the exchange program lasts for three months.

Applications for the Hans Joohs Cultural Exchange Program open Nov. 1. Applicants must be 18-35 years old, be from the New Ulm area, and show an interest in German culture. The recipient will go to Ulm or a surrounding town and live with a host family for three months. More information can be found at the Hans Joohs Cultural Exchange Program website.