Rachel Chiles

Majors: Political Science, International Studies, and German

Bio: Hey! My name is Rachel, and I’m a junior majoring in political science, international studies, and German. I’m from Rochester Hills, Michigan, and I began my German education there in 8th grade and continued throughout high school and, of course, into university here at Umich. I’ve been a member of the Max Kade Haus, which is a German living and learning community here at Umich, since my freshman year. Umich has afforded me my first opportunity to leave the country and go to Germany through Max Kade, and since starting at Umich, I’ve been to Germany three times now. Two of these visits were through Max Kade Haus, and the other was a 3-week intensive Goethe Institut course, so I’m super passionate about encouraging others to study abroad and take the opportunities given by the German department. I also plan to return to Germany for the Winter 2026 semester for a program in Berlin!

I love to travel, explore new places, and try new things, the more adventurous the better! Before my Goethe course, I took a week to solo backpack in Germany, Luxembourg, France, and Switzerland, and I went skydiving in the Swiss Alps! In my free time, I also enjoy hiking, fashion, crocheting, painting (pretty much anything arts & crafts), and reading (mostly fantasy, Sci-Fi, and philosophy). Feel free to reach out about anything- even just for some book recs. I’d love to help out with anything I can!