Annual Germany trip resumes
Students in the College of Business were able to travel to Germany from May 14 to 29 as part of the study abroad program.
During the trip, students learned differences between America and Germany, especially in economics, Germany’s sustainability and its environment, which tied into what some College of Business students were learning.
“What our students really saw was the big differences in social culture, business, mindset and career path goals,” Associate Professor of Business Dr. Hans Schumann said. “I think there’s a lot of soul-searching once the students come back and figure out ‘okay, the way I have been doing things isn’t necessarily the only way to do it.’ There are other ways to approach problems; they are not worse, but they are certainly different.”
Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) began this partnership with Leuphana University, which began around 25 years ago, when the first exchange program took place.
While this is normally an annual trip, the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt on international travels.
This was the first abroad trip students at TAMUK participated in since December 2019.
“It was a combination of excitement to return back to normal and nervousness. We hadn’t had a program go abroad in almost three years and a lot of things had changed. But, overall, the trip did go smoothly and nothing but a lost cell phone was reported back,” Program Coordinator of The Office of International Studies Nicolette Dacke said.
Despite the loss of one’s phone, students had nothing but positive experiences and feedback regarding their trip.
“I got to climb a 600-year-old church during the trip,” TAMUK Student Ambassador Trenton Payne said. “That was really life-changing because not a lot of people got to do that, not even people who live in the town.”
Students also mentioned their experiences with their German host families.
“My experience with Angela Voutta was incredible; I loved how welcoming and loving she was during my stay with her,” marketing major Amanda Barrera said. “My favorite part was when she gave me some of her artwork to bring back home.”
As of right now, the plan is to continue the yearly abroad trips at TAMUK.
The Office of International Studies and Program is currently looking for faculty members to join in future travels, as well as students.
For more information, please visit their office at MSC 163, 925 W. Santa Gertrudis Ave. or call the office at 361-593-3558.