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Lebenserfahrung: Experience of a lifetime

A group of nine Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) students, a professor and a staff member from GGC’s School of Business (SBA) recently flew over nine hours and several time zones to reach Germany. Their mission: spend 12 days immersed in German cultural, business and leadership activities.

The study abroad experience was made possible thanks to a $25,000 grant to the Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation from The Halle Foundation, Atlanta. This is the second grant GGC has received for study abroad to Germany. The first grant was to visit Germany and design the program.

“This study abroad was designed to give our students a complete understanding of sustainability, from German business innovations to the convenient public transportation system,” said Dr. Vlad Bursuc, associate professor of legal studies.

The itinerary for the trip was packed with visits to three cities, countless cultural sites and seven professional meetings.

“The guided tour of the Sachsenhausen concentration camp was a deeply impactful cultural experience. The site, artifacts, and stories combine to provide an indescribable message even as we approach one century since the events occurred,” said Bursuc. “With the backdrop of a contemporary war in Europe and political turmoil at home during an election year, the experience conveys lessons that a classroom cannot mimic.”

“Our students also learned about the history of the country, including the Holocaust. They were overwhelmed by the experience,” said Candice Stephens, SBA administrative assistant and coordinator for the SBA’s study abroad initiative. “It’s one thing to read about that time in history and something very different seeing it in person.”

At the end of each day, the students wrote about their experiences, culminating with a final writing assignment about what they learned.

“This experience has influenced my academic choices and career goals by deepening my desire to pursue my academic career and professional career in Germany,” said Ciara Cruz, a junior majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing. “I am now considering an apprenticeship or doing a master’s program that focuses on marketing so that one day I can create a life for myself in Germany.”

For Jonathan Heredia, a senior majoring in business administration with a management concentration, the opportunity inspired him to explore additional options after he earns his diploma.

“This experience encourages me to look at my options after graduation. Germany has opened doors to continue studying after my bachelor’s and an opportunity to build a career abroad,” he said.

For any student thinking about a study abroad program, both Cruz and Heredia offered some advice.

“My biggest piece of advice is to enjoy the trip to the fullest, make friends, and make sure to have lots of room for souvenirs! Have an open mind and understand that the world is much bigger than it seems, and it has so much to offer,” said Cruz.

“It is best to immerse yourself into German culture and approach it with an open mind,” said Heredia.

Bursuc added that by the time they were back on a plane to fly home, the group had walked 34 miles.

“I would advise wearing a good pair of comfortable shoes,” he laughed.