UW-Platteville students enhance global business skills and personal growth in Germany

At the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, many students have grown up surrounded by the familiar landscapes of the Midwest, never venturing beyond the borders of their home states, let alone crossing the Atlantic. For six students in the School of Business, the prospect of studying and traveling in Germany represented a bold leap into the unknown. This is their story.

"I've only traveled to Canada, never to Europe before," said senior Morgan Haas of Rochelle, Illinois, who is majoring in integrated marketing. "I think we adapted to Germany quite easily; the culture didn't feel too different from Wisconsin. There were a few adjustments, mainly getting used to being in a bigger city than Platteville for more than just a day."

While they have savored German sausages and pretzels at local festivals back home, immersing themselves in German culture, including eating international food and learning how to use public transportation, was part of the learning curve and adventure. Led by Dr. Les Hollingsworth, director of UW-Platteville's School of Business, the program aimed to expand students' global perspectives and practical skills.

"One of our strategic priorities for the business school over the past few years has been to increase the number of our students participating in study abroad programs," said Hollingsworth. "We believe that international exposure is a crucial component of student development and essential for becoming successful international business professionals."

During the first week, the students explored Germany's rich history and diverse culture. Their itinerary included visits to historical landmarks and local companies, allowing them to immerse themselves in business practices foreign to them.

"The history was fascinating and more complex than I had expected," marveled Haas. "We often focus on 20th-century events when we think of German history, but the country has a much deeper past. During our visit to Heidelberg Castle, the tour guide explained the castle's history. I was surprised to learn about events and people I hadn't heard of before, including a war linked to some of the castle's inhabitants."

The program's success is also evident in the remarkable growth participants experienced, even in the smallest measures, such as using public transportation on their own.

"This immersive environment not only fostered substantial skill development but also built a deep sense of self-confidence as individuals navigated unfamiliar territories," said Hollingsworth.

The second week was dedicated to a collaborative project with Seibert Media, a technology company based in Wiesbaden. The UW-Platteville students were divided into international teams with peers from around the world, including Singapore, Germany, South Africa and various parts of the United States. They were tasked with developing an employee recruitment campaign to draw in seasoned professionals, particularly software engineers. The project was a valuable opportunity for the students to tackle real-world business challenges and gain insights into Seibert's strategic goals. They were given five days to complete their project and present it to leadership at Seibert.

"Working together under time constraints with students from all over the world was a valuable experience, especially with the varying education levels among us," said recent graduate John Biernat of West Bend, Wisconsin, who has a degree in integrated supply chain management. "Some students were just beginning their university studies, while others like me were finishing or had completed their MBA programs. Overall, the range of education levels enriched the experience, exposing me to insights and knowledge I might not have gained otherwise."

Professor Dr. Christoph Kochhan, who initiated the project and works at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences in Wiesbaden, praised the UW-Platteville students' performance.

"They were outstanding-engaged and committed throughout the project. Their presentations were impressive, and they integrated seamlessly into their teams," said Kochhan. "Their enthusiasm extended beyond academics, as they eagerly embraced the cultural experiences of Germany, including our visit to Heidelberg. Truly, their outstanding performance and genuine curiosity made them a standout group."

The experience left a significant impact on the students. Biernat, who signed up for the trip because he was curious about his Eastern European heritage, has expanded his expectations and career goals in the wake of his experience.

"The study abroad opportunity gave me a great preview of what I want to do with my career," explained Biernat. "It confirmed that traveling for work is something I'm excited about."

Students learned to handle the pressure of a high-stakes, ambitious project. Haas said it not only accelerated her ability to adapt, but it honed her collaborative skills.

"Working in international teams and experiencing a new culture has made me more open to the idea of working abroad in the future," said Haas.

For faculty on the trip, they reflect on how this experience will benefit their Pioneer students, especially now that they've been gifted with seeing the world through a different lens.

"Students gain a broader worldview and cultural perspective," explained Hollingsworth. "While the U.S. excels in many areas, our methods aren't the only ways to address problems. It's important for students to see alternative approaches. This exposure to diverse solutions fosters innovation. For instance, students who return from Germany may discover new ideas that could translate into business opportunities for them here."

Perhaps the true measure of the program's impact was displayed by the end of the second week when the group was visibly emotional, having forged strong, lasting friendships. Their eagerness to stay connected and collaborate further underscores the profound influence of the trip on both their professional and personal lives.

"Everyone was so open and kind that it was hard not to get along," said Haas. "We made many new friends that I hope to keep in touch with, even from thousands of miles away."

As they return to their lives in the Badger State, these six students are better prepared to embrace a world of new opportunities, making their academic and personal journeys all the more remarkable.

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