VALDOSTA —
Germany is considered the strongest country financially in the European Union. Not only is it a great place to visit, but learning about business practices on a global level is essential in today’s business world.
“International/global business is where the action is and is growing exponentially,” said Dr. Fred Ware, Valdosta State University professor of management and the program director for the Langdale College of Business and Administration’s Business in Germany study-abroad summer program.
The four-week study-abroad program began in 2007 at Zeppelin University and, in 2008, it moved to the University of Applied Science (as host) in Karlsruhe, Germany.
“So this is our sixth year in Germany,” said Ware.
Previously, VSU’s faculty supported the University of Georgia’s European Council which featured various programs in England and in France.
“Our faculty taught for the USG’s (31 statewide institutions) Asian Council,” said Ware. “Our involvement began in France in 1997.”
As interest grew, faculty established its VSU-based overseas program working under the guidance of the VSU International Programs organizations. Another business program was held this year for the first time in Turkey during the May-Mester and even included graduate MBA students.
More recently, students traveled to Karlsruhe, Germany, and visited various places in Germany. They departed on July 1 and returned Aug. 1.
“There were 20 VSU students,” said Ware.
Additional students from across Georgia also attended the program.
“They are a diverse group from all over Georgia and beyond with a number of Valdosta students,” said Ware.
While in Germany, students visited the Audi automobile assembly plant in Neckarsulm guided by the CEO of ABS (Aurenz-Spezial-Blumenerde) Greenworld — which also has a location in Valdosta — Helmut Aurenz. Students also attended an international trade fair held in Karlsruhe.
“In previous trips, we have been at Bosch AG, a huge, after-market, auto-parts distribution center and L’Oreal products manufacturing plant,” said Ware.
Through the study-abroad program, business students can earn credit up to two courses (compressed as is done in VSU’s May-Mester summer term), while in an overseas location with many opportunities for travel and sightseeing.
“The instructors and directors have extensive experience in teaching, working and traveling abroad,” said Ware.
This program not only helps promote the overseas growth of business, but the Langdale College also has a new international business major housed in the Department of Management and International Business Department.
“To major in IB, students are required to have an overseas study experience but we have found student interest from all business majors,” said Ware.
One of the reasons they chose Germany as a point of study is because the location is convenient when traveling throughout Europe on four weekends.
“Japan is not doing as well currently, although it too would be an outstanding place to house a program,” said Ware.
The Langdale College administrators are planning programs in other countries in Europe and in Asia, including semester-long opportunities and faculty exchanges.
Studying in Germany is extremely beneficial for business students.
“It certainly helps build a strong resume, for beyond traveling overseas,” said Ware.
While the trips aren’t all work — for example, they bungee jumped and camped in Switzerland, it truly helps business students become more well-rounded in their field.
“Having taken rigorous coursework as well as having attended well-planned, informative business field trips not only looks more impressive on your resume, but you come away with valuable new information and a broader understanding of the world,” said Ware.
Business
Related Photos
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On the cover: Valdosta State University students at the Audi Assembly Plant in Neckgarsulm, Germany. The tour was arranged by Sen. Helmust Aurenz, CEO of the international firm of ASB Greenworld. This is the sixth year that the Langdale College of Business Administration has conducted study-abroad programs which feature several field trips as part of the business course material. Contributed photo
Business in Germany: VSU students do more than just 'Sprechen sie Deutsch?'
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