From Milwaukee to Germany – MATC’s Global Studies course takes learning from the classroom to Germany

The world today is a very interconnected place. Evidence of this can be seen from the deep, complex and often heated realm of politics to the simple interaction in online forums and games.

Thanks to these connections, businesses around the world can communicate and share processes and even workers. With global commerce and communications at an all-time high, the business management program has the opportunity to send students on a 10-day trip to Germany.

Judy Reinders, a faculty member in the business management program at MATC, provided important information about this unique educational opportunity.

Why is this course so beneficial for students?

Students are able to experience life in another culture and to learn about strategies for successful business operations in another country. The meetings with German business leaders include discussions on a variety of topics, such as employment laws, self-managed teams, innovation, new product development, environmental policies, marketing to international customers and customer service. Many of the managers also give students a tour of their plants/offices where students are able to ask questions about the operations. While in Switzerland and Germany, public transportation on trains and meals at restaurants allow students to experience life like a local.

What are the eligibility requirements?

There is a Global Studies course (3 credits) that will be conducted as an eight-week spring semester course. The course assignments focus on learning about the companies to be visited and the culture in Switzerland and Germany.

The course can satisfy elective requirements for degree programs, or other substitutions can be discussed if elective credits are complete. The tuition for the course qualifies for financial aid and is in addition to the trip fees.

There are no tests in the course and no book required. Students that participate in the travel program are required to complete the course.

The course then continues on May 18 with the flight to Switzerland, where students will study the Swiss economy, tour Zurich and participate in a mountain hike.

Students then go to Germany by train to meet with business managers.

There also  are some sightseeing opportunities to a castle, hot springs and Mercedes Benz Museum.

When will the trip occur?

The travel portion of the course is May 18-27, 2018.

The travel program fee of $2,495 includes airfare, lodging (hostels with three or four people to a room), most meals, bus to/from O’Hare airport, in-country transportation (trains), insurance and cultural excursions. Additional costs include your passport and spending money.

The German business study abroad program is open to 18 students on a first-come basis.

Anyone interested in participating in the program  must complete the registration form that is available in the International Studies Office, Room M270, and pay the nonrefundable $250 deposit at the Cashier’s Office on any campus.  This deposit is applied to the total program fee.