Myrtle Beach 2023

Students from Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Koblenz University of Applied Sciences and Mainz University of Applied Sciences seized the opportunity to broaden their academic horizons and gain international experience by embarking on the Summer School Program in cooperation with Coastal Carolina University.

All participants went through a multi-step preparation process consisting of various pre-departure meetings (some of which were joined by Dr. Karen Sauls, the CCU coordinator of the program) and had an opportunity to welcome a group of CCU students to the Rhineland in May. Summer School alumni were also involved in this preparatory process in order to help students get a better idea of the activities and expectations linked to the program.

Students were able to book their own flight - and many used the option of spending some days on private travel after the completion of the program - thus ensuring an even wider range of experiences and impressions to take back to their home universities. During the summer school, accommodation was provided on campus. This was an ideal way for students to figure out whether a study abroad experience in the United States might be an option for them. The welcome package included practical information alsong with a lot of useful information about student services, program schedule, WIFI access and other pertinent details.

The cross-cultural consulting projects started on Monday - and students were encouraged to work in international teams. Classes on business ethics, conflict management, intercultural communication and US business culture helped to put the project work into context and encouraged students to reflect their experience.

Social activities included sports events, watching and discussing a movie, attending a live music event - and of course the excursions to Brookgreen Gardens and Charleston, two very memorable experiences. The Award Celebration at the end of the three-week period was the moment when all participants were able to celebrate their academic success. Participants had every reason to be proud of the work they had accomplished. Most of them could notice the progress they had made over the week - both in terms of developing appropriate work strategies for international environments and also in terms of coping with language, time management requirements and different academic expectations.

GO CHANTS!