Hello! I am very excited to be writing out this blog before my departure to Augsburg, Germany! My name is Ryan Welsh and I’m currently a first year at the University of Pittsburgh. I am a double major of Human Resource Management and Marketing while currently working on my Japanese language minor and an International Business certificate. I am currently active in two clubs at Pitt, which is Christians on Campus and Japanese Language Club. I am originally from Summit Hill, Pennsylvania, which is a really small town in Northeast PA.

Another important academic aspect to me is when I became a Gilman Scholar this semester. The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students with limited financial means to study or intern abroad. This program was able to finically provide for me and because of that I am able to participate in Plus3. I recommend anyone reading this blog who qualifies for the Gilman Scholarship to apply to this scholarship!

I have chosen University of Pittsburgh’s Plus 3 Germany program. I chose this particular program for Germany’s rich cultural and historic background as well as the prospect and opportunity to study the German innovation in the automobile industry. I hope to accomplish a deeper understanding of German culture through connecting with German culture as well as hopefully enriching interactions with German locals. I also hope to broaden my educational experience and learning through being able to participate in this once in a life time unique study abroad program. Personally, I am really looking forward to experiencing a new culture and gaining a new, international perspective of life.

I look forward to my departure date and writing more blogs!