May 14&15: Tuesday and Wednesday of the second week and it’s time to complete our company projects. We had Tuesday as a free day to meet with our groups and make sure everything is ready for Wednesday morning. I feel so lucky to have such a great group and I connected so well with all the German and American students. We all pulled our weight and gave a successful presentation about FORVIA and it’s latest research on Hydrogen Solutions. After working for a few hours, I spent some time in Augsburg walking, shopping, and having gelato. It felt so nice to relax and enjoy the space around me without worrying about catching a bus or train. A few of us new friends met to play pool and talk about our experience on this trip.
Following a very relaxing evening, we all met Wednesday morning to present our work. Each group used the same format, but it was interesting to see what they deemed important about their company. I think every group did well with the recommendations of what would make the company more successful. Since I have been here for almost two weeks, I have re-worn clothes a few times – it was time to do laundry. With the guidance of Professor Feick, I did my laundry at a German laundromat. Even though this is such a simple thing, it proved to me that I would be successful living somewhere outside of the United States. A goal of mine is to work abroad after graduation, and knowing I can confidently do adult chores by myself makes me proud. I cannot believe we only have a couple of days left. This time has really flown by and I am grateful for the friends I have made on this trip. We met with the German students again for a farewell dinner at the Ratskellar. The conversation was fun and we were all sad to say goodbye. Us Pitt students all gifted Elisabeth and Niko chocolates and coffee as a token of our appreciation; this trip would not be a success without them!
