Today felt like the first real day here – structured, social, and filled with those moments that remind you why traveling for a program like this is so special. We were up and out by 8:30 AM, which felt early but manageable. The day began at the University of Augsburg, where we finally got to meet the German students we’d be working alongside. It was our first glimpse into what student life looks like here, and right away, I noticed a big difference in pace and environment – quieter, more focused, and surprisingly calm for a university campus.
We kicked things off with a lecture from Will Wilkes, which helped set the tone for the collaborative project ahead. Afterward, we had a little over an hour to begin preparing our mini presentation about our assigned automotive company and to get to know our groups. Honestly, things didn’t go super smoothly at first. None of us had our laptops with us, which we quickly realized was a mistake. Signing into the university’s German desktops turned into a whole ordeal – especially because DUO Mobile was being uncooperative, and we couldn’t authenticate logins. It felt a bit chaotic and frustrating not being prepared but it is what it is.
Still, we made it work.
Lunch at the Mensa cafeteria gave us a chance to catch our breath and regroup. We sampled a few different items, but most of us defaulted to the pizza. In the afternoon, we met up with the German students again, who were kind enough to give us a tour of the campus. Seeing their classrooms and hearing about what they study made me realize just how different, but also how similar, our university experiences are. Education may take different shapes around the world, but the desire to learn, connect, and grow feels universal.
After the campus tour, we all participated in a scavenger hunt around the city, which turned out to be such a fun way to explore more of Augsburg. Walking through its streets with local students gave the experience a more personal and intimate feel. It wasn’t just about checking landmarks off a list—it was about seeing the city through their eyes. They pointed out their favorite cafés, study spots, and shortcuts through the old town, and it made everything feel more alive. The more I walk these streets, the more I feel like I’m starting to understand the rhythm of this place.
