Impressionen

There is so much to say about my exchange semester and how privileged I feel of receiving this scholarship, which gave me the opportunity to better experience Mannheim University. I want to start by putting things into context about why this has resulted for me a quite unique experience: Firstly, that this has been the first experience in which I have been out of my hometown for a whole semester; living and studying in my hometown means, of course, that I have always been subject to the attentions & comforts of family life, and basically not having to worry about much more than studying for my Degree. Secondly, I have therefore been living the challenges of being independent for the first time in my life... things such as administering your monthly expense budget, washing your clothes, cooking for yourself, and battling a cross-cultural barrier called language, apart from having only to study for University results quite tough. Thirdly, because the fact of having the opportunity to share this experience with two roommates who are native from two different continents from mine has been a door to learn more about their cultures, customs & traditions.

Universität Mannheim, among the best in Germany in the Business & Economics fields, has proven up to now that it has provided me with enriching experiences very different from my hometown Institute. The professional sense that most of the teachers incorporate into their courses contributes to a more precise representation of reality in the way businesses are currently working. This has worked positively for me, because it has been helpful to conceive a better image of the way business and the institutional framework functions in Germany, as well as in the European Union. I have really liked the fact that here teachers are actually regularly involved with the outer world, and are constantly updating the lessons that they consider will serve us best for our future. Bringing guest speakers to class frequently and organizing school-trips (which has happened in a couple of my classes) are the cherry on the cake.

Having received this scholarship obviously also gave me the opportunity to travel more around Europe. This makes me return more satisfied to my country, and with more knowledge and experiences about culture in Europe.

I want to thank the Foundation because I really enjoyed the comfortable life near the University in the dormitory of the Ekkehard Foundation. The apartment was nice, had a very convenient location, my flat mates were incredible persons, and we had a very fine environment. In summary, I had a very good time during my stance in Mannheim and I would like to thank the Ekkehard Foundation for contributing to such great experience!

Sincerely,
Guillermo Castillo 
Exchange student for the Summer Semester 2011 ITESM, Monterrey, Mexico