UR Around the World: To Germany We Go!

Earlier this semester, a group of students from the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science travelled to Germany for a week of immersive experiential learning that included sightseeing in Regensburg, trying delicious traditional Bavarian food, learning some biology and geology, and reflecting on the past at many of Germany’s historical sites. On top of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences, they gained globally informed critical thinking skills and experienced hands-on learning in a new country. 

The trip abroad was part of the Study Abroad: Liberal Arts and Science course, which offers a blend of topics typically only offered individually by the Faculties of Arts, MAP, and Science. 

Travelling to Germany for a study abroad class has changed the way I will approach my future studies. Being able to learn through experience taught me that not everything can be understood through readings and lectures. — Olivia Johnson, psychology student

Dr. Mel Hart, course instructor and Associate Dean of Science (Student Experience & Engagement) says that she, along with co-instructors Dr. Susan Johnston and Dr. Tobias Sperlich, wanted to create a unique interdisciplinary experiential learning opportunity that allowed students from different faculties to connect with peers from other disciplines.  

“We recognized that this could also be an excellent chance for students, who had gone through the remote learning experience during COVID, to establish the friendships that many weren't able to form in the distance learning environment,” says Hart.  

Bon Voyage! 

After a long day of travel, the group finally arrived in Regensburg, Germany!

“The architecture in Regensburg was very beautiful and unique. I loved the train ride, it was a blast,” says psychology student Kristin Tokaryk. “I also loved the scenery; it was very beautiful and the people are friendly. It’s a very relaxed environment.” 

Diving into the culture and history that Germany has to offer 

The group kicked off their first full day in Germany with a guided study tour through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Regensburg’s Old Town, and a visit to the Regensburg Museum of History.  

“The tour was really good. I was really impressed with the students because they were very attentive and asked great questions,” says Dr. Tobias Sperlich, Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts. “The museum was a bit quirky because it is a little old fashioned, but it is in an old castle.” 

A breathtaking cathedral 

The group continued to explore Regensburg and visited the Imperial Diet buildings in the morning. In the afternoon they went to St. Peter’s Cathedral – a crowd favourite!

“The Cathedral was definitely my favourite part of the day. The pictures I took didn’t do it justice – the details and how enormous it is,” says psychology student Jessica Christopherson. “It was breathtaking, you have to be there to experience it.” 

The other U of R

 The time came to visit the U of R … the University of Regensburg, that is! 

“The University of Regensburg reminded me of the University of Regina, there were lots of parallels,” says computer science student Quinn Schwabe. “Like all of the different buildings being separate but joined at the same time, the same faculties, and the pace of the students is the same as us.” 

A day to reflect and remember 

Germany’s history is, of course, rich and varied, but includes a dark chapter that humanity forgets at its peril. A visit to the Flossenbürg Concentration Camp Memorial Site had a deep impact on the group, who took some time to reflect and remember those who lost their lives and those that took them. 

“Coming out of high school I had what I would call ‘Remembrance Day fatigue.’ Our productions were large and grand and you were forced to attend. I personally sang in a few things. It was all very ceremonial and detached. After that, I had no inclination to participate in any Remembrance Day services,” says English student Liam Widdup. “After today, seeing how real the impact was, seeing faces, seeing names especially, it made it feel more real. We don’t have much like that at home. People get caught up in tradition and ceremony. They forget the real people who died. They forget what really matters.” 

A day of classical music and concerts 

Another day of exploring Regensburg! The group spent the morning at Neupfarrplatz, which included an archaeological site and a medieval Jewish quarter. After that, they attended a seminar on classical music and a classical concert at Theatre Regensburg. 

“I would live in Regensburg, the architecture is beautiful,” says psychology student Erika Reichel. “It would be cool to just bike everywhere in the city.” 

A trip across the Danube Gorge 

The group started off their busy day with a visit to the Befreiungshalle Hall of Liberation. After that they got on a boat in Kelheim and travelled down the Danube Gorge, and ended with a visit to the Weltenburg Monastery. 

“This was my favourite part of the trip, the entire day was amazing,” says history student Drew Josvanger. “I would say tied for first place is my little solo moment walking in the town of Flossenburg - the residential areas, the cemetery, and the hilltop ruins.” 

One final day in Regensburg

 On their final full day in Germany, the students had time to explore on their own and use the local library, museum, and art gallery spaces to do research for their final projects. In the evening, the group met up for one last dinner at a traditional Bavarian restaurant.

“Travelling to Germany for a study abroad class has changed the way I will approach my future studies,” says psychology student Olivia Johnson. “Being able to learn through experience taught me that not everything can be understood through readings and lectures. For example, being at the Flossenbürg concentration camp gave me a more realistic perspective on the tragedy of the genocide of Jewish people and other targeted groups of people in society.” 

Time to head home 

After a full week of travelling, immersing themselves in Germany’s history and culture, sightseeing, and several once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, it was time to head back to Regina. 

“Over the brief time in Germany, I saw how the students fully embraced the opportunity and recognized, with gratitude and humility, that they were part of a unique offering. They formed connections with one another, readily took in all the learning opportunities, and really made the trip their own,” says Dr. Hart. “By the end of the trip, the students struck me as having an exciting collection of individual and shared adventures that bolstered their confidence, and gave them a new perspective on life.”  

Ready for an experience of a lifetime? 

UR International’s Study Abroad and Global Mobility office facilitates many exciting options which allow University of Regina students the opportunity to study abroad:

• Exchange (4-8 months) – For the cost of University of Regina tuition, students can receive an excellent education while exploring unique cultures and gaining invaluable insights about themselves and the world around them. With hundreds of active partnerships with institutions around the globe, the opportunities are nearly endless!
• Faculty-led study tours (1-2 weeks) – This program allows faculty members to get engaged in an immersive learning experience with their students by incorporating an international experience into one of their classes.
• Summer programs (2-6 weeks) – Many partner institutions offer creative, interactive short-term programs over the summer months.
• Global internships – Internships, practicum placements, and fieldwork opportunities completed abroad offer students a unique and invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in an international context. 

UR International is committed to making international opportunities as accessible as possible. Scholarship programs – including the Saskatchewan Innovation Opportunity Scholarship and the Global Education Scholarship programs - provide eligible students with up to $2,000 to help fund their international experiences.

For more information about UR International’s programs, visit Study Abroad and Global Mobility or email study.abroad@uregina.ca.

Banner image: The group showing off their U of R pride in Germany! Credit: Photo provided by Chloe Argue.