At the start of the semester, Carolyn Blume, a professor of English at the University of Education, travelled to Virginia to visit the partner university, Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU). Whilst there, she also met Deena and Emily, two students from the University of Education who are spending their exchange semester in Virginia, and they showed her the countryside around Chesapeake Bay.

Together with the University of Education students and former VWU students who were at the University of Education last year, Professor Blume and Dean Bill McConnell organised a panel discussion for interested staff and students on the partnership between the two universities. When it came to the differences between the two universities, the practice of knocking at the end of seminars was mentioned particularly often. Also worth noting were the large meal portions, including a drink, in the USA, and public transport in Germany. The participants also spoke about how they had grown through the challenges of the exchange and how their self-confidence had been boosted. One thing both countries have in common is the warmth and friendliness of the other students and lecturers.

During a workshop with students from VWU, Prof. Blume taught the participants their first few words in German. Perhaps as preparation for a future exchange in Heidelberg? Given the programme’s popularity, that’s quite possible! If you’re interested in a stay in Virginia yourself, you can find out more .