Two-day excursion to Berlin
Democracy, Freedom, and International Management: Under this guiding theme, 15 students from the Master of Science in International Business Studies program took part in a two-day excursion to Berlin, which was led by Prof. Dr. Dirk Holtbrügge and Luisa Wicht.
The first day focused on ‘International Management’. The group was warmly welcomed at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Deutsche Industrie- und Handelskammer; DIHK) in the heart of Berlin. Representatives from the Transatlantic Business Initiative and the department for Foreign Trade Policy provided valuable insights into the DIHK’s international activities. A particular highlight was the engaging discussion on current developments in the global economy, especially on tariffs, trade policies, and China’s growing influence. This exchange deepened the students’ understanding of international business and led to discussions that continued throughout the day as the group explored Berlin’s iconic landmarks, such as the Humboldt Forum, the Alexanderplatz, and the Hackesche Höfe.
The second day was dedicated to the themes of ‘Democracy’ and ‘Freedom’. The group began the day with visits to key historical sites, including the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the Brandenburger Tor, which are strong reminders of Germany’s past. This was followed by a visit to the German Bundestag, where the students attended a plenary session and observed parliamentary debate in action o n the topic of national minimum wage. The visit concluded with a tour of the Reichstag dome, which offered a panoramic view over Berlin and a moment to reflect on Germany’s political and historical transformation.
The excursion offered a unique blend of academic learning, historical awareness, and cultural experience. We hope that all students were left with lasting impressions and memories!