A group of Elizabethtown College students recently hosted students from the Konstanz University of Applied Sciences in Germany, continuing an international collaboration between the two schools and returning the hospitality received in May 2023 when Blue Jays spent two days at the German university as part of a study abroad trip.
“By having the Konstanz students visit us, we were able to gain insight into leadership and teamwork through a different perspective,” International Business major Alexandra Swendrowski ’26 said. “We were able to share experiences, both about education and personal life, as well as increase our global mindset.”
The initiative is part of Etown’s School of Business’s Geneva Program, a component of Associate Professor of Economics, Dr. Sanjay Paul’s International Organizations Seminar. The program features a study abroad tour that aims to foster an understanding of key global issues by allowing students to take a hands-on approach to examining foreign affairs by attending briefing sessions at international organizations.
During their visit to Konstanz in May, Etown and the German university students visited the German Customs Office on the border between Switzerland and Germany, while also learning about international leadership.
From Sept. 14 to 16, Etown students had the chance to return the favor by hosting Konstanz students on campus, attending educational sessions, and meeting with key campus leaders.
Members of the Konstanz group and Etown students meet with Etown Women’s Soccer Coach, Amy Hough.
The first day included a leadership session with Elizabethtown College Head Women’s Soccer Coach, Amy Hough who spoke about techniques to encourage team cooperation and cohesiveness.
On Friday, Elizabethtown College Director and Senior Scholar of the Young Center, Steve Nolt presented a lecture about local Amish populations, which was followed by a guided bus tour of Amish businesses in Lancaster County and lunch at a local Amish home.
In the evening, an alumni panel featuring Clayton Kaier ’13, Erick Blank ’17, Jeremy Eberly ’21, and Jared Beachy ’22 spoke to the students about what they’ve learned in their professional careers and how the Geneva Program contributed to it. All participated in the program in some capacity during their time at Etown, either attending a study tour or hosting Konstanz students on campus.
On their final day, students attended the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg’s Annual International Peace Symposium, hosted on Etown’s campus. Etown and Konstanz students engaged in the first panel of the symposium, which addressed the future of peace.
“I highly enjoyed this experience and am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I had to serve our guests and be involved in both parts of the Geneva Program,” International Business major Blake Stolarik ’26 said.
