News Source: UConn Global News
Author: Sita Nyame

The Office of Global Affairs is the University of Connecticut’s gateway to the world. Through this office, we provide leadership for building and sustaining global and experiential learning. We also support international students and scholars, nurture strategic global partnerships, manage mobility programs, promote international research, and deliver entrepreneurial educational programs. 

One of our key partnerships is the Baden-Wuerttemberg-Connecticut (BW-CT) Exchange, established in 1989 through a legislative partnership between Connecticut, USA, and the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. For over 30 years, this partnership has allowed students from Connecticut universities to study for up to one year at one of ten participating higher education institutions in Baden-Wuerttemberg: Freiburg, Heidelberg, Hohenheim, Karlsruhe, Konstanz, Mannheim, Mannheim University of Music and Performing Arts, Stuttgart, Tuebingen, and Ulm. Students can transfer earned academic credits back to their home institution, integrating their time abroad into their academic plan. 

Ryan Hornish (ENGR ‘26), a Civil Engineering and German Studies student at UConn, recently participated in the BW-CT exchange program at the University of Freiburg. As he enters the final week of his program, Ryan reflects on his transformative experience: 

"I embarked on my college journey at the UConn College of Engineering almost three and a half years ago. During my freshman year, I was presented with the unique opportunity to study, work, and immerse myself in a new culture through the EUROTECH program during my senior year at UConn. Though it was a nerve-wracking decision to step away from my home university, it has proven to be one of the most rewarding choices of my life. 

Academically, I have gained invaluable knowledge, enhanced my German language skills, delved into the history and politics of my host nation, and developed essential intercultural competencies. However, the true essence of my experience lies beyond the classroom. The friendships I forged, the travels across Europe, and the diverse individuals I encountered have profoundly shaped my perspective. This journey has fostered significant mental and emotional growth that far surpasses any material reward. 

As I close this remarkable chapter, I am excited to announce that a new adventure awaits me in Kaiserslautern, just 100 miles north of Freiburg. I will be joining AECOM Deutschland GmbH in the Environmental Sector until May before returning to the U.S. 

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey,' especially UConn Global, for introducing me to this program. 'Here’s to new beginnings and the adventures that lie ahead!" 

Below are some highlights Ryan shared of his time abroad.