“Having the opportunity to study abroad at WHU opened so many doors for me, and I learned so much about myself and what I want my life to look like post-grad. I learned not only the material presented in class, but also networking skills, resiliency in stressful situations, professional communication skills and overall I gained further cultural experience when engaging with professionals from different regions of the world,” reflected international business major Caitlyn Walrod on the Fisher College of Business Undergraduate Exchange - WHU, Otto Beisheim School of Management program.
Located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, WHU’s campus is teeming with historic towns, castles and towering vineyards, Vallendar and its immediate surrounds offer plenty to see and do.
“Studying abroad in Vallendar, Germany was an incredible experience that I will never forget. From days spent in class, to completing case studies with classmates to going on site visits to various German companies, each day brought its own new adventure! Most of all, I made so many amazing connections with professionals and peers from all around the world, and I know they are relationships that will last a lifetime,” said Walrod.
“When choosing a major, I specifically chose international business because of its study abroad requirement. At the time, it was my way of pushing myself out of my comfort zone and committing to something different. Today I am so happy to say that I fulfilled the commitment to myself and studied in an amazing region that connects to my family heritage and my professional goals.”
During the program, students attended rigorous business classes, completed case studies and visited numerous German corporations. The experience as a whole helped Walrod confirm her career goals.
“This experience solidified my desire to work internationally after graduating from Ohio State, helped me learn about business conducted in various countries, and allowed me to connect with professionals with very unique backgrounds. It also helped me gain the confidence to continue pushing myself out of my comfort zone both personally and professionally. I am incredibly thankful for this experience, and I hope that more Ohio State students are able take advantage of this wonderful opportunity in the years to come!”