“Going into this program, I had already set my sights on Germany, as I had been taking German courses for three semesters at Ohio State. However, learning German in a classroom is very different from actually speaking with native speakers. It was often intimidating—but also incredibly motivating. Moments like understanding a train announcement, holding a casual conversation with native Germans, or even dreaming in German became some of my biggest motivators for learning the language. This program has deepened my dedication to eventually becoming a fluent speaker,” said international business major Christopher Kannalikham, who participated in the Fisher College of Business Global Consulting: Corporate, Germany program throughout this past month.
Kannalikham’s cohort of five students worked with the European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS) in Frankfurt, where they provided promotional marketing strategies and solutions to boost brand visibility and reach a younger target market for financial professional certifications.
“Despite not coming from a consulting or marketing background, after participating in the program I discovered that I was genuinely motivated by the work and found myself enjoying what I did each day. I realized that maybe there are more things outside of my known interests that I may thrive in doing.”
Students on the Fisher Global Consulting: Corporate, Germany program expand their network of global business professionals and develop consulting skills while solving real business problems. Outside of the office, Kannalikham still found time to enjoy the surrounding culture.
“It’s almost a crime to visit Germany without trying döner kebab at least once. Naturally, I had to try it—and it quickly became my go-to lunch because it was both affordable and convenient. Döner kebab is a beloved staple in Germany, so much so that there are memes about the need for döner price ceilings and even a subreddit dedicated to ‘döner crimes.’”
“Speaking a language you’re not fluent in can be intimidating, but native speakers are often appreciative and respectful toward those who make the effort to speak their language,” reflected Kannalikham after his experience. “Be open-minded. When you're in another country, you may encounter different societal and cultural values. Making an effort to understand these perspectives is respectful—and can even help you blend in like a local.”