Explore the Global Classroom: Bavaria to Catalonia
This program is designed to be a global opportunity exclusive to Polytechnic incoming freshmen and will focus on two Polytechnic strategic partner university locations: Munich University of Applied Sciences (Munich, Germany) and Valencia Polytechnic University (Valencia, Spain).
The program will start in Munich, Germany where the itinerary will be a combination of cultural visits, industry visit tours, open-air intercultural sessions and a college visit to the university. While at the university, students will meet with their international office, take a campus tour to learn about the facilities and curriculum. After a week of activities in Munich and Bavaria, we will fly to Valencia.
Located on Spain’s east coast, the 2,000-year-old city of Valencia boasts wide sandy beaches, striking architecture, a buzzing food scene and culture. It’s the third-largest city in Spain, but the main attractions – including the cathedral, the Mercado Central and the Unesco-listed Lonja de la Seda – are walkable around the town center. We will enjoy a visit to our partner university, Valencia Polytechnic University, to experience what they have to offer and learn about future options available to Techies.
Traveling by train from Valencia and following the coast, we will end our program in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region is known for its art, Art Nouveau architecture, and independent industrious nature. Curriculum will focus on the distinct regional approach that contributed to Catalonia's position as an industrial leader in Spain.
This 3 credit hour course will utilize the Global Competence Certificate (GlobalUp Abroad) curriculum as we work toward increasing the intercultural competence of our Polytechnic student participants. Students will complete course work by utilizing the GlobalUp online modules as well as focusing on the benefits of intercultural competence in the tech fields that operate in a global setting.
This program is taught by Elizabeth Barajas- Director of Globalization & Misty Clugh- Global Programs Specialist.
Tentative Program Itinerary
Tuesday, July 16th- Travel to Munich
Wednesday, July 17th- Arrive in Munich by 10am, meet group in Munich Airport. Guided city walking tour. Group dinner.
Thursday, July 18th- Tour of Munich University of Applied Sciences. Group Lunch. Industry visit. Visit Olympic Park & BMW Welt. Free time/evening.
Friday, July 19th- Scavenger hunt activities. Class time at the English Garden. Group Dinner.
Saturday, July 20th- Neuschwanstein Castle/Tegelbergbahn day trip.
Sunday, July 21st- Dachau Memorial Site visit. Free time (shopping will be closed). Group Dinner.
Monday, July 22nd- Flight to Valencia. City of Arts & Sciences area & Oceanogràfic València. Group Dinner.
Tuesday, July 23rd- Visit to Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (University visit). Class session on campus. Flamenco Workshop. Free evening.
Wednesday, July 24th- Historic walking tour. Group Lunch. Free evening.
Thursday, July 25th- Fallas Museum & Workshop. Beach. Group Dinner.
Friday, July 26th- Train to Barcelona. Walking tour. Group Dinner.
Saturday, July 27th- Casa Batllo tour. Scavenger Hunt. Class session. Group Dinner.
Sunday, July 28th- Visit Park Guell. Group Lunch. Visit Sagrada Familia. Free evening.
Monday, July 29th- Industry visit. Group Dinner.
Tuesday, July 30th- Depart for the U.S.