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Tyler Feldt

My name is Tyler Feldt and I am a student at the University of South Carolina and the Universität Mannheim as part of the Double Degree Master of International Business/Master of Management program. I spent the Fall 2014 semester studying in Mannheim as part of this program and I will return to Mannheim in the Spring of 2016.

This past fall semester marked my second semester studying at the Universität Mannheim; I also spent a semester studying there during my undergraduate studies. I thoroughly enjoyed my fall semester as part of my graduate studies as it provided me with a completely different experience than my undergraduate study abroad trip did.

My graduate courses at Mannheim were difficult but incredibly beneficial. They were more math-oriented and challenged me to think in new and creative ways. They greatly complemented the education that I am receiving at the University of South Carolina. I believe they will provide me with the skills needed to write my Master’s Thesis and will also allow me to be a more well-rounded employee.

Aside from my academic goals, I am also utilizing this Double Degree program in order to improve my German language skills, create a global network of colleagues, and enhance my understanding of the German culture. I was able to work on all three of these goals during my stay in Germany last year. I sought opportunities to practice my German speaking skills not only with my fellow American colleagues, but with German students as well. I was able to network with past and present Double Degree students and also met numerous potential work contacts during my stay.

I was very fortunate to be able to travel not only around Germany, but also throughout some of the neighboring European countries. The Double Degree students were invited on a trip with some of Mannheim’s law students to visit various European Union institutions in Brussels, Belgium and Strasbourg, France. Having studied these institutions previously it was incredibly beneficial to visit them in person and see how they operate. In addition, it was my first time visiting a country other than Germany and I thoroughly enjoyed the cultural experiences in both of these unique places. I was also able to spend a weekend in Wittenberg with a host family of a friend of mine. Being able to interact with a German family for a weekend was incredible and I visited the Martin Luther Museum which was very fascinating. Finally, I was able to travel to Stuttgart for Oktoberfest, a soccer game, and to visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum.

All of my experiences have given me a better appreciation for the German culture and greatly improved my academic background. The scholarship that I received from the Ekkehard Foundation played an integral role in my ability to accomplish my goals and make the most out of my semester in Germany. The financial support that I received from this scholarship was a huge help in paying for my living expenses, such as my rent, insurance, and miscellaneous expenses. I was worried about how much money I was going to have to pay for these expenses and this scholarship alleviated all of these concerns. In addition, I was able to take the money that I saved as a result of the scholarship and was able to spend it on traveling and cultural experiences. The Ekkehard Foundation scholarship also provided me with great networking opportunities. I attended the award ceremony that the foundation hosts and was able to network with fellow scholarship recipients as well as large German companies. I am so thankful that I received my scholarship from the Ekkehard Foundation. It played a very tangible role in enhancing my graduate experience in Mannheim. I look forward to returning next semester and continuing my adventures in Germany.

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