From the Summer Institute to a Master’s Degree – My Michigan State University Journey with Fulbright Germany

In 2023, I had the chance to experience campus life at a U.S. university for the first time as a participant of the German Fulbright Summer Institute on Intercultural Communication and Creative Entrepreneurship at Michigan State University. Alongside inspiring courses and seminars, the program included numerous campus activities and excursions across Michigan, giving me an authentic insight into American college life and culture.

The Summer Institute, organized by the MSU Visiting International Professional Program and Fulbright Germany, left such a deep impression on me that I set myself a clear goal: One day, I want to return to Michigan State University for my Master’s degree.

Thanks to the Fulbright Germany scholarship, I was able to make this dream come true and complete my Master’s in Financial Planning and Wealth Management at the Eli Broad College of Business. What I particularly valued was the interdisciplinary structure of the program: in addition to core courses in financial planning and wealth management, I was able to take further finance classes and seminars from other colleges. Career workshops, numerous finance-related student clubs, and the opportunity to work with the Student Investment Fund enriched my studies and allowed me to build valuable professional connections.

But my time at MSU was much more than just academics. As a Big Ten university, it offered a unique campus life I had previously only seen in movies: football games with 75,000 fans at Spartan Stadium, engaging discussions with international classmates, and even the visit of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris to campus – all these moments made my year unforgettable. Beyond academics, I joined the German Club, the Ski Club, and the Soccer Club, and was able to witness first-hand the strong interest of American students in the German language and culture.

My stays in the U.S. – from the Summer Institute to my Master’s – not only changed the way I see the United States and advanced me academically, but also helped me grow personally through the supportive environment, lasting friendships, and countless experiences I had in East Lansing.

Looking back, Fulbright was the door-opener to a truly transformative journey. The Summer School and my studies at MSU have significantly shaped me and prepared me for my next professional step as a university graduate entering the banking industry.

I can wholeheartedly recommend this adventure to anyone – it is far more than just a study abroad experience. It is a life-changing journey.

Since returning to Germany from MSU, Michael began work at Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG as a General Management University Graduate. To learn more about the German Fulbright Summer Institute visit vipp.msu.edu/germanfulbright.