From Carnegie Mellon University Athletics

Freshman volleyball player Emily Newton jumped on the opportunity to study abroad after attending meetings and hearing about a specific program. A business major in the Tepper School of Business, Newton knew before attending Carnegie Mellon that she wanted to study abroad. It just so happens, it became a reality her first summer into college.

"I have always been interested in other cultures and environments and love to travel," Newton said. "This specific program allows me to learn about Europe while actually studying in Germany."

One of the intriguing factors of the program was the knowledge she would gain about political and economic integration in Europe, something she currently doesn't know much about. Newton believes that learning this while in Germany will provide her with an amazing experience that she will use when working, maybe internationally, later in life.

"I am currently working on a group project, where I am studying two countries and examining the different political, cultural, and economic environments that are important to be evaluated before investing capital into a country," Newton added. "This sort of project will allow me to be more prepared not only for future classes at CMU but also in my future business career."

Read below for more of Newton's take on her experience thus far.

Hi! It’s Emily writing all the way from a small town in Germany called Vallendar! I am halfway done with the European Bachelor Summer Institute Program at WHU, a Business University in Germany. So far this experience has been amazing!

I am here with approximately 30 other students from universities in Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, China, and the United States. This program provides us with the opportunity to learn about economic and political integration in Europe in the class room and at different companies near or in Frankfurt (such as the Deutsche Bundesbank!)

We have also had time to explore the cities of Germany on our own. This past weekend, eight other students and I took a day trip to Koln where we were able to visit the biggest Cathedral in Germany and eat delicious chocolate at a chocolate museum!

I am so glad I have had this opportunity to explore Europe as a student!