German-American International Workshop (GAIW) at CSULB
CSULB hosted the German-American International Workshop (GAIW) for the twenty-nineth time this Fall. The workshop was led by Claudia Barrulas Yefremian, lecturer in the Department of Management/HRM at the College of Business, and included the participation of a total of 40 students, including research participants, hosts, and volunteers. Over the span of just six weeks, students from CSULB and Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW) evolved from international peers collaborating online into a cohesive global team navigating time zones, cultural differences and complex economic challenges. What emerged was an experience rooted in leadership, curiosity and genuine cross-cultural exchange proving that global education is at its best when it brings people together.
Our Shared Journey:
The program allowed HAW Hamburg and CSULB students to examine a major issue in international business and collaborate virtually to exchange ideas, solutions, and perspectives on current macroeconomic and multinational trends. It aligns with both schools’ emphasis on collaboration and leadership as foundational elements of strong international business education and professional success.
Coordinating a group project across a nine-hour time difference was tough, but with intent and genuine interest in co-creation, it showed us how powerful global collaboration can be. Our meetings alternated between our lunch hours, when our peers were already getting ready for bed, and late at night, when it was our turn to stay awake. The main topic of our research centered around “Protectionism and Global Strategies: Navigating Uncertainty in a Multipolar World,” emphasizing how growing economic fragmentation is prompting firms to adjust to changing industrial policies and environmental regulations. After juggling two continents, conflicting schedules and more caffeine than we have to admit, “global economic uncertainty honestly felt like the easier part,” said one of the research participants.
Best Practices & Learnings:
WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams were the main tools we used to communicate across the globe. Both platforms allowed us to communicate and collaborate smoothly and effectively with our German peers. We recommend that future participants arrange one to two meetings before the project is due. This will allow the team to have the time to discuss any last-minute issues, complete the assignment early, and leave time for feedback. Also, remember to connect with your team weekly and communicate often. Finally, GAIW culminates with everyone meeting on campus in Long Beach for one week of workshops and cultural activities. To get the most out of GAIW, we recommend that you engage in as much of these workshops and cultural activities as possible. It is not only about gaining knowledge. It is also about networking and building community.
Cultural Insights:
Navigating the different cultural norms framed through the lens of a student helped us understand how to be more malleable as a professional. Germans value directness, structure and punctuality while Californian culture is more laid-back, emotionally open and flexible. We bonded with the German students when we discovered we all think small talk is painfully awkward. Ultimately, this experience taught us that cultural differences aren’t barriers, they are pathways to build deeper understanding and better teamwork. Additionally, we got to learn more about each other's fascinating cultures, values, and traditions. It was through those conversations and shared experiences, that we gained a deeper appreciation for the different cultures and the importance of opportunities that enable this cultural-exchange.
Creating Value On-Campus Through Events:
The jam-packed week of events gave us space to connect in both corporate and academic settings. We also had many social events lined up, making it altogether an unforgettable week. For example, the bonfire on Thursday was a relaxed hangout that fostered meaningful conversations and deeper connections. In just a few hours, we got to know each other better while enjoying our classic s’mores. Some of our friends even had the chance to catch a few waves and go surfing, adding an extra touch of adventure to our night. Once we built rapport and trust, we started understanding each other’s strengths better, and felt more confident presenting together our research findings as a team at the end of the week. As one friend from Hamburg, expressed, “basically, I can just say that I’ve made friends for life on this trip, that’s my biggest takeaway honestly. It also felt unreal being on an American campus, kind of like in the movies.”-Emi (HAW Hamburg)
Voices From the Program:
“Participating in the GAIW program is a cross-cultural experience that I would recommend to anyone considering working overseas or curious about other cultures. I hosted a foreign exchange student originally from Turkey, raised in Berlin and now studying in Hamburg. The workshops and company visits were great exposure to professional networking with a diverse mix of represented countries.” -Debbie Villarreal(CSULB)
Major Takeaways:
Whether it was through the incredible networking opportunities and learning at the workshops to bonding over cultural differences, we finished the program feeling empowered with a global mindset and life-long friendships. We went from strangers connecting online and from across the globe, to life-long friends that are planning their next reunion together.
As Dean Mark Suazo highlighted, this cross-cultural program is vital to our campus identity, reflecting the determination and grit that define CSULB students. Our intellectual peers from Hamburg University of Applied Sciences reaffirmed this spirit through their exceptional engagement and collaboration throughout the project.
Professor Yefremian summarized it best: “The German-American International Workshop captures the essence of what makes CSULB truly global. It transforms classrooms into cross-cultural collaborations that empower students to cultivate global mindsets, strengthen their leadership skills, and build meaningful international connections that will shape their professional futures. As we look ahead, next year’s program will mark the 30th German-American International Workshop, a remarkable milestone in our long-standing partnership with Hamburg University of Applied Sciences. We are excited to celebrate three decades of academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and the enduring friendships that continue to define this transformative experience.”
Student Testimonials:
“This made me want to go visit Hamburg, my group was nothing short of amazing and I can’t wait to further my connections with everyone” -Jada O’Connor (CSULB)
“I think every student should participate in a program like the one modeled by the German/American exchange program. The future of the world requires a global mindset, and this creates a wonderful opportunity to learn how to connect with others.” - Sidnee (CSULB)
“Participating in this program not only deepened my understanding of global perspectives, but also helped me form a global mindset and build beautiful friendships. From our first virtual meetings to exploring Los Angeles together, we quickly connected and became friends who will stay in touch across borders.I was able to learn so much during the span of just one week from my peers, and to be able to do this is a rare opportunity. I’m truly grateful for this unique experience that I will cherish forever, and excited to reunite with my friends in Germany in the future! “-Rose Jahanara (CSULB)
Written By Student Participants: Jada O’Connor, Debbie Villarreal & Rose Jahanara
Photos By: Rose Jahanara, Debbie Villarreal & Jada O’Connor
