Beacom's Malory Peacock Speaks on Experience as Exchange Student in Wolfsburg, Germany
The USD Beacom School of Business and Ostfalia University have had a partnership for the last 20 years. This partnership provides students in either university the opportunity to study at their partner’s campus for a semester.
Students experience a regular semester’s workload, which counts toward their degree and keeps them on track for graduation. Additionally, USD students attending Ostfalia University take courses taught in English, ensuring that language is not a barrier to participating in the exchange program.
Hailing from Dupree, South Dakota, Peacock is enrolled in five courses at Ostfalia University as well as one online course through USD. As she nears the end of her semester in Germany, Peacock shared what her study abroad journey has been like so far and what she’s learned through the experience. This is what she had to say.
How did you first hear about the opportunity to study in Wolfsburg?
The first time I heard about our partner school, Ostfalia, and the potential to study abroad was from Professor David Carr. Dr. Carr has been a guest lecturer in Wolfsburg, Germany, a number of times and shared with me how wonderful his experiences were, recommending that I look into the program. Ever since that first suggestion, which started my journey to make my dream a reality, he has easily been my greatest supporter (other than my family, of course) and a true inspiration to me.
How has your experience been so far in Wolfsburg?
My experience living in Wolfsburg has been overwhelmingly positive. Everyone here has been so very kind to me, so accepting, and beyond helpful. I am truly grateful for the aid and connections I was blessed to have both through Ostfalia University and Dr. Carr at USD – they have really been invaluable.
Adjusting to the city was a bit of a challenge for me, as I have spent most of my life in small-town South Dakota. But now, every day this city feels a bit more like home, and I know that I will truly miss it when I leave.
What differences have you noticed between Ostfalia University and USD?
Classes here are so different. We only meet once a week, and there is very little homework. For the majority of my courses and aside from regular ungraded class participation and activities, the only grade is the end-of-semester exam. Language barriers, daily transportation and living arrangements have not changed much; all my courses are taught in English, I walk to class, and I live in my own apartment – similar to a dorm.
That being said, a few differences really shocked me upon my arrival. There is quite a lack of campus, and in all honesty and despite my happiness here, USD is absolutely gorgeous compared to Ostfalia. Along that line is also the lack of student organizations and overall student life/engagement. The “university” experience here is truly just classes, which is a stark contrast to the nearly 200 student-run organizations at USD that I had grown accustomed to.
How has this experience helped you grow? What lessons are you bringing back home with you?
This experience has taught me a lot about feeling defeated, trying again and learning to be grateful for every “good” and “bad” experience, even if its value is not obvious at the time. This experience has also shown me firsthand the power of my own resilience and the pricelessness of mental and emotional durability and flexibility. While my struggles were certainly amplified under my new conditions, so were my successes. Every feeling of accomplishment, pride in myself and my determination, and new adventures felt that much more groundbreaking because I knew that I was the one who got me there.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about taking the opportunity to join this exchange program?
Take the opportunity to study abroad. Know that you will be forced to be uncomfortable – and be excited for it. That’s the whole point: to make you grow and adapt when exposed to new feelings and situations. Always remember that these are the memories, friendships and experiences that you will cherish forever.
You will return with so many changed perspectives, a broader mindset, greater self-confidence, heightened drive toward self-actualization and a million other unique and vital lessons. Take this step, have trust in yourself and allow yourself to discover how “normal” and completely foreign your own culture is.
About the Exchange Program
The main contact for the international business program is David Carr, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Division of Economics & Decision Sciences. Carr has been a part of the International Week Program since 2014 and has taught Ostfalia students in both the U.S. and Germany. Several Ostfalia professors have also taught in Vermillion under this exchange program.
Learn more about the program online or by emailing David Carr at [email protected].
