This summer, UTC History students spent several weeks in Germany, primarily collaborating with the ongoing work at the Mittelbau-Dora concentration camp.
Several UTC History students had an amazing opportunity this summer to participate in a Study Abroad program in Germany, under the guidance of Dr. John Swanson. Students helped out at the Mittelbau-Dora concentration camp and museum, putting the skills and lessons they’ve learned in the classroom into practice in the real world. Check out their testimony below.
Mallory Lehman:
My experience in Germany is something that I’ll carry with me forever. The history of the Holocaust has always been an interest of mine, but actually being at the sites where history took place and being able to be a part of a project that helped preserve the history of the Mittelbau-Dora camp made it so much more meaningful to me. The connections I made with others were equally as important to me, and I loved being able to share cultures with others at the camp. I also loved walking the streets of Berlin and trying a doner for the first time!
Gloria Habiyaremye:
My time in Germany has truly been the highlight of my college experience. Learning about how Holocaust remembrance is treated now within cities that housed concentration camps really emphasized how important it is to teach and preserve this history. Being inside of rooms that actual people died in was such an eye opening experience.
The people I met during the camp were definitely the best part of my entire trip.
Alexa Key:
Studying abroad in Germany was so eye opening. Being able to take part of preserving and researching the Holocaust in Mittelabu-Dora has allowed me to connect with the history and explore studying abroad in the future. I was deeply impacted by the different perspectives on the Holocaust and how similar themes transpire today. My favorite part of the trip was the people I met. They were so kind, interesting, and open to sharing their cultures and ideas. I loved the trips to Erfurt and Berlin. Trying the different foods and drinks in Germany was definitely a highlight as well!
To learn more about amazing programs like this, stop by the History Department anytime and we’re happy to chat with you about ways to experience these kinds of life-changing opportunities!
