Studying abroad in Lübeck, Germany empowers Isaiah Vang to engage in a new type of learning while soaking in a new culture, cuisine and countries.

“I have the opportunity to learn a new culture and learn in a different style. I also have the chance to travel Europe since the public transportation system is very well developed and the countries are close together,” said Vang.

Vang, a mechanical engineering student, is taking advantage of MSOE’s unique partnership with Lübeck University of Applied Sciences in Lübeck, Germany. The study abroad program is open to students studying electrical or mechanical engineering and students in the Rader School of Business. All courses are taught in English, but instruction in conversational German is given. Upon graduation, students receive a dual degree from MSOE and the Lübeck University of Applied Sciences.

Although speaking German has been a challenge, adapting to the course work has been easy for Vang. “Interesting enough, the coursework isn’t too different since it would be the same classes I would be taking in the U.S., but the pace at which we learn is much slower. We also go deeper into theory. The rigor of MSOE has prepared me for the amount of work I have to do studying abroad.”

Vang explained the classes abroad are much longer than MSOE’s classes—which has taken some time to get used to—but he also has less homework to do after classes, providing him with more opportunities to travel and explore.

“My favorite part so far has been the ease of using public transportation. Here in Lübeck we are given a bus/train pass and we can use most of the trains and busses in the state of Schleswig-Holstein (the state Lübeck is in) and Hamburg (another state that is nearby). This makes doing small weekend trips feasible and the Christmas markets that started in the middle of November are another great reason to get out and visit other small towns/cities you wouldn’t visit normally.”

Traveling, exploring and learning abroad is providing Vang with new viewpoints. “Studying abroad allows me to be able to see and understand other perspectives since I have the experience of being somewhere completely foreign to me. Also, I have better listening and observation skills since right now the language is still a challenge for me, but that is also motivation to learn the language better and improve non-verbal skills.”

As for cuisine, döner holds a special place in Vang’s heart. Döner, one of Germany’s most popular street foods, is a sandwich made from Turkish flatbread filled with some sort of shaved meat, different kinds of vegetables and sauce. “It is by far one of my favorite foods to grab in a pinch. I love it because it comes in a variety of options, which makes it great for takeout. My favorite is pomm döner or a döner box which contains shredded meat, salad and sauce.”

Vang was born in Milwaukee and grew up in Rochester, Minnesota. He often visited Milwaukee when he was growing up because he has family here, which drew him to check out MSOE. “The location of MSOE is ideal for a college student. It is near the train and bus station if you need to travel somewhere on a budget and the location is in a safe part of the city.”

At MSOE, Vang is involved in concert band. He chose to major in mechanical engineering because of the broad options it offers him upon graduation. He’s interested in pursuing a career in aviation or automotive industries.