Three University of Winnipeg students headed back to class this fall with unforgettable memories of a summer spent in Germany.
Sean Diotay, Emily Ginther, and Jacob Storozuk travelled to the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kleve, a picturesque town nestled along the River Rhine on the western edge of Germany.
Their time overseas was made possible by new exchange partnership agreement between Rhine-Waal and UWinnipeg’s Study Abroad Program. There are already plans to expand the exchange to researchers and faculty members, said UWinnipeg computer scientist Dr. Michael Beck, who worked with physicist colleague Dr. Chris Bidnosti and Rhine-Waal counterpart Dr. Andy Stamm to draft the partnership agreement.
“This is a very unique opportunity and experience for our students, and we hope they take advantage of it for many years to come,” said Dr. Beck, who grew up in Germany and spent a memorable semester in India during his own university studies.
I learned a new independence that I didn’t know I had.
Emily Ginther
“Spending time at a different university, in a different country, is an extremely valuable experience, which I hold in high regard and in good memory,” he said.
The agreement enables students to take summer courses at Rhine-Waal that aren’t offered at UWinnipeg. Up to three UWinnipeg students at a time can take the trip with no additional study fees, and vice versa.
“Accreditation of courses is handled on a case-by-case basis, but the intention is that the courses you take in Germany are being counted towards your degree at UWinnipeg at full rate,” Dr. Beck explained. “So, you advance your studies over summer, and then you are back in time for the fall semester.”
Dr. Beck said he is impressed by the first three students who took advantage of this new opportunity.
“It takes courage to do so, and they are trailblazers for all future cohorts.”
Meet the students
Sean Diotay
Sean Diotay, a fourth-year student in Applied Computer Science, was in Germany from April 5 to July 31.
“This was my first time ever travelling to Europe, so the only things I knew to expect came from the internet,” he said.
At Rhein-Waal, Sean took three engineering classes—physics, manufacturing technology, and engineering drawing and design—that were an engaging mix of lectures, hands-on labs, exercises, and tutorials.
“The classes I took were interesting and fun, gave me insight into the world of engineering, and taught me some software skills too,” Sean said.
Extracurricular activities were plentiful. They included a cultural festival and a concert.
“It was really nice to see all these different cultures come together in one place to have fun,” Sean said.
He visited the German cities of Berlin, Munich, Cologne, and Nuremberg, and also travelled to Austria and the Netherlands.
“By far the greatest highlight in Germany was travelling to Munich with one of my flatmates,” Sean said. “We went from Düsseldorf to Munich by night train, so we arrived early for sightseeing. The first thing I remember pointing out was the architecture–everything looked so beautiful and, well, European!”
The weekends made an impression too.
“The most striking thing for me was the peace and quiet on Sunday in Germany,” he said. “There is a law that mandates shops to be closed on Sundays, and perhaps a cultural aspect too. Sundays are tranquil, without so much as the noise of cars passing by.”
Sean and fellow UWinnipeg exchange participant Jacob Storozuk also met up at Rhine-Waal with Dr. Beck, who delivered a seminar on digital agriculture.
“It was great to see a familiar face again, and I got to tell him how it had been so far in Germany,” Sean said. “It was an interesting day to see what professors are doing beyond teaching, and it also gave me some insight into what research looks like at the professional level.”
Sean’s sightseeing included mountain vistas, medieval castles, and a street festival. Reflecting on the trip, he said he’s glad he stepped outside of his comfort zone. In the process, he learned something about himself and his academic interests, and gained confidence as he prepares to graduate from university and enter the workforce.
“This exchange program has helped me become very adaptable to whatever path I choose to go down. And whatever I do choose, as long as I push myself and do it 100 per cent, I think everything will turn out just fine.”
Emily Ginther
Third-year English major Emily Ginther was in Germany from March 4 to July 17. She studied gender and psychology in Rhine-Waal’s society and economics department.
“This exchange program was the first time I had ever left Canada,” said Emily, who arrived early to visit German relatives before her three courses began.
Emily Ginther at the panorama tower in Leipzig, Germany.
“I wanted to get to know my family overseas better,” she said. “Family in Germany is closely-knit and there is a strong sense of belonging within it.”
Arriving in Kleve, Emily found herself looking up.
“The architecture in Germany was phenomenal. I can’t count how many times my breath was taken away by the scenery,” Emily said. “My favourite had to be the Neuschwanstein Castle in Fuessen, Germany, which inspired Walt Disney to build the iconic Cinderella Castle. It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.”
Emily also enjoyed several university events.
“My favourite was culture day, where students signed up to represent their culture and we got to try different foods and people were able to display their unique cultural talents.”
She also enjoyed a day trip to Brussels, which included a visit to the European Parliament. Trips to Amsterdam and the south of France, where she had the best meal of her life, were also highlights.
In class, Emily said her professors made each class enjoyable.
“Every professor I had was so welcoming. It really made studying at the university feel like home.”
She’s also grateful for the friends and study partners she met along the way.
After graduation, Emily plans to pursue an Education degree and become a teacher.
“I am super grateful for the exchange program and all of the people that helped make this experience possible for me,” she said. “I learned a new independence that I didn’t know I had.”
About the Study Abroad Program
UWinnipeg’s Study Abroad Program has taken students to Australia, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, South Korea, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Eligibility requirements, application deadlines for 2026-2027, and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the program’s website. International students at one of our partner schools who wish to come to Canada to study can visit our Inbound Exchange Program website.
Information sessions will be held online from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. on November 14, December 1, and January 14. To register, email your name, student number, and the country you are interested in to exchange@uwinnipeg.ca.
