From May 1 to 11, 2025, the Transatlantic Institute (TI) of the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society held its tenth Spring School in cooperation with the College of Business at the University of West Florida (UWF). The long-standing and successful partnership between the two universities was once again strengthened and intensified by the international exchange program.
Academic exchange and international encounters
Ten MBA students, two professors and two UWF employees traveled to Germany for the ten-day program. Together with the German MBA cohort, they took part in the Advanced Managerial Economics course led by Professor Richard Hawkins (UWF). The academic program was complemented by a varied cultural and professional supporting program that promoted transatlantic dialogue far beyond the lecture hall.
Varied excursions with cultural highlights
The Spring School began on May 1 with a festive Welcome Reception at the Premier Inn Hotel in Mannheim. Immediately afterwards, the first excursion took the group to the baroque palace gardens of Schwetzingen in glorious weather. There, regional asparagus and strawberry stands invited the group to linger, before a guided tour of the Welde brewery offered interesting insights into the combination of traditional brewing and modern technology. The day came to an atmospheric end in the cozy beer garden with regional cuisine.
Ludwigshafen - Heidelberg - Lucerne
On Friday and Saturday, lectures were held at the HWG LU, where the German and US students learned and discussed together. The following days included excursions to Heidelberg and a three-day trip to Lucerne - an unforgettable experience surrounded by picturesque scenery.
Strasbourg: experiencing Europe up close
On 8 May, a day trip took the participants to neighboring France. Strasbourg presented itself from its most beautiful side in perfect weather. A boat tour through the old town and the European quarter as well as a visit to the imposing Strasbourg Cathedral left lasting impressions. Afterwards, there was time for individual exploration of the city's charming alleyways.
TSG Hoffenheim Research Lab: Innovation in professional sport
A highlight was the visit to the TSG Research Lab in Zuzenhausen. The facility presented current research projects on mental health and decision-making in professional sport. Particularly exciting: practical applications such as the "Footbonaut" and the "Helix" virtual training environment, which brought modern cognitive performance diagnostics to life.
Degree at Hambach Castle
On the last day, the program included an impressive tour of the BASF plant and the last event of the MBA Advanced Managerial Economics course. The official Degree of the Spring School took place in the stylish ambience of Hambach Castle. The participants enjoyed the evening with culinary delicacies and a fantastic view over the Palatinate. The ceremonial awarding of certificates by Prof. Dr. Gerhard Raab marked the worthy conclusion of the program and was accompanied by great applause.
A complete success
The 10th Spring School was characterized by intensive professional exchange, lively intercultural dialogue and many unforgettable moments. It further strengthened the transatlantic partnership - both academically and personally.
We would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment and are already looking forward to the next Spring School in spring 2026!
Next start of the MBA program at the Transatlantic Institute
The next start of the MBA program in cooperation with the University of West Florida is in January 2026. Applications will be accepted until the end of September 2025. If you are interested, please contact Ms. Kathrin Paul (kathrin.paul@hwg-lu.de, 0621-5203-440).
Further information can be found at: www.ti.hwg-lu.de/mba
Author: Janina Steffens, TI
