M. McDonough, USA

ERASMUS+ teaching mobility provides universities in partner countries with an excellent opportunity to explore innovative - and sometimes interdisciplinary - cooperation formats across different continents and acadamic systems. In Summer Semester 2023, RheinAhrCampus Remagen was very happy to welcome Dr. Matthew McDonough from Coastal Carolina University. In his role as a Senior Lecturer of History, he was able to enrich our curriculum by teaching classes with a special focus in the context of Module B25 "International Competence".

The classes were embedded into

• Module B25.04: Working Internationally
• Module B25.06: Europe

Even though some of the classes were scheduled in the afternoon, the students were very excited about this opportunity of experiencing an intercultural and diverse teaching and learning environment where they could also develop their communication skills in a world language of business communication. In their final evaluation, many of the participants commented on the benefits of integrating international faculty visitors into regular modules and enriching classes with team teaching components. The opportunity of learning more about American campus life and trying out some types of assessments that would also be offered at CCU encouraged students to consider their options to apply for an exchange semester in South Carolina.

During International Week 2023 and various other occasions, Dr. McDonough helped to promote the long-standing partnership between Hochschule Koblenz and Coastal Carolina University - thus paving the way for additional activities in the near future!

"I was honored to have the opportunity to work at the RheinAhrCampus in Remagen, Germany, for the summer of 2023.  Overall, the hospitality of the entire campus community was truly outstanding.  I loved the chance to work with the faculty and staff and cannot wait to implement some of the great teaching innovations and ideas I picked up while collaborating with my fellow lecturers. 

Perhaps the most impressive experience was the chance to work with the many fine students.  It was wonderful to teach and learn from such a diverse student body and I will never forget the many fruitful classroom discussions we had about leadership, interventionism, and the strengths and weaknesses of a global marketplace.   My wife and I were welcomed immediately upon our arrival in the country and marveled at the beauty and culture of the German Rhineland and relished the chance to partake in the delicious cuisine, the fascinating culture and the friendly camaraderie.

Immense thanks must go to Hochschule Koblenz, University of Applied Sciences, RheinAhrCampus and the exchange program.  I will always think fondly of my time in Remagen and this excellent experience."