Giessen Week 2026: Connecting cultures, creating memories
What an inspiring and unforgettable week together in Giessen! The visit to THM marked Phase 2 of our International Business Simulation module, following a successful online phase that brought international student teams from three international universities and several world regions together virtually before meeting in person. As in previous editions, the 2026 program has been funded by Erasmus+. In addition, funds were raised from the DAAD. As THM Business School | Fachbereich Wirtschaft, we were pleased to host lecturers and students from Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) and Arkansas Tech University(ATU).
The week started with a warm welcome from THM President, Prof. Dr. Matthias Willems , and Dean of THM Business School, Prof. Dr. Jens Klose. A diverse program of lectures, talks, company visits, and enriching intercultural learning experiences was kicked off for all participants. The list of academic and business speakers included Dr. Matthias Koch, Lt. Dr. Pragya Singh, Dr. Hans-Jürgen Höne, Kai Indra, and Prof. Dr. Jens Klose. In addition, Gabriele Haulmark, Jessica Brock, representing ATU College of Business and Economic Development, students from ATU, as well as Kirsi Sievers, representing Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, gave presentations about study abroad opportunities in Russellville/Arkansas, and Kajaani/Finland.
During the week, the participants experienced a company visit to Leica Camera AG in Wetzlar, facilitated and supported by Jörg Theimer. Furthermore, an excursion to Deutsche Börse Group took place thanks to Max Christian Ebner, who warmly welcomed our group and provided a presentation on Deutsche Börse and Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Another highlight included a management lecture on the role and function of the ECB held by Rachele Negro at the Europäische Zentralbank in Frankfurt.
The week was also shaped by special contributions from our international students, such as a student from Vietnam who shared a cultural gift by performing a traditional dance in local attire. The closing event of this unique week was a festive farewell dinner and ceremony in the historic city of Marburg, featuring certificates, acknowledgements, and countless new international bonds. It was a great pleasure hosting a highly engaged, interactive, open-minded, and enthusiastic group of international talents, teachers, and speakers!
Thank you all for making Giessen Week 2026 so special!
A warm thanks goes to Andreas Deublein and his team for providing technical and media support throughout the project, as well as to Julia Böcher and Michaela Zalucki for the highly appreciated and ongoing support for our international endeavors. Last, but not least: Thanks to Somaye Rezaei and Christian Kanitz for joining our IBS project office and providing valuable contributions.
Prof. Dr. Benjamin Löhr & Dipl. Psych. Alexandra Hofmann
pictures: Sophie Hopp, Alicia Rannow and Linus Müller