MCC and Kaufmännische Nord (KSN), a technical college in Stuttgart, Germany, have been exchanging students and faculty for the last 16 years. The group from KSN, including both students and instructors, arrived in West Michigan on June 13 for an eight-day visit.
The exchange included a visit in May by MCC students and faculty to Germany, where they toured cultural and historical sites as well as local businesses such as Daimler, Porsche and Ritter Sport in the Stuttgart area. MCC students spent eight days in Germany with host families, hiking in the Alps, visiting 1,200-year-old castles and experiencing that nation.
Reciprocally, the German group is visiting West Michigan and touring American businesses, tourist attractions, and beaches.
“The relationship between MCC and KSN has given students on both sides of the Atlantic a unique view of international business, and has created lasting friendships,” said MCC International Coordinator Kathy Tosa.
The itinerary this year includes a tour of Muskegon Community College and the Muskegon area. The students will visit RC Productions, the Lakes Mall, Meijer, NOAA, Watermark, USS Silversides, Saugatuck Dune Rides, and area state parks. The group then travels to Grand Rapids to tour Hanon-McKendry advertising firm, Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge Attorneys at Law, and the Gerald R. Ford Museum. Next on the agenda is a trip to Lansing, with a visit to the Michigan History Museum and the State Capitol. Time for the beach, shopping and relaxing is also included.
Anyone interested in more information on international programs at MCC, can visit www.muskegoncc.edu/international or contact Kathy Tosa at (231) 777-0376 or e-mail her at Katherine.Tosa@muskegoncc.edu