Johns Hopkins Carey Business School students had the chance to gain firsthand insights into the European financial system in the recent Global Immersion: Finance and Fintech in the EU course. In partnership with the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Carey students spent a week in Germany, exploring the history, structure, and topics like entrepreneurship, AI, and current trends of Europe’s financial system with direct comparisons to the United States landscape.
“Participating in the Germany immersion was an easy choice. It was an opportunity to step beyond the classroom and experience the culture, history, and daily life firsthand” said current part-time finance student, Asia Gilliam. “As a first-time traveler to Europe, it was exhilarating to navigate a new environment, embrace unfamiliar traditions, and connect with people whose perspectives enriched my own.”
The students learned about German business operations with visits to Deutsche Bundesbank, Deutsche Börse, Bosch, and the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. As part of the trip to Bosch, consultants shared insights about Bosch’s approach to innovation and how the company is using generative AI. Carey students gained valuable experience and tools for testing generative AI strategies using a real-world case study for business model innovation.
Carey students also had the opportunity to network with the professionals at each organization, and the students and faculty from the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, creating new connections across borders.
“This experience complemented my academic studies in a way textbooks cannot. From visiting the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management to exploring the stock market and museums, I gained valuable insights into European finance. Seeing firsthand how financial institutions operate, understanding economic policies, and learning about Germany’s role in global markets deepened my appreciation for financial systems beyond my home country. The lessons learned weren’t just theoretical–they were tangible, shaped by direct engagement with professionals and institutions,” said Gilliam.
