Brock’s international exchange opportunities continue to grow, offering students the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures while completing their degrees.

With the expansion of Brock’s existing exchange program agreement with the University of Mannheim in Germany, students in the Faculty of Social Sciences (FOSS) will now have the opportunity to study within Mannheim’s Faculty of Social Sciences, providing greater access to courses that align with their academic programs.

Building on groundwork laid by Brock International, FOSS Dean Ingrid Makus helped finalize the student exchange agreement while at Mannheim last fall as a visiting scholar. The agreement was signed shortly after she returned to Canada late last year.

FOSS students who have completed at least five credits at Brock can begin applying for the new exchange opportunity in January, with the first exchanges to Mannheim taking place during the 2027-28 academic year.

Makus says alignments between the two Faculties of Social Sciences create excellent opportunities for students who take part in the new exchange agreement as well as future students who may benefit from teaching collaborations or visiting scholars from Mannheim coming to Brock.

“I thought it would be interesting and important to pursue this opportunity for Social Science students, knowing that the Faculty there is extremely diverse,” says Makus. “Having a formal agreement is a way to encourage both students and faculty to see the benefits of the University of Mannheim.”

Makus spent three months at the Universität Mannheim Historisches Institut with fellow visiting scholar Daniel Samson, Associate Professor of History.

As someone with a German background, Makus appreciated the opportunity to immerse herself in the language and culture while advancing her research.

Her work focused on genocide, particularly in relation to Indigenous Peoples and international law. Samson, working with Professor and Chair of Medieval History Annette Kehnel, who directs a program on histories of sustainability at Mannheim, explored resource-use strategies of Mi’kmaq residents and French colonists on 18th-century Isle Saint-Jean, modern-day Prince Edward Island.

As visiting scholars, Makus and Samson also took part in a weekly seminar organized by Professor Hiram Kümper, presenting papers and engaging with scholars from across Europe.

Samson says he couldn’t have anticipated how valuable the colloquium series proved to be, bringing into view different literatures, conversations and perspectives.

“The seminar introduced us to a range of scholars, many of whom are also working in public history, museums and experiential education,” says Samson. “Professor Kümper is a leading figure in engage.eu, which encourages knowledge transfer between European universities. Engaging with figures like him opened us to ways to improve knowledge mobilization here at Brock.”

From adjusting to the weather, navigating public transit and overcoming language barriers, Makus and Samson’s time in Germany gave them first-hand insight into the experience of many international students.

Makus says students considering the program should know that Mannheim was “an extremely welcoming environment” that reminded her of Brock’s Faculty of Social Sciences with its diversity of programming and research.

“We met some amazing students and found they were welcoming,” she says. “Not only were they were interesting and diverse, but they were also multilingual, with English, French and other languages spoken interchangeably. That was really striking and helped make it a great experience.”

Renowned for its programs in business, economics and social sciences, Mannheim offers exchange students the opportunity to experience a diverse, dynamic campus and explore a city known for its vibrant arts scene and picturesque landscapes along the Rhine River.

The University of Mannheim is one of Brock’s more than 80 international exchange partners across 21 countries. The University’s exchange and study abroad programs allow students to enrich their degrees while gaining international experience.

“Expanding mobility opportunities is central to our commitment to helping students develop new perspectives, skills and experiences needed to succeed in an interconnected world,” said Rox Chwaluk, Manager, International Learning Programs at Brock International. “By creating new pathways for international learning and supporting students to pursue mobility opportunities aligned with their academic and professional goals, we are bringing Brock to the world and the world to Brock, while strengthening global engagement across our community.”

More information on the Mannheim exchange program and other opportunities for students can be found on the Brock International website.