Liz took six classes* during her semester in Hamburg. Three classes ran weekly for the full semester, one class was a four-day block seminar before the semester started and two classes were part of a CSULB/HAW Hamburg summer school in June. Her favourite class was “Community Work and Community Research for Social Justice”. Each weekly 90-minute session included videos, articles and class discussions. “The professor was passionate about community work and social justice, which was evident in her teaching. One highlight of the course was a field trip to a low-income immigrant community, which emphasized the importance of community work. My favourite part of the class were the discussions on mass incarceration and abolition.”
In addition to her classes, Liz completed her 80-hour practicum with Pro*BEA, whose employees work for the Hamburg Social Welfare Authority. It is responsible for implementing the Prostitute Protection Act, which came into force in 2017, and monitoring these businesses. “Although the language barrier limited the amount of direct work I could do, I was able to observe and learn about Germany’s progressive approach to sex work, which emphasizes safety, health, and legal protection for sex workers. I also witnessed the thorough process of reviewing business applications to grant permissions and monitoring the businesses to ensure compliance with regulations. I loved seeing how the social workers at the Hamburg location welcomed everyone without judgment and went above and beyond to meet the person’s needs. I am grateful to have experienced how Germany’s legal framework and support system help sex workers operate in safer environments while respecting human rights and self-determination.”
During her semester in Hamburg Liz embraced her goal to explore new cultures and dive deep into the experience of studying abroad. She was regularly seen on campus and at weBuddy events with friends she had made from different countries, immersing herself into German life but also traveling to other countries on short breaks when the class schedule allowed. “Studying abroad has been an incredibly rewarding experience that has taught me more about myself and the world than I could ever have imagined. For anyone considering this journey, my advice is to go all in. Step outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to explore beyond the tourist spots and dive into the local culture. Embrace every opportunity to make international and local friends. These connections will enrich your experience by giving you a deeper understanding of different cultures. While you’re learning about other cultures, don’t forget to share your own. It is a great way to build mutual respect and understanding.”
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* Community Work and Community Research for Social Justice, Discrimination Against Our Future Selves: Ageism as a Global Challenge, Global Social Policy, Diversity training, Strength-based interventions with children and families and Human rights/Children’s rights.
All classes were taught in English.
