Ag Boilers Abroad: Microbial marvels in Germany

The Industrial Microbial Biotechnology study abroad program was created to offer students more insight into the many ways that microbes are used in industry. Germany is a choice location based on its history in food fermentation and expertise in anaerobic digestion of agricultural residues. Within this program, students travel to Münich to explore the rich history of Bavaria; Stuttgart in Baden-Württemberg to experience a more modern location with different traditions; Heidelberg, a city beloved by the romantics and steeped in university life; Düsseldorf, a city at the northern edge of what was once the Roman empire; and finally Berlin to experience the mingling of politics, history, reconstruction and modernism. 

 The course allows students to see the scale at which microbes are used — from small vessels in pharmaceutical development to large vats in wastewater treatment,” says Abby Engelberth, an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. “Students can connect biological engineering concepts learned in the classroom to actual practice at the production scale.” 

“Students quickly realize that each city has a different feel, and that Germany is far from a monoculture,” Engelberth says.

This specific study abroad was exactly what Lily Esterline, an Agricultural and Biological Engineering senior, was looking for.

“I chose this option because it was only two weeks in May, which allowed me to travel as well as participate in an internship over the summer,” Esterline says. “The course offered my classmates and me to see what we were studying in a real-life industry setting.”

When Esterline signed up for the two-week study abroad program in Germany, she anticipated a transformative experience. So she researched the cultural aspects of Germany, seeking to understand the social norms, work-life balance and daily routines that would shape her time there. She read blogs and watched videos for packing tips, determined to fit everything into a carry-on. Conversations with friends who had studied abroad gave her insights into the do’s and don’ts of living in a new country. And of course, she made certain that her passport was up to date.

"I had never traveled outside the country by myself," she says. "But by doing so, I felt more comfortable with the idea of being uncomfortable in new surroundings."

Esterline quickly noticed differences between American and German cultures, particularly in the areas of work-life balance and education. Learning how people lived, studied and worked in Germany expanded her perspective on life back home. The intense two-week immersion taught Esterline to embrace change and live in the present.

“Being abroad helped reinforce my goal of staying in the moment,” she says. Each new experience reshaped her worldview and fostered personal growth.

Esterline encountered her share of challenges — the main one being the language barrier. While she had studied Spanish for more than six years and felt confident in her ability to adapt to a new language, German proved much more difficult.

"I was naive to think that once I arrived, I’d be able to pick up the language slowly or at least translate some words on menus or road signs," she admits.

Esterline quickly realized there were few similarities between Spanish and German. She persevered, relying on gestures, the occasional English-speaking local and plenty of patience.

"It was great getting to meet others in my major and graduating class," Esterline says. "The experience strengthened the community bond within our department."

The trip opened Esterline’s eyes to the vast diversity of perspectives around the world. Before leaving, she had ideas of what German culture would be like, but the reality was more complex. Conversations with tour guides, industry partners and even restaurant staff offered her a glimpse into life in Germany as well as German opinions about the United States. One thing that stood out was the surprising number of people who recognized Purdue University.

"Everywhere we went, someone would know about Purdue or have a personal connection to the university."

Her time in Germany taught her that the world is never precisely as we imagine it. For Esterline, it was a journey of personal discovery that broadened her horizons and deepened her understanding of the interconnectedness of the world.

"Talking to people from another culture really expands your mind on the world and different perspectives," she says.

How to prepare for your study abroad program:

• Research cultural aspects of the country you’re traveling to.
• Research the weather at that time of year.
• Pack light — try to bring only a carry-on.
• Talk to peers who have already embarked on a study abroad or traveled abroad.
• Make sure your passport is up to date!