Experiencing Cologne: From Cultural Learning to Tasting German Culinary Delights

Bintaro, South Tangerang 22/08/2024 - The students of Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) who are participating in the summer school program at the University of Cologne, Germany, are increasingly captivated by the experiences they are gaining. The fourth day of this program proves that learning is not just confined to the classroom but can also be done while exploring German culture and cuisine. 

One of the main focuses of this program is to improve their German language skills. The participants are not only learning basic grammar and vocabulary but also have the opportunity to interact directly with German students. This is very beneficial for them to practice the language skills they have learned and to build confidence in communication. 

A visit to the IGLU clothing store was a memorable experience. This store not only sells clothes but also promotes a sustainable lifestyle. By utilizing recycled materials, such as expired food, IGLU has successfully created unique and environmentally friendly fashion products. The students were very enthusiastic about participating in the recycling workshop organized by this store and were inspired to apply sustainability principles in their daily lives. 

Meramanis Café is a paradise for Indonesian coffee lovers in Germany. Founded by Indonesians, this café serves high-quality coffee beans directly sourced from Indonesia. With a cozy atmosphere and authentic coffee flavors, this café is the perfect place to relax and reminisce. Besides enjoying coffee, the students also had the opportunity to learn how to cook traditional German dishes alongside local students. 

As a city with a rich history, Cologne has many interesting tourist attractions. One of the most iconic is the Cologne Cathedral. This magnificent building is not only a symbol of the city but also holds many stories about German history. By visiting the Cologne Cathedral, the students could directly experience the beauty of Gothic architecture and learn about the city's history. 

"A visit to the Cologne Cathedral is an unforgettable experience. We could see the beauty of the architecture up close and feel the spiritual atmosphere inside," said Rakai Michelia Devan, a Communication Science student participating in the Cologne Summer School.