Professor Dr Franz-Josef Behr has been organising cultural excursions for HFT Stuttgart students for many years. The aim of these excursions is to familiarise students, especially those with an international background, with German history and culture.
Being a student in a new environment can be daunting, especially when occupied only with academic assignments. To trade-off between academic and social life, students show the interest in group tours and excursions. Over the years, Professor Dr. Franz-Josef Behr has been organizing Cultural Excursions for the students of the Master Programme Photogrammetry and Geoinformatics of the HFT Stuttgart. The rationale of the excursion is to expose students, particularly those of international background, to German history and culture. As we strive to cultivate a global perspective and foster cultural understanding among our diverse student body. Professor Behr’s dedication to organizing these excursions reflects his commitment to providing enriching experiences that extend beyond the confines of the classroom.
On the 16th of March 2024, we embarked on an unforgettable excursion to the enchanting city of Karlsruhe, the ‘fan city’ (Fächerstadt). Students of both Photogrammetry and Geoinformatics as well as Software Engineering ventured forth for this trip. As students specializing in cutting-edge fields, our journey to Karlsruhe provided a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the city’s structure and contributions to technological innovation. From navigating around the radiating road network of the King’s Palace to exploring the corridors of the renowned Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and the Badisches Staatstheater, we gained insights into the city’s formation, its role as a beacon of technological advancement and administration as well as the structure of the theater. Karlsruhe (i.e., named as the founder’s place of rest) earned its nickname due to the unique layout designed by its founder, Margrave Karl Wilhelm. Professor Behr guided us through the city while a tour guide led us through the discovery of the structure and foundation of the theater.
During the guided tour, we were able to gain a varied and impressive insight behind the scenes of the theater. It became clear how many people and technology are needed to make this cultural experience possible for the visitors to the performances.
As the day unfolded, we culminated our exploration with a mesmerizing ballet performance at the renowned Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe. Here, artistry takes center stage, as graceful movements and stirring melodies transport us to a world of wonder and enchantment. For most of us, it was the first time to experience such a fascinating moment.
Our journey to Karlsruhe was more than a mere excursion - it was a transformative experience that enriched our academic pursuits, broadened our cultural horizons, and deepened our connections with fellow students and scholars. As we return to our studies at HFT Stuttgart, we carry with us the indelible memories, new insights, and enduring friendships forged through the vibrant streets of Karlsruhe.
In summary, the experience was motivating with great lessons, and I encourage my colleagues and future students to visit the city to have fun and experience history and culture with HFT Stuttgart. Join us as we explore, learn, and forge unforgettable connections in our quest for global understanding and personal growth.
Sincere gratitude to Mrs. Behr for investing her time to not only be with us but also interacted so much with us. Thanks a lot to Professor Behr, for his dedication and support.