Over the weekend, students set off in small groups to explore two popular German cities: Cologne and Münster. These self-guided excursions allowed for cultural immersion, sightseeing, and relaxation at the halfway point of the Spring School.

From the towering Cologne Cathedral to the bicycle-friendly streets of Münster, students experienced firsthand the diversity and history of Germany beyond Gelsenkirchen. These socializing tours not only provided a mental reset but also sparked new friendships and cross-cultural conversations that extended beyond the scope of the project.