About five months ago, Jonas boarded the plane in Frankfurt. His destination: Ireland. The dual student was drawn to the Emerald Isle by the unknown. In the weeks and months that followed, not only did he want to improve his English, but also broaden his horizon. At that point, his entire semester abroad at Dundalk Institute of Technology, majoring in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, was still ahead of him.

Now, about six months later, Jonas is back in Germany. The student hasn't quite realized yet that he is back home: "Especially when I wake up in the morning, I often think I'm still in Ireland."

Jonas doesn’t spend much time looking back, though. He already thinks about his next adventures: “I have two weeks off after the exam period, then my project study will start. This means a lot of practical work and the opportunities to use my newly gained knowledge in Grenzebach projects.”

His main goal is to be part of a development project at the technical center. Jonas is confident that this plan will work out. Over the last few weeks in Ireland, he has been in regular contact with the training department. “There is a very good chance that I will be able to work in our research and development laboratory. I will know more in a couple of days," Jonas continued.

Ireland is ideal for a semester abroad.

Five questions for Jonas Rimbach:

How did the exams in Ireland go?

How did the exams in Ireland go?

The exams were quite doable. We had about two and a half hours per exam. Time was tight on some of the exams, but that's often the case. I am eagerly awaiting the grades.

Would you do a semester abroad again?

Would you do a semester abroad again?

Definitely, yes! I not only made a lot of new experiences but also got to know so many interesting people.

Was Ireland the ideal country for a semester abroad?

Was Ireland the ideal country for a semester abroad?

Yes, Ireland is the ideal country for a semester abroad. The people are always friendly and very open-minded towards everything and everyone. The island holds endless possibilities to travel, especially with its unique nature and landscape.

Did this semester abroad help you personally and professionally?

Did this semester abroad help you personally and professionally?

These five months have definitely made me more independent and confident. Meeting people from different cultures has given me new perspectives and made a lasting impression on me, both in my private and professional life.
I am also much more confident in speaking English now, which will definitely help me in the international environment of Grenzebach.

What was your personal highlight?

What was your personal highlight?

There were countless highlights. But I will especially never forget our trips through the Irish nature and landscape.

“I would recommend every student to do a semester abroad. The experiences and adventures are invaluable. A university degree is a perfect opportunity to spend a longer time in a foreign country. I am very grateful that Grenzebach actively supported me in my studies.”

 

Statement from Jonas Rimbach
Jonas Rimbach Student Mechanical Engineering
Jonas is looking forward to his future at Grenzebach.

…what is next?

Plans for the future

After this long time at university, Jonas is looking forward to actively working in the company again. In six months, the final semester and the bachelor's thesis will follow. “I will have completed my studies at the beginning of next year. Afterward, I could well imagine myself spending some more time abroad in the course of my work for Grenzebach”, Jonas says, “we often have longer-lasting customer projects in other countries, for example in Chile, China or America.”

One thing the student is sure of is that he will definitely visit Ireland again, perhaps in the spring or summer, as a contrast to his time spent there in the fall and winter.