The coronavirus pandemic hasn’t stopped a collaboration between Fitchburg State University and Rhine-Waal University in Germany.
Throughout the years, with the most recent research project taking form in 2019, delegations of the two colleges have sent representatives to discuss the transatlantic relationship between the U.S and Germany.
In a survey conducted this spring by the colleges, questions asked included: is the transatlantic relationship obsolete, and do young people on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean drift apart these days? Between the 400 students surveyed, 67% of the Rhine-Waal, and 73% of the Fitchburg State respondents agreed with the importance of keeping a transatlantic relationship.
Other data from the survey concluded between 75-80% believe it is important to have intensive exchange and contact between U.S and German students.
The transatlantic relationship research project is being led by professor Joshua Spero of Fitchburg State, and Rhine-Waal colleagues Alexander Brand and Klaus Hegemann.
The colleges meet within a virtual meeting, and plan on having a town hall meeting in the fall to discuss the next steps of the recent research. There will also be a planned election night event.
