From coordinating corporate visits with global firms to navigating train schedules across Germany, the Winter 2026 International Study Course (AFM334) trip to Germany was powered by School of Accounting and Finance students taking on different responsibilities behind the scenes. While each team entered the trip with clearly defined roles, the experience quickly became one of collaboration, quick thinking and supporting one another through unexpected twists and turns.
Meet the team
Meals & Logistics
Abhi (AFM’28), Enoch (AFM’27) and Katherine (AFM’28) comprised the Meals and Logistics team. They secured accommodations and meal reservations, and became experts of the German transit system to reliably navigate the team from one location to the next.
Corperate Relations
Ishaan (AFM’28), Ishan (AFM’28) and Rachel (AFM’28) comprised the Corporate Relations team. This team handled outreach to companies and professionals. They ensured the trip was packed with intriguing company visits and well-attended networking dinners. Some company visits the team scheduled included Adidas, BMW and the European Central Bank (ECB).
Marketing & Culture
Nathan (AFM’28) and Vivian (CFM’26) comprised the Marketing and Culture team. Marketing and Culture ensured that weekends were packed with sight-seeing and that the team would have plenty of digital memories to look back on. Activity plans included diving into Frankfurt’s past through a virtual reality experience at TimeRide Frankfurt, and capturing breath-taking views at the Neuschwanstein castle.
Derailing from plans
We asked the teams about notable challenges and responsibilities that came with their duties.
Katherine (AFM’28, Meals and Logistics):
“The most challenging aspect of being on the Meals and Logistics team was staying on track with our destination while working under very tight schedules. For example, on the second day of our professional meetings, we had less than one hour to travel and get food between Allianz and IBM.”
Abhi (AFM’28, Meals and Logistics):
“Another challenge that came with being on Meals and Logistics was planning the transportation for our meeting with Adidas. The Corporate Relations team managed to secure an extraordinary meeting with Adidas in Herzogenaurach; the issue was that the Adidas Campus is about 2 1/2 hours away from both Frankfurt and Munich. We first looked into the possibility of taking the Deutsche Bahn, which is Germany’s intercity train. However, since we would be carrying all our luggage and having to take local transit afterwards, this was not a feasible idea. We then pivoted to searching for a private bus which could fit all 10 of us with our luggage. Key concerns were regarding the reputation of the company and driver, and if they would be willing to spend over 12 hours with us. We sent many emails to companies across Germany and came across a reliable operator which we ended up working with, and the day ran smoothly.”
Ishan (AFM’28, Corporate Relations):
“The most unexpected challenge was the difficulty in finding University of Waterloo and other Canadian alumni in Germany, meaning that most emails were with those who had very little connection with Canada and with our university. Out of the more than 400 emails that were sent amongst the three of us, most never saw a response. [...] While it was difficult at times, we were able to make wonderful connections with global firms and professionals that shared great insights around their work, and we felt very rewarded with the outcome of each meeting.”
Cross-team coordination
Though the team had a clear scope of responsibilities, a collaborative approach often made for better problem solving. Once again, we got perspective from the team.
Ishaan (AFM’28, Corporate Relations):
“Many of our meetings that we booked were either rescheduled or the locations of our meetings had changed at the last minute. Corporate Relations closely collaborated with Meals and Logistics to ensure that they were aware of the changes.”
Abhi (AFM’28, Meals and Logistics):
“The Marketing and Culture team was responsible for our weekend activities, where we had the opportunity to go sightseeing around Frankfurt and Munich. They coordinated the dinners and transportation that came with this. Specifically, in Munich, the Marketing and Culture team found a bus tour that would take us to Neuschwanstein Castle. Having them manage these points gave us time to focus on finalizing the weekday accommodation, dinners, and transportation.”
Concluding remarks
Everyone’s collaborative effort contributed to perfecting a memorable study trip experience. A special shoutout to the staff and advisory team: Professor Balaban, Victoria Hinde (Alumni Development Officer), and Julianna Mucsi (Teaching Assistant) for their guidance and support throughout the entire trip!