CPaCE News

The unique partnership between California State University, Long Beach (CSULB0 and Germany’s Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg) goes back decades while continuing to move forward with every participating exchange student. Natalie Barr, currently earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, is one of 11 CSULB students spending their Spring 2022 semester at HAW Hamburg. 

“Honestly, HAW-Hamburg wasn’t initially on my radar,” said Natalie, “but my Graphic Design professors have connections with the design staff at HAW and recommended me for the program. I have always wanted to study abroad, and I jumped at the opportunity as soon as it was presented to me.”

With a long history of excellence in design—from the influential Bauhaus school to the streamlined Autobahn freeway system—Germany is the place to be for any design student, and HAW Hamburg is especially known for an experimental approach that is engrained into their design curriculum. For example, students can create their own typeface that will then be available for future students to use.  

In May, Natalie had the opportunity to share her experiences when she was invited to take over the HAW Hamburg International Instagram account for a week. Hundreds of followers got to see her tips for fun things to do, best places to eat, and other activities in Hamburg.
“I was able to gain followers and connect with other international students that I hadn’t met before,” she said. 

Taking advantage of Hamburg’s central location in Europe, Natalie has also been able to visit Dublin and Amsterdam, with more trips planned before her semester ends in late July.

“Studying abroad has made me realize that I would love to have a career that is flexible and allows for remote work,” Natalie said. “Traveling is such an eye-opening experience and I would love to travel as much as possible after I graduate.”

Click here to learn more about Study Abroad programs at CSULB.