Selected Events 2009

Engaging German Business Students in Freiberg

Edie Backman and the interns discussing with the students in action

July 15, 2009. Leipzig Consul for Political and Economic Affairs Edie Backman, along with four U.S. and German interns, led a 90-minute long discussion with approximately 50 international business students on the Obama Administration at the Technical University (TU) of Freiberg. In the framework of the business class "Cultural Studies of the USA," Backman introduced Consulate General Leipzig's tasks and objectives and conducted a lively debate of relevant topics for young, internationally-minded business students such as the financial crisis, environmental issues, alternative energies, health care reform, and the "Buy American" Act. This also led to a discussion on foreign policy issues such the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as on the different U.S. and German work ethics and minimum wages in both countries.