Thursday 09 / July / 2026
Muscat: Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS) successfully concluded an eight-day student cultural visit to Munich, Germany, offering participants a meaningful international learning experience focused on intercultural understanding, global citizenship, and personal growth.
The visit, held from June 20 to 28, 2026, brought together a group of MCBS students accompanied by the Associate Dean for Community Engagement and Outreach and the Director of International Relations. The programme was carefully designed to expose students to German culture, history, education, and society through a combination of academic visits, cultural activities, diplomatic engagement, and direct interaction with local and international communities.
Throughout the visit, students participated in a wide range of activities that strengthened their understanding of intercultural communication and global awareness. The programme included an introduction to the German language, a visit to the Olympic Park Cultural Festival, a guided tour of Munich’s historical landmarks, an academic discussion on the German education system at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and a visit to the BMW Museum.
A key highlight of the visit was the delegation’s trip to Berlin, where students met with Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Germany. The meeting provided students with valuable insights into diplomacy, studying and living abroad, and the importance of representing Oman with confidence, respect, and openness. Students also visited a local mosque to learn about the experiences of Muslim communities in Germany and reflect on themes of identity, belonging, and coexistence.
The programme also included a visit to an outdoor heritage museum in Schliersee, where students explored Bavarian traditions and participated in a hands-on bread-baking experience with a local baker. In addition, students engaged with international peers at a college in Munich, creating opportunities for dialogue, friendship, and cultural exchange.
Reflecting on the importance of the visit, Dr. Said Al Kittani, Associate Dean for Community Engagement and Outreach at MCBS, said:
“At MCBS, we believe that education should extend beyond the classroom. International cultural visits give our students the opportunity to see the world with greater openness, confidence, and responsibility. This experience allowed them to engage with different cultures, reflect on their own identity, and develop the communication, adaptability, and intercultural skills needed to succeed in today’s global environment.”
Reflecting on the impact of the visit, Miaad AlHijri, a postgraduate student in Commercial Law, said: “This programme gave me more than cultural knowledge. It helped me reflect on my own values, listen more openly to different perspectives, and understand that meaningful dialogue begins with listening before speaking and understanding before judging. These are lessons that will stay with me.”
The visit also reflected MCBS’s commitment to developing graduate attributes that prepare students for the future, including adaptability, effective communication, ethical awareness, global citizenship, and respect for diversity. By engaging with new environments and perspectives, students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, strengthen their confidence, and connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.
Students described the visit as a transformative experience that broadened their understanding of culture, identity, and personal growth. Many reflected on how the programme helped them appreciate both German culture and Omani values more deeply, while also improving their communication skills and confidence in international settings.
Through this cultural visit, MCBS further strengthened its international engagement by offering students meaningful opportunities for academic, personal, and professional growth. The Munich experience also reinforced the College’s commitment to preparing students who are globally aware, culturally open, and ready to contribute positively to Oman and the wider world.
