Our first weekend in Bonn started off with a competitive twist as the whole AIB program took part in the annual AIB Soccer Cup. The tournament took place on the beautiful garden area known as the Hofgarten Wiese which is in front of the main building of Bonn University. Although there were a few falls in the game, those who were playing could not help but be inspired by the cheers and applause coming from the audience (especially Viktoria and her loud-speaker.) After many fierce games, one team emerged victorious and received the coveted AIB Soccer Cup Trophy. At the end of the tournament, all of the students left the Hofgarten Wiese with a greater sense of camaraderie and went home to prepare themselves for the evening ahead.
Later on that evening the AIB hosted their annual welcome party for the various programs participating in Fall 2011 study abroad. The faculty, students, and host families joined at the AIB building for this celebration. Deputy Major of Bonn Angela Kappel enlightened the guests with a few words, as well as Christine Di Girogi, from the Italian Consolate Generale d'Italia a Colonia. Everyone enjoyed the great music, free drinks, and the delicious food as well. The various AIB programs had to present themselves in a creative way to the guests and all were very entertaining. LMU’s Engineering program constructed a human pyramid, the New Europe Program went poetic and recited an original poem, the Film program showed their artistic side by performing a skit, Texas A&M students from the LAUP entertained the crowd with their chanting, and the Italian students had the crowd singing in three different languages. The welcome party had everyone united in celebration of this wonderful experience on which the students will soon embark. It surely was a great success!
Written by Emilio Garcia, NEP Fall 2011
