Cal State Fullerton student Joshua Castro returned home for the spring 2025 semester after his study abroad experience in Germany, where he studied at SRH University in Heidelberg. CSUF University Extension interviewed Castro about his experience in Europe and how it changed his mindset as a student.
Originally from California, Castro said he chose Heidelberg specifically for SRH University because of its mix of cultural familiarity and new experiences. He appreciated that Germany’s central location made Europe more accessible.
“Heidelberg also stood out as a vibrant student city with excellent public transportation that made daily life both manageable and enjoyable,” said Castro.
SRH University is known for its Competence-Oriented Research and Education principle, where students take one five-week class with an exam at the end. The university is also known for its strong corporate partners and ability to help students advance their careers.
Castro undertook his study abroad trip as a Gilman scholar and a recipient of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Scholarship. As a HACU scholarship recipient, Castro said he demonstrated that Hispanic students belong in academia all over the world. Castro actively participated in community-building activities while at SRH Heidelberg. He shared his perspective as a first-generation Latino student and facilitated cross-cultural understanding with his German and European peers.
Castro also earned the Baden-Württemberg Scholarship while studying abroad.
“Receiving this scholarship meant a great deal to me personally because it showed that the state of Baden-Württemberg recognized my potential and was willing to invest in my academic growth,” said Castro.
He knew this was a competitive and well-funded scholarship and credits SRH Heidelberg for opening meaningful opportunities for him, such as exclusive online seminars with awardees from other countries. The opportunities also included day trips, like hiking or luncheons. The program also allowed Castro to make lifelong connections he never would have had otherwise.
Castro believes that this experience was essential because it provided him with experience working in new environments and cultures, in global business, and offered him a chance to prove he can adapt quickly in the field. Castro is confident that his time at Heidelberg was the push he needed to stand out from other candidates when entering the competitive job market. Nowadays, Castro gives back to CSUF by serving as a Global Titan Volunteer for Study Abroad & Global Engagement. He volunteers by sharing his knowledge and experience with prospective students at the Study Abroad & Global Engagement office and represents the office at various campus events.
Interested in experiencing the world like Castro did? Look no further than CSUF Study Abroad & Global Engagement. With destinations all around the world, students are sure to make life-changing memories.