We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Design Thinking Seminar in collaboration with Georgia College & State University (GCSU), taking place in Milledgeville, Georgia (USA) in Summer 2026.

This unique seminar brings together students from Germany and the US to explore creative problem-solving, international teamwork, and innovation through the Design Thinking process. Together with GCSU students you will tackle real-world challenges, develop practical design solutions, and gain valuable intercultural experience. For more insights on the seminar, have a look at the blog of past Design Thinking seminars: www.dt-seminar.net

Program Details

The trip to Georgia is part of the Design Thinking seminar in the summer term 2026. In addition to the trip, there will be several individual and joint, virtual assignments during the semester before the trip to the US.

Please find below a preliminary list of tasks (subject to change):

• Attend an SAP Design Thinking Training (Webinar)

• Write a seminar thesis about a DT-related topic, and present it

• Collect some first VR experience

• Create an Individual and Team Blog of your Course Experience

• Have a first Zoom meeting with Global Teams

• Have VR meetings with Global Teams to develop a workshop in Design Thinking

• Attend the virtual Case Reveal by Company

• Create a Design Thinking Project Plan for the International Team Project

• Attend the International Collaborative Project and Presentation to the Business in the US

• Finalize the Blog

Travel Dates: July 11–18 or 11-23, 2026 (depending on the the possibility of additional funding)

Location: Georgia College & State University (GCSU), Milledgeville, Georgia, USA

Seminar Focus:

• Introduction to Design Thinking methodology

• Joint virtual work during the semester

• Hands-on work on a Design Thinking challenge

• International team project with GCSU students

• Cultural activities and visits (like e.g. visiting a Baseball game in Atlanta)

Who Can Apply: This seminar is only available for Bachelor students enrolled in the Information Systems programme. Participants are required to have their first year accomplished by the time of the application (not anticipated by the time the event takes place). No prior experience in Design Thinking required!

Funding and Costs

Participation in this program is supported through the Erasmus+ program, which covers travel costs (flight and local transportation), accomodation etc. (around 2000€ per student, additional paper work with International Office required). 

How to Apply

Applications are now open! To apply, please visit the application page: https://dt-application.ercis-services.eu/index.php/592852?lang=en

Application deadline: December 19, 2026. Selected participants will be notified by end of January 2026.

Why Join?

• Work in international teams on real challenges

• Learn Design Thinking from experienced facilitators

• Improve your communication and creative skills

• Build a global network of students and mentors

• Discover the USA and especially Georgia

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, innovate, and grow in an international environment!

Questions?

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Katrin Bergener (katrin.bergener@uni-muenster.de)

Dr. Armin Stein (armin.stein@uni-muenster.de)