Stay abroad in Troy, Michigan, USA

Field report by Christoph S.

During their studies at ELHA-Maschinenbau Liemke KG, students are given the opportunity to spend time abroad in the form of an internship. The company "Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH" from the Swabian town of Nürtingen is a large, globally active machine tool manufacturer that handles sales for us in the United States.

After completing their vocational training as part of their studies or during the summer semester break, students work for around 8-12 weeks at Heller in Troy near the city of Detroit, Michigan. Under the expert guidance of their "American colleagues", students work on the assembly and commissioning of high-quality machining centres. This allows them to incorporate and deepen their own work experience from their training or from assembly at Plant II. Valuable experience can also be gained through different working methods, as each company has its own working philosophy. At the same time, English skills are deepened in a clear and practical way, as you work and communicate directly with the tools and work equipment.

Accommodation is provided for this time, as are flight and transfer costs. You are responsible for your own accommodation, but there are plenty of washing and shopping facilities. Of course, ELHA will take care of the important international health insurance and the entire organisation with Heller.
At the weekends and after work, it's time to discover and explore the "land of opportunity". Especially in Detroit (also known as the "Motor City"), young people with a passion for technology can learn a lot from the history of the automotive industry, as Detroit grew into the car metropolis par excellence at the beginning of the 20th century. This changed drastically in the 1970s, with unemployment and crime rising rapidly, but in recent years a turnaround can be seen that should help Detroit regain its former strength. The fact that Detroit is still very important for the automotive industry is demonstrated by the fact that many leading German and European automotive suppliers have settled in the region. The world-famous Ford Museum and the main headquarters of the big three car manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, General Motors) are located here.

As Detroit is located in the north of the USA on the Great Lakes, it is definitely worth taking a trip to Canada. And at the end of the internship, you have the option of adding a holiday of your own. Because the United States is so big that it is definitely worth spending a few more days there on your own, for example in Miami or New York.