School of Social & Political Sciences

Author: Ritika Choudhary, MSc Media, Communications & International Journalism student

There are academic experiences, and then there are life experiences—this field trip for MSc. Media Communication and International Journalism students at Germany’s Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) in Mainz was a rare fusion of both. What began as a professional workshop soon transformed into a vibrant celebration of cultures, ideas, and aspirations. Spanning four insightful days, the journey not only deepened our understanding of journalism in the digital age but also reminded us of the powerful, human heartbeat that keeps storytelling alive. 

Collage of pictures of Ritika's experience at Germany’s Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) in Mainz.

Day 1: The Frankfurt Prelude

The excitement in the air was palpable as we touched down at Frankfurt Airport. Sleepy eyes quickly gave way to wide smiles as we stepped into Germany’s financial capital. Frankfurt, with its towering skyscrapers and timeworn alleyways, embraced us with contrasts.

The city bus tour proved to be the perfect introduction—a whirlwind ride through urban vitality and quiet historical corners. We found ourselves gazing up at architectural marvels, from the sleek Europaturm to the medieval Römer.

Then came our favourite part of the day: a serene cruise along the Main River. As our boat glided past waterfront cafes and clustered spires, cameras clicked and conversations floated over the hum of the engine. Some sipped coffee, others leaned over the railings, letting the breeze tease their faces—a collective moment of quiet wonder.

By evening, we set off for Mainz. The cab ride was filled with laughter, playlist debates, and half-serious arguments over which part of Frankfurt deserved more time. But as the city lights faded and we reached our hotel in Mainz, we all felt the same thing: anticipation.

Collage of pictures of city tour through Frankfurt, Germany

Day 2: Digital Dialogues, Cultural Exchange & The Art of Ink

We woke early and eager, gathering outside the grand gates of Domus University. The day began with a powerful lecture: Digitalisation and AI: What Does It Mean for Journalists?” by the insightful Dr Malin Picha-Edwardsson (Södertörn University).  Her words sparked a spirited debate—how can artificial intelligence ever replicate the nuance of human empathy in storytelling? From generative text to deepfakes, the challenges were clear, but so were the opportunities. The discussion pushed us to think not only as journalists but as digital citizens.

Midway through, the academic air was warmed by something more festive—our cultural exchange. Tables came alive with food from every corner of our cohort’s world. German pretzels met Indian soanpapdis  and Scottish shortbreads. Each dish told a story, and we, the storytellers, listened, laughed, and shared.

The afternoon transported us—quite literally—into history. The Gutenberg Museum, named after the very man who revolutionized mass communication, was a feast for the senses. The scent of ink, the texture of antique paper, the rhythmic clunk of printing presses—it was as though the ghosts of print past whispered in our ears. We tried our hands at the old-style printing techniques, and the results, albeit imperfect, were cherished. Our pages were speckled with effort, curiosity, and a dash of ink-stained fingers.

A picturesque lunch followed on the banks of the Rhine River. Croissants, fresh strawberries, and sandwiches were shared picnic-style as the sun danced on the water. It was one of those unplanned, unhurried moments that felt perfectly cinematic.

Evening brought a second stroll through the museum, where we saw the replica of the first printing press, the remaining Gutenberg Bibles, and the map from before America was discovered, and later, a small informal chat with one of our Tutors from the University of Glasgow Dr. Caroline Liecht . We spoke openly about our futures—academic dreams, PhDs, job anxiety, and the broader role of media in today’s fractured world. Her generosity in sharing wisdom was matched only by her ability to truly listen.

Trying old-style printing techniques at The Gutenberg Museum.

The remaining Gutenberg Bibles at the Gutenberg Museum.

 

Map before America was discovered at the Gutenberg Museum. 

Day 3: Emotions, Ethics & Echoes of Storytelling

The third day began with intensity. The lecture on, “How to Balance Emotions in Your Story: The Quest for Authenticity”—was led by Professors Katja Schupp (Journalism School of Mainz) and Beate Schirrmacher (Linneaus University). They took us beneath the surface of stories: the hard decisions behind what to include and what to leave out, and the emotional labour behind representing truth without sensationalism.

Immediately following was our MSc Media, Communications & International Journalism Programme Convenor , Lecturer Catriona Forrest’s deep dive into “Ethical and Factual Storytelling with Vulnerable Groups”. Her session gave voice to the ethical dilemmas journalists often face—how to tell someone’s truth without taking it from them. The lecture was filled with moments of silence—not boredom, but reflection. Many of us scribbled furiously into notebooks, others just sat still, absorbing every word and participated in group discussions.

Then came a heartfelt surprise—our Chinese classmates presented thoughtful tokens from home. Scrolls painted with calligraphy, tiny figurines, and dainty key chains. There were smiles, and a quiet sense of belonging that words couldn't fully express.

Our group broke for a well-earned pizza lunch organised by Katja Schupp. Between slices, introductions gave way to friendships as we mingled with European students, exchanging social handles and favourite local slangs.

The afternoon brought us to the broadcast heart of Mainz—SWR (Südwestrundfunk). There, Dr. Pascal delivered a dynamic talk on “Examining Opinion-Forming in Today’s Media Landscape”. He drew connections between traditional journalism, social media influencers, and audience polarization. What resonated most was his emphasis on perceived credibility—how often people believe what "feels" right over what "is" right.

Our day didn’t end there. Some students joined Dr. Liecht for an impromptu tour of Mainz’s city centre, sharing local legends and cathedral tales. Later that evening, we met local JGU students at the riverside Fischtor for a breezy student social. Conversations flowed like the river beside us—sometimes awkward, mostly delightful, always genuine. We left with warm cheeks and WhatsApp group invites.

Tour of Mainz' city centre.

Student social gathering at the riverside Fischtor.

Day 4: The Heart of the Newsroom & The Art of Goodbye

The final day began with a powerful workshop led by Victoria Colesnic (Doctoral Student, Södertörn University)  . It was part theory, part immersive experience: “Emotions in the Newsroom”. We acted out real-world scenarios, debated ethical gray zones, and leaned into the uncomfortable truth that the journalist is never truly detached—they are always present, always human.

Before we packed our bags, one last gift awaited us: our handmade prints from Day 2, now dry, beautiful, and somehow symbolic. Each one felt like a tiny time capsule—evidence not just of where we had been, but of what we had learned.

And then, it was over. Goodbyes are always hard, but ours were cushioned by new bonds and a shared resolve to meet again—somewhere, in some newsroom, or perhaps, in a byline crossing borders.

Final workshop led by Victoria Colesnic (Doctoral Student, Södertörn University), "Emotions in the Newsroom"

Final Reflections

This field trip was more than a collection of lectures and site visits. It was a meaningful exploration of journalism’s past, present, and possible futures. It reminded us that while technology and trends may change, the core of journalism—truth, empathy, connection—remains timeless.

From the printed page to the stories shared over dinner, from academic insights to moments of quiet laughter, Mainz gave us more than we could have imagined.

It gave us perspective.

It gave us purpose.

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First published: 2 December 2025