On October 10, the 12 trainees originating from Georgia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan arrived together with AKI project manager Anastasiia Fomina in Heidelberg, one of the most beautiful German cities and home to the oldest university in Germany. The first stop was the Heidelberg International Youth Hostel, which is located in the northwest of the city, directly on the Neckar River. There the group was accommodated for the next three days. After a short break, the trainees, accompanied by Mrs. Fomina, set off for Schriesheim, where they visited the Winzergenossenschaft eG Schriesheim. They were first taken on a tour of the vineyards with the managing director Manuel Bretschi. During the subsequent tour of the wine press hall, the participants learned not only about wine production, but also about the Heildelberg region, the warmest region in Germany.

The next day, the trainees were given a guided tour of Heidelberg by a professional tour guide. The participants got an insight into the history of the city, which was almost destroyed in the wars of the 17th century and rebuilt in the 18th century in baroque style. After they had explored the old town and thus also the history of the university, the student life, the canteen in the city center and the former student prison, they took the mountain train to the Electoral Castle. There they could learn a lot about the history and architecture of the castle and enjoy the view over the city. The guide led the participants through the German Pharmacy Museum in Heidelberg. There, the students learned how the healing powers of nature were used, especially in the Middle Ages and early modern times. After lunch, the group walked through one of the longest pedestrian zones in Europe, where they did a little shopping for souvenirs for friends and family in their home countries.

On the third day of the excursion, the group went to the John Deere plant in Mannheim. After a warm welcome, the trainees learned about the history of the company. Afterwards, they were able to see with their own eyes how the tractors are assembled during the plant tour. Afterwards, the group visited the museum, where they were able to learn about the history of agricultural technology, which has its roots in Mannheim with Heinrich Lanz. At the end of the program, the trainees enjoyed a sumptuous lunch and small gifts from John-Deere.

Comments of the trainees on the excursion in the Heidelberg region:

Mosidze Imeda from Georgia: "I’m really excited about the last excursion, we have seen a lot of beautiful places, Heidelberg is one of the best decorated cities I have ever seen. The way people decorate their houses and stores with flowers is just stunning. The castle was also very cool, all those laboratories and barrels that could hold dozens of beers will stay with me for a very long time."

Abdulla Bibinur from Kazakhstan: "My traineeship is almost finished now. And I wanted to express my gratitude to AKI. I am very glad that I came to Germany for my traineeship. In the 6 months I met many good and interesting people. And thanks to AKI I gained a lot of experience. I also met trainees from different countries: Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine. We also learned more about traditions, mentalities and languages. We made friends in a short time. And for that I am very grateful, thank you AKI."

Kupriianenko Iryna from Ukraine: "The excursion was very interesting. I would like to highlight the tours of the vineyards/winery and John Deere, as they are more related to my professional field, I learned and saw a lot.  A highlight of the trip was the tour of the old town and castle - I learned more about the history and architecture of the city. I am very grateful for this trip."