From Kamp-Lintfort to Massachusetts and back – with two bachelor's degrees to show for it!
For Paras Kumar, an exciting international academic journey has come to a successful end. As an International Business Administration student at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, he seized the opportunity to spend part of his studies at Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts – and work towards two degrees at the same time. After four semesters at Rhine-Waal, Kumar headed across the Atlantic for two semesters at the American partner university.
During his time there, he completed two full-time semesters, earning a total of 30 US credits, before returning to Germany to finish his studies. The two semesters in the US count as the fifth and sixth semesters of the International Business Administration programme, including the required internship or study abroad semester.
In June 2025, Kumar received his Bachelor of Science in Economics from Fitchburg State University. At the graduation ceremony, he was presented with his degree certificate by University President Donna Hodge.
Kumar has since successfully completed his studies at Rhine-Waal, earning his Bachelor of Arts in International Business Administration. He celebrated this achievement alongside his fellow graduates at the Faculty of Communication and Environment's graduation ceremony on 9 October 2026. Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel, who supported him throughout the programme, was also there to celebrate.
Looking back on his experience of studying at two universities, Kumar says: “I’m truly grateful to Hochschule Rhein-Waal for giving me the opportunity to study beyond borders, and to Fitchburg State University for all the support and encouragement throughout this journey. It was not easy, but the collaboration between both universities really made it possible.”
Study in Germany and the USA
The Double Degree programme is designed for high-achieving students on the Bachelor's programme in International Business Administration. By successfully completing the required coursework, students can earn a Bachelor of Science from Fitchburg State University alongside their Bachelor of Arts from Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences.
Fitchburg State University is located in Massachusetts, around 80 kilometres west of Boston. Spending two semesters there gives students the chance to experience a different higher education system, gain valuable international experience and graduate with two academic degrees.
