Marie knew before she started her studies that she would spend a semester abroad. That’s why the 23-year-old decided to go to Munich’s Ludwig Maximilian University. “There are simply the most travel opportunities here,” says the business student. She wanted to go as far away as possible; Europe wasn’t an option. She decided on Bangkok in Thailand. “I just wanted to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself,” says the Munich native. And it was indeed a challenge for the first time so far away from Germany in a different culture without family and friends.
“The reasons for wanting to study abroad are always very different,” explains Philippa Menzel from the LMU International Office. Some are interested in the country because of their course of study, others in the culture, landscape or climate. Those who don’t want to travel as far as Marie can also have intercultural experiences in Europe. “In any case, it is important to realize that no matter where you go, you will always experience a certain culture shock and need a certain amount of time to get used to it,” emphasizes Menzel.
Although her mother and father were visiting at the beginning, Marie was very homesick in the first few weeks. “Looking back, it was a mistake that my parents were there,” she explains. As a result, she missed the crucial moment when all the exchange students met for the first time and formed groups. Another disadvantage was having so much facetime and being on her smartphone. But over time, fortunately, she got to know other students in her dorm and in the courses. “I was much too shy at the beginning,” she remembers. Today, she would simply talk to other people at the street food stand over lunch.
This is how many international students feel at the beginning, Menzel reassures. “Starting out in a completely foreign culture can be very overwhelming – even for the most cosmopolitan people!” The expert recommends remembering that all the other students feel the same way and that they value the opportunity to network, i.e. to have a personal conversation, just as much as you do. “So it’s worth being brave.”
According to Marie, studying in Bangkok was very easy. “The climate caused me the most problems, with temperatures of 40 degrees and more,” she says cheerfully. But organization is not a problem if you check your emails regularly. A subject supervisor always answers questions immediately. This is not surprising, because Thai students pay 2,000 euros per semester at Chulalongkorn University. The grade there is based on assignments and group work – not just a final exam like at LMU. “But the lessons were in English and the level was no more difficult than ours,” she assures.
This cannot always be guaranteed. “But the LMU naturally works with universities whose level and structure are comparable to ours,” Menzel emphasizes. The most important thing is to get advice when choosing courses – both locally and from the program coordinators at the LMU. “The reports of former students who studied at the same university abroad can also be very helpful.” They helped Marie a lot.
The course is in English
Jumping in at the deep end, becoming more self-confident and learning from mistakes: that’s exactly what a stay abroad is all about, in addition to the professional advantages. For Marie, it was also the time of her life. “In the second half of the semester, I met friends for life,” says the 23-year-old. They come from all over the world and from different cultures. She has already met six of them in the few months since her return. Many memories stay with her to this day. For example, the many scooter trips around the island. “Or the time a student crashed through the dorm roof,” she says and laughs.
Accordingly, she recommends that other young people also enjoy “the carefree time abroad” during their studies. “The hardest thing for me was deciding on a destination,” says Marie. Also because some require a certain grade point average. Of course, you have to fill out a lot of forms, applications, visas, insurance, … “But it was within the limits.” In addition to the reports, the student council helped the business student find accommodation and the courses from the International Office helped her prepare. Her tip: check beforehand whether the courses at the respective university will also be recognized in Germany.
This point should be clarified in good time to avoid disappointment, advises expert Menzel. “Before you study at a foreign university, you usually sign a document called the Learning Agreement.” This lists the courses you will take and which can be recognized at the LMU. After that, nothing stands in the way of a semester abroad. (David Lohmann)
