Morehead State University, 2015-2016

At a glance

Where, who, when

Full name of host university: Morehead State University
City, country: Morehead, Kentucky, USA
Homepage of host university: http: //www.moreheadstate.edu/
Author of the experience report: David Bartels, Nadia Pinedo Oruna
Degree programme at FH Aachen: Mechanical Engineering, Faculty 8
Start and end of the stay abroad: 12/08/2015 to 01/01/2016
The semester abroad was completed in: 5th subject-specific semester

assessment:

Quality of the programme content: 2,7
Study conditions / facilities at the host university: 17
On-site support and assistance: 1.7
Campus: 1.7
Transport links to the campus: as flat on campus transport links not necessary
Food on campus (dining hall (Mensa), etc.): 3,3
Sports facilities: 1.3
Leisure activities: 2.7
Bars / discos / nightlife: 3.3
Quality / cost of living: 3.7
Contact with locals: 2.0

Preparations

When did you start the preparations? December 2014.
How does the application process work and what documents are required? Learning Agreement, certificate of grades, proof of English language skills, letter of motivation and CV
Does the host university require a language test? Yes.
Useful tips or further information on preparation: Mediation via the Magellan Network of the Department of International Affairs of FH Aachen

Formalities

Do I have to pay fees at the host university? No.
Did you receive a scholarship to finance your stay abroad? PROMOS scholarship to fund stays abroad outside Europe.
How do you recommend travelling to the host university? Flight to Lexington Airport, approx. 1000€ (with return flight), recommended homepage for flight booking, as flexible return flight location and time is possible.
Did you have to take out additional health insurance? Health insurance from the university, approx. $700 per semester.
Is further insurance necessary? No.

On site

What formalities have to be completed after arrival? Registering subjects, paying costs (accommodation and insurance), submitting a visa and applying for a student ID card.
Where is the best place to live and what are the average accommodation costs? Normal Hall (student residence for international students), 2-person flat with own kitchen, bathroom and shared bedroom, kitchen facilities hardly available, accommodation costs around $2300 per semester.
How did the search for accommodation go (are there any contacts for this)? Is organised by the Department of International Affairs.
What is cheap/expensive? The dining hall (Mensa) is expensive.
What is the average cost of living? $150 if you cook your own meals
What are the shopping facilities like? 2 different supermarkets are within walking distance.

About the host university

Briefly describe the host university! The campus is located in a small town, so off-campus activities are rare but possible. The campus consists of many individual buildings and halls of residence. There are many green areas and a large lake. Overall, the university is surrounded by a lot of nature.
How was the overall quality of the courses and lectures? Small courses and lectures with 10 to 40 students each and good contact with the professor. The standard is on the lower end, but there is homework, exams and projects to complete during the semester.
How are the facilities at the host university? Normal university facilities.
What are the opening hours on campus, how are the libraries, are there lecture notes? Buildings are usually open from 8am to 8pm. Library is open permanently, except during weekends from 8am to 10pm. Most subjects require a textbook, which you have to buy yourself (used, new or borrowed).
How many lessons per week did you have on average? 12 hours per week using the standardised US American system.
Did the professors prepare you well for exams? Did you receive help from them outside of classes? Preparations for exams were good and the professors were very helpful at all times.
Are there special introductory courses for visiting students? There are English courses for exchange students.
What needs to be considered when the certificate is issued at the foreign university? After the end of the semester, you should apply for a "Transcript of Records" online.
Who was the contact person at the foreign university? Dr Babara Lyons, waiting time for email response can take a little longer.
What did you like / dislike about the campus? There were many events organised by university organisations to which international students were invited.
How are the transport connections? What do you need to consider? The university offers a shuttle from Lexington Airport (1 hour journey time).

About the courses and lectures attended at Morehead State University

Course attended: ESL 089 Inter Listening and Speaking
Course duration & scope, teaching format: Compulsory attendance
Course description keywords: Low level, good teaching.
Is the course recommended? Yes.
Course attended: IET 310 Engineer Economic Analysis
Lecturer: Dr Joshi
Course duration & scope, teaching form: Compulsory attendance
Key words for course description: Rather general economics.
Is the course recommended? Yes.
Course attended: IET 320 Industrial Project Management
Lecturer: Dr Kim
Course duration & scope, teaching form: Compulsory attendance
Course description keywords: No lecture, lots of individual work.
Is the course recommended? No.
Course attended: MATH 353 Statistics
Lecturer: Dr Blenten
Duration & scope, teaching form: Compulsory attendance
Course description keywords: General statistics, no prior knowledge required.
Is the course recommended? Yes.
Course attended: IET 330 Engineering Design
Lecturer: Dr Ortega Moody
Course duration & scope, teaching form: Compulsory attendance
Course description keywords: Project work as a group on the design and manufacture of a component.
Is the course recommended? Yes.
Course attended: MATH 363 Differential Equations
Lecturer: Dr Dobransky
Course duration & scope, teaching form: Compulsory attendance
Course description keywords: In-depth study of differential equations.
Is the course recommended? Yes.
Course attended: ITMT 270 Robotic Systems Application
Lecturer: Dr Ortega Moody
Course duration & scope, teaching form: Compulsory attendance
Keywords for course description: Introductory course in robotics.
Is the course recommended? Yes.

Leisure activities

What is the range of sports facilities on campus? Large sports centre with gym, swimming pool and fitness classes. There are many different sports teams such as football, basketball, football etc.
Do I have to pay for the sports programmes? No.
What sights are there on site? Sights are usually only accessible by car.
What tourist attractions does the surrounding area have to offer? Beautiful natural sites such as lakes, hills and forests.
Are there organised (possibly subsidised) excursions for visiting students? There are many small excursions on offer
Are there many good restaurants and bars nearby? What is recommended? There are many restaurants nearby. Unfortunately, there is only one bar in town, which is open on Thursdays.
Are there any specialities to be aware of in the local cuisine? Lots of fast food (burgers and pizza).
Where do you go in the evening and what is recommended? Cinema is nearby. Connections often organise private parties.
Are there any special customs/customs among the locals and what is an absolute taboo? Religion plays an important role in society.

Final considerations - Conclusion

How would you rate your stay abroad overall? Good experience with lots of free time.
Did you choose the right time for your semester abroad? 5th semester is recommended.
What were the high and low points of your stay? A holiday in California at the end of the semester was one of many highlights. It was nice to get to know so many different people. It also significantly improved your English language skills. Saying goodbye at the end of the semester can be very difficult. It can be a bit overwhelming at the beginning of the semester.
What will remain unforgettable? The excursions and the people you met.
What advice would you give to other students on your degree programme who decide to spend a semester abroad at this foreign university? You should be aware that there is no city life like in Aachen. You should be open and tolerant of other cultures.