Missouri University of Science and Technology, 2010-2011

At a glance

Where, who, when

Full name of the host university: Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST)
City, country: Rolla, MO, USA
Homepage of the host university: www.mst.edu
Author of the experience report: Martin Savoir
Degree programme at FH Aachen: Mechanical Engineering, Faculty 8
Start and end of the stay abroad: 03/08/2010 - 28/06/2011
The semester abroad was completed in: Subject-specific semesters 7 and 7

assessment:

Quality of the programme content: 2,0
Study conditions / facilities at the host university: 1.3
On-site support and assistance: 1.0
Campus: 1.3
Transport links to the campus: 1.3
Food on campus (dining hall (Mensa), etc.): 2,0
Sports facilities: 1.0
Leisure activities: 2.3
Bars / discos / nightlife: 3.0
Quality / cost of living: 2.3
Contact with locals: 1.0

Preparations

When did you start the preparations? October 2009
How does the application process work and what documents are required? The application was made via the Magellan network. In addition to a few other documents, the most important application documents were the language certificate and proof of financial security from the bank (bank statement). Once I had been accepted by the university, I was sent the necessary documents to apply for the visa for my stay. I was supported by Mrs Brinker from the Department of International Affairs.
Does the host university require a language test? Yes, DAAD language certificate. Information: www.spraachen.org
Useful tips or further information on preparation: It is advisable to start preparing early in order to be able to submit all documents on time. In my case, ten months before travelling was more than enough. In addition to the preparations relating to the university, everyday matters must also be organised in advance (travel, accommodation, bank charges abroad, etc.). If you take care of these things in good time, you are more likely to find the best solution for you. The preparation was very comprehensive and would go beyond the scope of this report.

Formalities

Do I have to pay fees at the host university? The general tuition fees are still paid at FH Aachen and not at the exchange institution. However, there are course-specific fees.
Did you receive a scholarship to finance your stay abroad? No.
Which way of travelling to the host university is recommended? What are the approximate travelling costs? Travel agencies and online search engines provide good information on flight connections. I paid around 1200 euros for a return flight (combined). At the destination airport in St-Louis, the university offered a shuttle service for 50$ US. That was the cheapest connection.
Did you have to take out additional health insurance? If so, which one and at what cost? Yes. Information at www.eatnastudenthealth.com and to be paid directly via the university. For my stay (1 year) I paid approx. 1200$ US. As an exchange student, you are obliged to take out this insurance.
Is further insurance necessary? I have not taken out any further insurance.

On site

What formalities have to be completed after arrival? Some formalities have to be completed. You register with the Office of International Affairs. You will be assigned a counsellor there. They will go through everything with you and will be your contact for the entire stay. If you bring all the documents that you are given in writing beforehand, the formalities will be completed in no time.
Where is the best place to live and what are the average accommodation costs? I lived in "Collegiate Station". This is a very well-kept, furnished hall of residence exclusively for students. The walk to campus is about 10 minutes. However, it was the most expensive option with a monthly rent of around $550 US. In addition, the rental contracts are valid for a whole year. Due to renovation work, it was not possible to get accommodation in the university halls of residence.
Other rented flats or shared flats can certainly be a cheap alternative. However, it is difficult to get this information without local contacts. I am happy to help out here. The contacts at the university were only able to help me to a limited extent.
I was able to observe how some exchange students initially stayed in motels and then successfully and quickly found a flat locally.
What is the average cost of living? I didn't compare the price of a pound of butter with German prices. Looking back, I spent about the same per month on food as in Germany.
What are the shopping facilities like? There are several supermarkets and specialised retailers in the town that cover all areas. However, the distances are long and, depending on where you live, not within walking distance. However, the American openness meant that I always had a lift when I needed one (even at short notice). There was also a shuttle from campus several times a week (I never had to use it).

About the host university

Briefly describe the host university! MST used to be a mining school and has traditionally focussed on technical subjects. All faculties are located on a shared campus with administration, Library, workshops and dining hall (Mensa). Other facilities such as the sports centre, infirmary and bookshop are in the immediate vicinity.
How was the quality of the courses? The quality of the courses and lectures was very good. Small classes meant that intensive supervision was possible. The rather school-like organisation of the courses and lectures (homework, compulsory attendance, several written examinations per semester) resulted in continuous learning. On the other hand, it was more difficult to take time out for excursions.
How are the facilities at the host university? The facilities at the host university are very good. This applies in particular to the workshops and laboratories. Modern machines are used here. But the equipment in the classrooms also fulfils modern standards.
What are the opening hours on campus, how are the libraries, are there lecture notes? The Library is well organised. There are quiet rooms, seminar rooms and a cafeteria. The staff are committed to helping you with your research and the opening hours are adapted to the university schedule (shorter during lecture-free periods, until midnight before exams). There are rarely scripts for the courses. Usually there are books to accompany the lectures. These are not available in the Library and have to be purchased.
How many lessons per week did you have on average? I had 12 lessons per week. There were 12 credit points for this. They were assessed in descending order from A to F.
Did the professors prepare you well for exams? Did they also help you outside of the lectures? The support from the professors was very good. There were consultation hours and the exam preparation in class was very intensive. Voluntary practice sessions were also offered.
Are there special introductory courses for visiting students? I took part in the normal lessons. I am not aware of any introductory courses.
What do I need to bear in mind when the certificate is issued at the foreign university? Nothing needs to be considered here.
Who was the contact person at the foreign university? Susan Potrafka
What did you like / dislike about the campus ? The campus was very well maintained with beautiful green areas. When the weather was good, the connections always provided entertainment. Everything was in good condition and there were plenty of things to do in the free periods.
How are the transport links? What should I bear in mind? The campus is very close to the interstate. The next largest city, St Louis, is about 1 ½ hours away. However, there is no local public transport.
Other: In the various American university rankings, MST consistently ranks among expensive private universities and enjoys a good reputation nationwide. There are a lot of design teams that work on projects such as a solar car or Baja car in addition to the curriculum and participate in competitions. The calendar also offers a wealth of leisure activities, from home games of the various sports teams to film screenings in the school's own cinema. Special cultural exchange events are regularly organised for international students and excursions to popular destinations in the surrounding area are offered on a regular basis. The professors were very understanding when I had some difficulties adjusting to the school system at the beginning. I received quick and unbureaucratic support from my advisor in organisational matters. The staff and fellow students were very interested in the German university system and there were always interesting conversations. There were also often subject-related exchanges during courses and lectures.

About the courses and lectures attended at the MST

Course attended: Machine Dynamics (ME 213)
Course duration & scope, teaching form: 3 SWS, lecture, exercise
Keywords for course description: Analysis of motion sequences (kinetics and kinematics)
Form of assessment: 4 written examinations
Is the course recommended? Yes
Course attended: Applied Thermodynamics (ME 221)
Course duration & scope, teaching form: 3 SWS, lecture, exercise
Keywords for the course description: Analysis and design of cyclic processes in thermal power plants
Form of assessment: 4 written examinations
Is the course recommended? Yes
Course attended: Material Processing High-Pressure Water Jet (ME 306)
Course duration & scope, teaching form: 3 SWS, lecture, practical training
Keywords for the course description: Basics of processing with water jet (cutting, ablation, etc.)
Form of assessment: Independent preparation of a project
Is the course recommended? Yes
Course attended: Integrated Product and Process Design (ME 357)
Course duration & scope, teaching form: 3 SWS, lecture, group project
Keywords for the course description: Development and design in a group
Form of assessment: Weekly performance tests, preparation of a project in the group
Is the course recommended? Yes
Course attended: Principles of Engineering Management (EngMgt 124)
Course duration & scope, teaching form: 1 SWS, lecture
Keywords for the course description: Former students (now self-employed) as guest lecturers
Form of assessment: Two assignments
Is the course recommended? Yes
Course attended: Heat Transfer (ME 225)
Course duration & scope, teaching form: 3 SWS, lecture
Keywords for the course description: Heat transfer
Form of assessment: 4 written examinations
Is the course recommended? ---
Course attended: Mechanical Instrumentation (ME 240)
Course duration & scope, teaching form: 2 SWS, lecture, practical training
Keywords for the course description: In-depth study of measurement and control systems
Form of assessment: practical training reports, homework
Is the course recommended? ---
Course attended: Internal Combustion Engines (ME 333)
Course duration & scope, teaching form: 3 SWS, lecture, practical training
Keywords for the course description: Analysis and design of combustion engines and their processes
Form of assessment: 4 written examinations
Is the course recommended? Yes
Course attended: Integrated Product Development (ME 358)
Course duration & scope, teaching form: 3 SWS, group work
Keywords for the course description: Independent development and construction of a prototype
Form of assessment: Weekly presentation, working prototype, documentation
Is the course recommended? Yes

Leisure activities

What is the range of sports facilities on campus like? Excellent. There is a fitness centre with free access. There is also a sports hall, a fitness studio, an indoor swimming pool and courts for squash, etc. There are also football pitches in the outdoor area.
Do I have to pay for the sports facilities? No
What leisure activities does the university offer? River: canoeing (approx. 30 min drive), privately organised cycling groups.
What sights are there on site? Historic old town on Route 66.
What tourist attractions does the surrounding area have to offer? Sights in St Louis (1 ½ h drive) such as the Arc, Union Station; Six Flags theme park (1 h drive); national park with water source (30 min drive).
Are there organised (possibly subsidised) excursions for visiting students? Yes. Organised by the Office of International Affairs.
Are there many good restaurants and bars nearby? What is recommended? Mainly fast food chains. There is also a Chinese restaurant and a steakhouse close to campus. Panera's Bread serves the best sandwiches (rather rare) and soups. There are several bars. Some are within walking distance of the centre. The ambience is robust but very informal. Pool, darts and table football are available everywhere. My favourite bar was the "Grotto" right on campus. However, if you are looking for big city flair, this is not the place for you. Please note: No admission for people under 21 and closing time at 1am. Larger parties are also regularly organised by the fraternities. If you get on well with your fellow students, you will usually be invited.
Are there any special features of the local cuisine? American cuisine is not a problem for the German digestive system. However, the offer is often limited to burgers with fries and the flavour quality of the other dishes can sometimes differ from what you are used to. On the other hand, the private BBQs are excellent. You should definitely try to be invited once.
Where do you go in the evening (pubs, bars, discos, cinemas) and what do you recommend? I usually met up with friends in the pub or privately in the evening. That's how I got to know people from the neighbourhood. When the weather was good, we often had a campfire and went to the river. The Americans are very open-minded. It is advisable to accept invitations at the beginning. Every now and then we went to St Louis to celebrate.
Are there any special customs/customs among the locals and what is an absolute taboo? Drinking alcohol in public is strictly forbidden. Alcoholic drinks are also not allowed in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The police enjoy special respect. During a traffic check, the windows are opened and hands are placed in a visible position. Under no circumstances may you leave the vehicle without being asked to do so. The national pride of Americans is very strong. You can talk openly about political issues if you are asked to do so or if you know the person you are talking to. It is impolite to talk in another language (e.g. with other German-speaking students) in the presence of locals. In return, no one complains about a lack of language skills. Apart from that, Americans are very open-hearted. It is common to greet strangers on the street. Minor misbehaviour is pointed out in a friendly manner. If you are unsure, it is advisable to ask.

Final considerations - Conclusion

How would you rate your stay abroad overall? The year in Missouri was one of the best in my life. I started the trip with a lot of preconceptions. I was soon proved wrong by the people. Daily life was very pleasant and I quickly adapted. I really enjoyed the rural environment and the vastness of the country. This is a personal opinion. I also got to know exchange students who were happy when they returned home. Thanks to the American mentality, I quickly made acquaintances who later became good friends.
My stay abroad enabled me to improve my language skills and demonstrate my organisational skills. Studying at MST also offered me a lot in terms of subject knowledge.
Did you choose the right time for your semester abroad? I started my stay abroad immediately after completing my undergraduate degree. It was a good time for me. I had the necessary prerequisites for the advanced courses, in which I mainly worked independently on projects. With the excellent facilities at the university, these courses were the most beneficial for me. Further training was possible without having to take complicated foundation courses in a foreign language. After returning home, I had another semester to get used to the German university system again and complete the remaining courses before starting my practical project.
What were the high and low points of your stay ? I had two low points during my stay. The first was in the first week, when I realised that I would have to organise my life for the next year in a foreign language on the other side of the world, separated from my usual environment. For a few days, I felt like I was walking a tightrope without a net. The second low point came a few days before my departure, when I realised that my time in America was finally over.
In between, one high point followed the next. I can claim to have made the most of this year. I bought a van with friends and we spent every spare minute on the road. In winter, I fished fish out of the water from a boat with a spear. I was invited by an American family for Christmas. Over Thanksgiving I was in Florida and saw the Keys and the Everglades. In Memphis, we saw an NBA basketball game and took a closer look at the Jazz scene. I was in Cancuun, Mexico, for Spring Break and had a great time. Finally, we did a four-week road trip across the south to the west coast and back again via the north. I met an incredible number of different people and some close friendships have remained.
What will remain unforgotten? I will never forget how quickly I felt at home.
What advice would you like to give to other students on your degree programme who decide to spend a semester abroad at this foreign university? The university is located in a rural area. If you want an urban environment, you can save yourself the flight costs. I can only wish everyone else a safe flight. Because the stay itself was unavoidably good. I can also only advise everyone to plan for two semesters. Time flies by faster than you think. In addition to the goal of having an unforgettable experience in a foreign country, you should not forget the opportunities that the university offers you. The facilities allow you to work independently in the workshops and laboratories, for example. This is a clear advantage that you should take advantage of, as you quickly get to know other international students from numerous countries, especially during the introductory events. This offers the opportunity for cultural exchange. However, many foreigners like to keep to themselves. Try to socialise with locals!