Union College, 2011

At a glance

When did you start the preparations? At the beginning of the previous winter semester.
How does the application process work and what documents are required? A pre-selection was made by the AAA regarding the limited fee-free places, application with transcript of records, letter of motivation and CV (in English in each case) and application forms from the AAA. Extensive documentation is required for the visa (USA only).
Does the host university require a language test? Yes, DAAD test is sufficient.

Do I have to pay fees at the host university? Not if you get a free place, but you have to pay extra for meals and accommodation.
Did you receive a scholarship to finance your stay abroad? Yes, a PROMOS scholarship from the UAS.
What are the approximate travelling costs? Plane and then bus, return journey approx. 700 €
Did you have to take out additional health insurance? International health insurance, approx. 1 € per day (as far as I remember).
Is further insurance necessary? Not in my opinion.

What formalities have to be completed after arrival? Activate the computer accounts, ID card, open a library account.
Where is the best place to live and what are the average housing costs? How to get a flat, single or double room according to taste. Food and catering for one term approx. 3500 $.
How did the flat search work? Everything is organised in advance by post. Everything is affiliated with the university.
What is the average cost of living? You can pay for everything (except for excessive alcohol consumption) with the amount you have already paid for room and board.
What is cheap/expensive? Everything is comparable to Germany.
What are the shopping facilities like? There is a shuttle to Wal-Mart and a shopping mall on campus. There are a few small pharmacies in the city. There is a small store on campus.

Briefly describe the host university! A small, sleepy college in a small, sleepy town. Good teaching (which means it's a bit more expensive to study there ;)
How was the quality of the courses? Very good. Small groups, good facilities, committed lecturers.
How are the facilities at the host university? Very good!
What are the opening hours on campus, how are the libraries, are there lecture notes? The opening hours of the buildings are ideal, usually until late in the evening (library open around the clock). You have to buy very expensive books for most subjects, but of course you can sell them afterwards. There are credits like here in Germany, which can also be converted.
Did the professors prepare you well for exams? Did you also receive help from them outside the lectures? Very good preparation by the professors, office hours by appointment (they only have time by appointment!)
Are there special introductory courses for visiting students? Yes, for the Fall Term.
What did you like / dislike about the campus?
- Nice people, professors
- Food waste, rubbish production
How are the transport connections? What do you need to consider? Everything is fine, the campus is a bit out of the way.

Course attended: Internal Combustion Engines
Lecturer: Bradford Bruno
Course duration & scope, teaching format: 2*3 hrs. lecture
Keywords for course description: Internal Combustion Engines (lots of homework, quizzes, final exam)
Form of assessment: Calculated from quizzes, homework, final exam
Is the course recommended? Yes
Course attended: Introduction Into Circuits and Electronics
Lecturer: James Hedrik
Course duration & scope, teaching form: 3*1.5 hrs lecture/exercise
Keywords for course description: Introduction to Electrical Engineering
Form of assessment: Exams, homework
Is the course recommended? Yes
Course attended: Introduction Into Economics
Lecturer: Lewis Davis
Course duration & scope, teaching format: 3*1.5 hrs lecture
Key words for course description: Introduction Into Economics
Form of assessment: quizzes, exams
Is the course recommended? Yes

What is the range of sports facilities on campus? Very extensive, see website.
Do I have to pay for the sports programmes? No.
What leisure sports facilities does the campus offer? Not much, the city is very sleepy.
What sights are there locally? A small, nice old town centre.
What tourist attractions does the surrounding area have to offer? Almost nothing (unless NYC).
Are there any organised (possibly subsidised) excursions for visiting students? Not in particular.
Are there many good restaurants and bars nearby? What do you recommend? A few nice pubs and such, try them out ;)
Are there any specialities to be aware of in the local cuisine? Burgers, burgers, burgers!!!
Where do you go in the evening (pubs, bars, discos, cinemas)? On-campus parties, pubs in the city, friends.
Are there any special customs/customs among the locals and what is an absolute taboo? Drinking. Taboo is: Saying something against God or America.

How would you rate your stay abroad overall? Very worthwhile!
Did you choose the right time for your semester abroad? Definitely.
What were the high and low points of your stay?
Low points: The beginning, because I was the only newcomer and everything had already been found. Also: the homework.
High points: The circle of friends at the end and passing the written examinations.
What will remain unforgotten? The friends and the good overall impression. Hopefully the English language skills.
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? Do it!