Get Inspired by International Experiences of Outgoings from THM
5 reasons for a stay abroad
- Immerse yourself in a new culture.
- Broaden your horizons.
- Spice up your resume.
- Make new contacts.
Strengthen intercultural skills.
Full version: YouTube
ZA, Stellenbosch University (Freemover)
Aaron – Bachelor's program, 5th semester
Personal life & city experience:
Very active city life, Stellenbosch as an elite, sports and party university, affordable restaurants, beautiful nature in and around the city, and easy trips to the sea or Cape Town.
Academic experience:
Large university with many international students, weekly tests, assignments and quizzes, midterms after six weeks with a break, and plenty of spaces to meet and study on campus.
US, Clarkson University
Sarah – Bachelor's program, 5th semester
Personal life & city experience:
Beautiful natural surroundings with stunning seasonal changes (warm late summer, colorful fall, snowy winters), lots of outdoor activities and highlights like the farmer’s market in August and September.
Academic experience:
Very structured and guided system with continuous assessment (homework, quizzes, participation, exams) throughout the semester, ensuring constant engagement and accountability.
WS 25/26 - WBI - Sarah
US, Clarkson University
Nicolas – Bachelor's program, 5th semester
Personal life & city experience:
Authentic American university experience, active Outdoor Club to explore nature, lively nightlife with student bars and fraternities, beautiful fall and snowy winter, and a great location for weekend trips to Toronto, Montreal and NYC.
Academic experience:
More school-like system with group projects, homework and frequent tests, continuous effort throughout the semester and good chances of passing if all assignments are completed.
WS 25/26 - WBI - Nicolas
MX, Universidad de las Americas Pueblas
Liam – Bachelor's program, 6st semester
Personal life & city experience:
Authentic cultural experience in Puebla, strong international community, shared housing and social activities fostering friendships, great travel opportunities across Mexico, increased independence and adaptability.
Academic experience:
Practice-oriented learning environment, small classes with close professor interaction, continuous assessment through presentations and group work, engaging coursework, development of academic skills in an international context.
WS 25/26 - WB - Liam
Robin – Bachelor's program, 9th semester
Personal life & city experience:
Affordable accommodation, vibrant city with good public transport and tasty cafeteria. Everything is in French.
Academic experience:
Weekly changing schedule, a mix of theory and practice, friendly professors, many modules with a few credits.
SS 24 - WBI - Robin
MX, Universidad de las Americas Pueblas
Denis – Bachelor's program, 6th semester
Personal life & city experience:
Passion for Mexican cuisine and volcano hikes.
Academic experience:
Good education system. Good grades and teaching of subjects, despite demanding requirements.
SS 24 - WB - Denis
MX, Universidad de las Américas Puebla
Felix – Bachelor's program, 7th semester
Personal life & city experience:
Great food, travel, campus, and accommodations. Know some Spanish before visiting.
Academic experience:
A wide range of courses offered, though only a few are available in English. Attendance is compulsory.
SS 24 - WBI - Felix
US, Clarkson University
Marcel – Bachelor's program, 6th semester
Personal life & city experience:
Family-like campus, friendly people, free sports, but cold weather and heavy snowfall. American slang is common.
Academic experience:
Different grading system and courses, great support from the IO, but high workload and tuition fees.
SS 24 - WBI - Marcel
Full version: YouTube
FR, ESIGELEC
Milan – Master’s program, 1st semester
Personal life & city experience:
City divided by the Seine River, medieval streets and a Gothic cathedral in Rouen Rive Droite, good connections to Paris and the Normandy coast, affordable living, well-developed public transport.
Academic experience:
English-taught courses for exchange students, combination of lectures and travaux pratiques (exercise sessions), attendance required, student schedules may change, International Office provides strong support.
WS 25/26 - WM - Milan
Marvin – Master's program, 3rd semester
Personal life & city experience:
Very low living-costs. There is nothing you can't do or find in Shanghai! Chinese people are very kind and courteous once you get in touch.
Academic experience:
Overall academic level is rather low but the workload is high. There are many group-tasks and -presentations throughout the semester.
WS 25/26 - WM - Marvin
MX, Universidad de las Americas Pueblas
Julius – Master's program, 3rd semester
Personal life & city experience:
Friendly locals, open and supportive locals, vibrant student life, affordable cafés and bars, safe environment, diverse culture and great travel opportunities.
Academic experience:
International classes, continuous assessment, no single final exam, challenging but manageable workload, modern campus, supportive International Office.
WS 25/26 - WM - Julius
MX, Universidad de las Americas Pueblas
Lukas – Master's program, 3rd semester
Personal life & city experience:
Vibrant student life in Cholula with many restaurants, bars, and cultural spots. Welcoming people, easy to feel at home, many activities, trips, and social events, great chance to explore Mexico.
Academic experience:
Wide range of courses with credit transfer options, mix of academic and Spanish classes, continuous assessment instead of a single final, supportive professors in an international environment.
WS 25/26 - WM - Lukas
MX, Universidad de las Americas Pueblas
Sebastian – Master's program, 3rd semester
Personal life & city experience:
Welcoming community, vibrant student life with many social events, affordable cafés and bars near campus, safe environment, great travel opportunities throughout the country.
Academic experience:
International learning environment, continuous assessment instead of a single final exam, demanding but manageable workload, modern campus, supportive and well-organized International Office.
WS 25/26 - WM - Sebastian
TR, Istanbul Teknik Üniversiti
Manuel – Master’s program, 4th semester
Personal life & city experience:
Huge, vibrant metropolis; culturally overwhelming yet fascinating. Central living in Nişantaşı, strong local integration, less typical Erasmus bubble. Intense city life, high inflation, diverse food and nightlife and martial arts clubs.
Academic experience:
High academic standard, demanding workload, English-taught courses, occasional Turkish discussions, flexible course choice across faculties, group projects, midterms and final exams, official 80% attendance requirement.
WS 25/26 - WM - Manuel
4 Steps to Studying Abroad
- Decide: When to go where and how? A study or practical stay abroad means more than just studying in another place: You immerse yourself in foreign cultures, meet new people and come back with many experiences!
- Prepare: Between the initial consideration to the implementation lie some questions and also administrative and organizational stuff. The good thing is: The international and practical officers will advise and support you every step of the way. It is best to make an appointment right away!
- Financing: For travel, accommodation, food, health and perhaps also for the visa or vaccinations, there are some costs. However, there are countless ways to receive financial support.
- Before departure: In almost all countries, there is a choice between private accommodation or a room in a dormitory. Foreign universities often offer a room agency or help with the organization of accommodation. Sometimes, however, you will only find your accommodation once you are already on site.
MX, Tec de Monterrey
Levin – Master’s program, 3rd semester
Personal life & city experience:
No visa required, warm climate, friendly locals and many exciting travel destinations. Not everyone speaks English.
Academic experience:
Wide variety of courses, many available in English and excellent support from the International Office.
SS 24 - WM - Levin
FR, ESIGELEC
Valentin – Master’s program, 3rd semester
Personal life & city experience:
Connecting with others through sports, culinary highlights, but the English of the French can be challenging.
Academic experience:
It takes some time to get used to the block courses in the lectures.
SS 24 - WM - Valentin
MX, Tec de Monterrey
Marcel - Master’s program, 3rd semester
Personal life & city experience:
Friendly people, fascinating culture, exciting trips - but also language barriers.
Academic experience:
Interesting courses and flexible structure, but compulsory attendance.
SS 24 - WM - Marcel