Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 3 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

My main advice for future exchange students is to research the courses you would like to take well in advance. Before registering, make sure to check whether any of your desired courses require a course override from the partner university. Obtaining this approval beforehand is important, as otherwise you may not be able to enroll in the course on time, which can make the registration process unnecessarily stressful. If you are flying to Portland, I recommend using the Groome Shuttle, which provides a direct connection from Portland International Airport to Corvallis. The shuttle costs around $60 and is one of the most convenient and reliable transportation options to reach Corvallis.

2. Accommodation

I did not spend much time looking for accommodation because I-House was one of the first options I came across, and I signed up almost immediately. Looking back, I think I made that decision a bit too quickly. I-House is an international student residence located about a 10-minute walk from campus. It is conveniently located, with supermarkets such as Fred Meyer nearby. The residence is also in a very safe area, and in general I found Corvallis to be a very safe city. One of the biggest advantages of I-House is its social atmosphere. It is very easy to meet other international students, and themed parties are organized in the basement every two weeks. In addition, there is a large park directly across the street with volleyball and tennis courts, making it easy to stay active and spend time with friends. However, there are also some disadvantages. If you are a very tidy or cleanliness-oriented person, I would not necessarily recommend I-House. During my stay, there was mold in some of the bathrooms and parts of the kitchen, and all residents were required to complete a weekly cleaning chore. If I could make the decision again, I would spend more time comparing different accommodation options before committing. Alternatives such as Yugo Easton or the on-campus residence halls cost approximately the same for a single room (around $900 per month), but each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, I would recommend researching several options before deciding where to live.

3. Academic life at host university

Oregon State University has a much larger campus than WU Vienna. The campus offers excellent facilities, including a student recreation center, soccer and volleyball fields, several dining halls, and plenty of green spaces where students can relax or study. Overall, the campus provides a lively and welcoming atmosphere. One of the biggest differences I noticed compared to WU Vienna was the relationship between students and professors. At OSU, professors are very approachable, and interactions feel much more informal. This creates a relaxed learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and participating in discussions. The teaching style is also quite different from what I was used to at WU. While it depends on the courses you choose, many classes include regular reading assignments and online quizzes that students complete before coming to class. This means that much of the theoretical content is learned independently, while class time is used to review key concepts, discuss the material, and apply the knowledge in group work, case studies, or other practical projects. I found this approach to be very interactive and engaging. One course I would highly recommend is BA 260 – Entrepreneurial Mindset with Dr. Kyle Christenson. He is an excellent instructor who creates an engaging classroom atmosphere and encourages students to think creatively and develop an entrepreneurial way of thinking.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transportation in Corvallis is limited. There is a campus shuttle as well as a few local bus routes, but I would highly recommend getting a bicycle. Corvallis is a relatively small city, and most places can be reached quickly and conveniently by bike. In my experience, Corvallis is a very safe city. I never felt unsafe during my stay, even when walking home alone for around 40 minutes at night. Of course, it is always important to use common sense, but overall I found the city to have a very safe and welcoming atmosphere. Depending on the term, you can attend a variety of OSU sporting events, including football, baseball, and basketball games. Students can attend these events free of charge with their student ID (I personally attended baseball games). Watching college sports is a great way to experience American campus culture. Corvallis also hosts various local events throughout the year, such as flea markets and community festivals, which are worth visiting. In addition, Oregon State University offers a wide range of physical activity courses. I highly recommend taking one of these courses, as they are a fun way to stay active and try something new. The selection includes sports such as volleyball, surfing, and many others.

6. Testimonial

Overall, my semester at Oregon State University was one of the best experiences of my life. I met amazing people from all over the world, made lifelong friends, and had the opportunity to explore beautiful Oregon as well as other parts of the United States. I especially enjoyed the American college experience, and I would love to return someday. My advice to future exchange students is to make the most of every opportunity, time passes much faster than you expect.