Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

After my nomination, Bentley University sent me all further steps by email, so I recommend checking your inbox regularly. The most time-consuming part was the J-1 visa. As soon as you receive the DS-2019 form from Bentley, pay the SEVIS fee, fill out the DS-160 and book your interview at the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, because appointments can be scarce. Also check Bentley’s health insurance and vaccination requirements early. I flew from Vienna to Boston Logan via plain and took an Uber to the campus in Waltham, about 30–40 minutes away. Booking the flight early and arriving shortly before orientation worked well for me.

2. Accommodation

Bentley University provides on-campus housing for exchange students, so you don’t have to search for accommodation yourself. You could look for a private place off campus, but I would definitely recommend living on campus, as it makes it much easier to connect with other students and get the full college experience. The residences are safe, and everything you need is within walking distance. I shared an apartment with a friend in Kresge Hall, which is right next to the dining hall and close to all the other campus buildings, which was very convenient. If you want to cook for yourself and not go to the dining hall you can book so, but i think the dining hall makes it more fun to meet people.

3. Academic life at host university

Bentley’s campus is built on a hill, with most of the academic buildings on upper campus. If you live on lower campus, be prepared for a steep walk with lots of stairs. There is a shuttle that takes you up, but it can be late and you might miss it, so don’t rely on it when you have to be on time for class. The academic culture is less formal than at WU Vienna, and the relationship with professors is more relaxed. Still, attendance and participation matter, and you are expected to show up and put in effort throughout the semester. In my opinion, tests and exams are easier than at WU, and professors give lots of helpful tips on how to prepare. Courses I would recommend Fashion merchandising and Luxury Marketing.

5. Every day life in the host country

Bentley runs a shuttle to downtown Boston every 30 minutes, and the ride takes about 30 minutes, which makes it easy to explore the city. Ubers are expensive in Boston, so the costs can add up quickly if you use them often. Boston is a very safe city, and the campus has its own university police for additional security. There is always something going on, during my stay there were lots of hockey games, which were a lot of fun, a concert with Flo Rida, and frat parties. For sports, you can use the gym, go swimming in the pool, join Pilates classes, run on the track field or join one of the many sports clubs.

6. Testimonial

My exchange at Bentley was an unforgettable experience, and Boston was an amazing city to call home for a few months. Highlights were the regular trips to New York, spring break in Miami and Puerto Rico, and cheering at the hockey games. Most of all, I loved getting to know so many new people from all over the world.