Details

• United States of America
• BBE-18
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

Get in touch with people you may know studying in the same country/city and reconnect. Find certain places you want to explore incl. restaurants, sights, etc. Get familiar with the university and the program to stay on top of your academic work. Book your flights, start looking for accommodation early (if not dorms) and just sort these little things out before arriving to make teh transition easier.

2. Accommodation

I missed the deadline for student accommodation so I rented an apartment in Back Bay (c. 20m walk/10m underground from university). It was a very safe building. Start the search early, short term accommodation is very difficult to find in residential buildings in the US/Boston so you must be creative and negotiate well. I took quite a lot of time searching and just burning through agents/brokers until I found one which was very good. I was extremely happy with my residence but I only found it about one week before moving because it was truly a hassle.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus facilities were excellent, although WU's campus is equally impressive. One notable difference was the stronger sense of community, supported by facilities such as gyms and a wide range of student activities. The environment was also very international, creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. Academically, I found the exchange considerably less demanding than WU, particularly in terms of the complexity of the course content and assessments. The teaching style was also quite different, with a much stronger emphasis on class participation, group work, presentations and practical activities. I personally found this approach more engaging and interactive, making the learning experience both enjoyable and effective. While the overall academic difficulty was lower than at WU, the workload remained relatively consistent throughout the semester due to regular assignments, group projects and submissions. Overall, I appreciated the more interactive teaching methods and collaborative learning environment, while WU generally offers a more academically rigorous experience.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport in Boston is generally efficient and convenient, making it relatively easy to get around the city. In terms of safety, Boston felt quite safe overall, particularly compared to other major US cities. As with any large city, there are certain areas and situations where it is worth being mindful, particularly when using public transport late at night. The social atmosphere was genuinely one of the highlights of my exchange. People were incredibly friendly, open and welcoming, making it exceptionally easy to meet new people and build friendships. There are countless student communities, clubs, events and activities to get involved in, so there is always something happening. Sports facilities and opportunities were also excellent, with everything from football and basketball to tennis and many other activities readily available on campus. There are plenty of opportunities to join organised sports or simply turn up and play casual pick-up games. Overall, the combination of a welcoming student community, excellent recreational facilities and an active social environment made the experience particularly enjoyable.

6. Testimonial

My exchange was an incredibly enriching experience that allowed me to truly immerse myself in American life and culture, beyond simply studying abroad. Living in the US gave me a much deeper understanding of the people, their mindset, the way society operates and how Americans think and approach life. One of the greatest highlights was undoubtedly the incredible people I met and the genuine friendships I built, many of which I know will last a lifetime. From everyday interactions to unforgettable experiences, I gained new perspectives, broadened my horizons and learned lessons that will stay with me both personally and professionally.