Details

• India
• MAMgmt-14
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 3 months

1. Preparation

The preparation for the exchange at IIM Bangalore required careful attention to administrative and health-related requirements. The visa application process, which I completed at the Indian Embassy in Vienna, was time-consuming and not always well organized. Cash payment was required, and the passport photo format differed from European standards, making it important to check the exact requirements in advance. IIM Bangalore required proof of valid health insurance covering India, as well as the submission of standard documents such as transcripts and passport copies. It is advisable to clarify insurance coverage early and, if necessary, arrange additional international health insurance. Regarding academics, the course selection process initially felt overwhelming, as IIMB uses a bidding system rather than a traditional registration method. However, after the introduction sessions, the system was easy to understand, and the bidding process worked smoothly in practice.

2. Accommodation

Accommodation at IIM Bangalore was provided on campus and offered very good value for money. Exchange students were accommodated in single rooms with shared bathrooms. The total cost was approximately €550 for the entire semester, which also included four meals per day at the campus cafeterias. Depending on the randomly assigned building and room location, noise levels could vary, particularly due to proximity to common areas or roads. However, overall living conditions were comfortable and practical. While it is possible to arrange accommodation outside the campus, this is generally not recommended. The IIMB campus offers excellent facilities, a strong sense of community, and significantly shorter commuting times, making on-campus housing the preferable option for exchange students. If you have space, bring your own pillow and blanket.

3. Academic life at host university

The IIM Bangalore campus is very well maintained and offers excellent facilities, including a swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, cafés, a saloon, and various study and recreational areas. Compared to many places in India, the campus is exceptionally quiet, clean, and green, providing a comfortable learning and living environment. Academically, the teaching style was less interactive than expected. Despite a high number of group projects, lectures were often lecture-based with limited discussion. Most courses consisted of two weekly sessions of approximately 90 minutes each. The grading system at IIMB is demanding, as grades are awarded on a relative and curved basis. This makes performance highly dependent on peer comparison rather than absolute achievement. Group work with Indian students requires patience, as perceptions of time and deadlines differ. Tasks are often completed close to deadlines, which may be challenging for students accustomed to earlier planning. Course quality varies significantly, so it is strongly recommended to consult alumni or former exchange students when selecting courses.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life at IIM Bangalore was very enjoyable. The weather was pleasant throughout the semester, usually around 28°C during the day and dropping to approximately 18°C at night, with mostly sunny conditions. Campus life was particularly appealing, as it was easy to spend most days on campus attending lectures, doing sports, and meeting friends at cafés. Leaving the campus was not necessary for daily needs, as facilities were comprehensive. However, there are restaurants, bars, and two shopping malls located close to the campus. Reaching the city center takes considerable time due to Bangalore’s traffic, often around one hour. India offers many travel opportunities, which are affordable and easy to organize. Even though it can be demanding at times (noise, pollution) it is worth seeing.

6. Testimonial

My exchange at IIM Bangalore was an unforgettable experience that I would choose again without hesitation. It was very affordable, academically demanding, and offered invaluable learning beyond the classroom. Stepping outside my comfort zone on a regular basis made the exchange both personally and professionally enriching. There is already an outgoing story on the MiM page: “Auslandssemester hat mir gezeigt, wie intensiv und lebendig kulturelle Vielfalt sein kann. Situationen wie ein spontaner Restaurantbesuch, bei dem plötzlich eine Kuh neben meinem Tisch stand, können in Indien durchaus vorkommen. Insgesamt hat mich der Aufenthalt regelmäßig aus meiner Komfortzone herausgefordert und persönlich wachsen lassen.” https://www.wu.ac.at/studium/master/management/rund-ums-studium/auslandssemester