Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

I concentrated my preparations almost exclusively on my primary preference, SDSU, rather than Bentley; consequently, I am unable to provide a precise description of what the interview process at Bentley entails. The interview at SDSU proceeded very favorably, as I had thoroughly researched the university's curriculum, as well as the city and the location.

2. Accommodation

In collaboration with a fellow student from WU, I secured off-campus accommodation (via Airbnb). Notably, only one other exchange student elected to live off-campus; the majority of the other exchange students resided on-campus. Living off-campus at Bentley can present significant logistical challenges, primarily because the Harvard Shuttle operates only on an hourly basis and lacks consistent reliability. This becomes particularly problematic in the evenings due to the service's early cessation. Conversely, this arrangement provided us with private rooms and exempted us from the expensive meal plan, allowing us the autonomy to procure and prepare our own meals. Although this resulted in a higher monthly rental expenditure, we achieved commensurate savings on food costs and enjoyed greater flexibility. Based on my experience, relying on the canteen cuisine for the entire semester would not have been satisfactory. I dined at the dining hall (921) with friends one to two times per week, which I found to be sufficient. By the semester's conclusion, several peers expressed relief at no longer being dependent on the dining hall. While there are additional dining venues on campus, the university's modest size meant that these options eventually became monotonous by the end of the semester.

3. Academic life at host university

The faculty at Bentley is exceptional; they possess extensive knowledge, and it is evident that their instruction is driven by a genuine passion for their subjects. The majority of my instructors teach only one or two sessions weekly while maintaining full-time professional careers, often managing their own enterprises or holding executive positions in other organizations. Nevertheless, I strongly advise consulting 'RateMyProf' prior to registration to identify highly rated instructors and prioritize them during course selection. In some instances, my peers took examinations online without proctoring, whereas I was required to complete all my assessments either on-site or remotely under strict supervision. Naturally, the former format can significantly alleviate academic pressure. One need not be overly concerned regarding grading at Bentley; I successfully completed all five of my courses with an 'A' grade, with the exception of one 'B+'. While I rarely utilized office hours, preferring to communicate with professors via email, it was frequently recommended that students take advantage of these sessions. As I was enrolled under the new curriculum, I encountered no difficulties regarding credit transfer: 20 ECTS credits were seamlessly allocated to 'Courses Abroad,' 4 ECTS to Macroeconomics, and the remaining 6 to free electives.

5. Every day life in the host country

Regarding public transportation to and from the university, the Harvard Shuttle is essentially the primary option; regrettably, it operates only on an hourly schedule. I strongly advise that during peak hours—specifically the 6:20 PM departure from Bentley—passengers board at the upper stop (LaCava) rather than the lower stop (Fenway). Attempting to board at Fenway often results in the shuttle reaching capacity before arrival, necessitating a one-hour wait for the next service. An MBTA bus route to Harvard is available; however, the stop is located approximately a 25-minute walk from campus. Furthermore, this service is irregular and, unlike the university shuttles, requires fare payment. Additionally, the 'Falcon Flyer' provides service to the neighboring town of Waltham, though the area offers limited recreational opportunities. The 'B-Line' operates within the campus boundaries; however, given the relatively compact size of the campus, this service is primarily beneficial for those residing on North Campus or wishing to avoid the ascent from Fenway. The campus environment is highly secure, with the Campus Police maintaining a constant patrol presence throughout the grounds. Bentley hosts an extensive array of social clubs. I recommend joining these groups via GroupMe or at the Activity Fair, as active participation is an excellent method for networking. For soccer enthusiasts, the university organizes intramural tournaments. We established a team of exchange students to participate, which was later joined by American students. The campus athletic facilities are generally accessible for student use, provided they are not reserved by the varsity teams. However, it should be noted that the fitness center is modest in size and frequently crowded.

6. Testimonial

In retrospect, I regard my semester abroad as an exceptionally enriching experience and would strongly recommend undertaking one, regardless of the destination. I cultivated numerous new friendships, and at times, the atmosphere resonated with the American college life often shown in movies. The community was remarkably welcoming; throughout the four-month duration, I encountered no adverse situations, save for minor logistical inconveniences such as missed shuttles. For those intending to study in the United States, I strongly advise applying exclusively for the Fall semester, as the College Football season constitutes a significant cultural highlight. Should a Fall placement not be feasible, I would recommend selecting universities in close proximity to major metropolitan areas or considering alternative countries. Furthermore, beyond the cultural aspects, the academic experience at Bentley University has proven to be a significant enhancement to my professional profile.