Details

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

1. Preparation

I strongly recommend starting the preparation process early. Planning a semester abroad in the USA is relatively time-consuming, so it helps to gather information well in advance. This includes requirements such as proof of English proficiency, vaccinations, insurance etc...Taking care of the visa process early on is especially important, as it can take longer than expected. For the interview at WU, I prepared detailed information about my listed universities and explained why they were a good academic and personal fit for me. However, it is important to keep in mind that the final ranking also depends on the interviewer. I would therefore recommend speaking to students who have previously studied at your chosen universities. When it comes to course selection, I recommend being flexible. At the University of South Carolina, it is possible to drop courses during the first week of the semester. Therefore, it makes sense to register for more courses initially, have them approved by WU, and then adjust your final selection once you are on campus and can see how you like the professor, class environment... I was the only bachelor’s student from Austria which made it even more important to actively connect with other exchange students early on. Reaching out in advance and being open from the beginning helps a lot!

2. Accommodation

At the University of South Carolina, undergraduate exchange students do not need to worry about finding accommodation themselves, as housing is assigned by the university so this took away a lot of stress before arrival. I lived in Park Place, one of the newer on-campus housing options, and had a very positive experience there. I shared a kitchen with three other girls but had my own bedroom and bathroom. But wherever you live: it matters so much more who you live with than the specific building or location. I was living with my closest friends and the people truly made the place feel like home. (If you are a master’s student, I would definitely recommend The Hub as an accommodation option!!)

3. Academic life at host university

All my classes took place at the Business School, which was within walking distance from my accommodation. In addition, there is a regular shuttle bus service connecting different parts of the campus, making it very easy to get around. The campus itself is huge, and the Horseshoe is the central part of it. There is something going on there almost every day, which really makes the experience feel like being in an American college movie. Many dining halls, student events, and social activities are located in this area. Class participation was very important in most of my courses, and we had more exams and assessments throughout the semester, which actually made it easier to achieve a good final grade, as the evaluation was spread across multiple components. The courses I attended were a mix of lectures, case studies, group projects, presentations, quizzes, and midterm exams. While the workload can feel higher due to regular assignments, the expectations are clearly communicated from the beginning.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transportation in Columbia is very limited so we used Uber or Lyft, especially when going out at night. Living on campus also made everyday life much easier. When you take the meal plan, grocery shopping is not really necessary, as dining halls and food options on campus covered daily needs very well. The campus offers excellent sports facilities, including a large gym that is free for all students, swimming pools, and volleyball courts. I also purchased a Group X pass, which costs around 30 dollars and allows students to sign up for a wide range of sports classes such as Pilates, spinning, and other courses. Sports play a major role at USC and university sports events especially football games are a highlight of the semester and create an incredible sense of community and school spirit.

6. Testimonial

It is hard to wrap this semester up in just a few sentences, because it truly shaped me and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I met the most incredible people, traveled together, and what started as friendships quickly felt like family. If you are open to meeting new people, I would recommend an exchange semester to everyone. If you have the chance to travel, take it!! I visited New York, Miami, Key West, Charleston, Charlotte, Savannah, and spent Thanksgiving with my friends in Cancun and Tulum, which added so much to my overall experience. I would highly recommend going in the winter semester, not only because of the weather but also the football season is the heart of campus life at USC! From tailgates and frat lots that feel like festivals to nights out in Five Points (district where all the student bars are located) , the energy, school spirit, and sense of community are unforgettable. If you are looking for the true American college experience in a welcoming and vibrant environment, USC is the perfect place.