Details

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

1. Preparation

Preparing for a semester abroad is a lengthy process and not entirely easy to understand at first. I think the important thing is to start early enough and not procrastinate. Read all the emails you receive, as they are your primary source of information. Connecting with other exchange students at WU was very helpful for me, as it allowed me to compare notes on how others handled things. Some things that really shouldn't be postponed are the visa application, proof of language certificate, and possibly the proof of all vaccinations. But you'll find out soon enough when you can start doing that.

2. Accommodation

Regarding accommodation, I can wholeheartedly recommend our landlord. His name is Eli Deventurero, and we found him through previous Exchange reports. He rents houses around the campus. We contacted him on Facebook, and he added us to a group where we could connect with others. That's how we found our roommates. I would definitely recommend it. We also looked at other options like student housing, but they weren't really cheaper and not as cozy as having your own house. The easiest way is probably to contact the WU students who are currently in San Diego, because they can then arrange something directly with Eli for you. That's how we did it, at least.

3. Academic life at host university

The SDSU campus is very large compared to WU. There are also many facilities, such as soccer fields, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and numerous fast-food restaurants, all of which students are welcome to use. I would definitely recommend taking advantage of these. The courses are generally a bit easier than at WU. I would say that you generally have more assignments or deadlines, but fewer or easier exams. It's simply important to get a good overview of the courses beforehand and then choose your courses accordingly. One course I can highly recommend is MGT 160 with Bernhard Schröder. This course was a defining part of my semester abroad and a truly fantastic experience. If this course is still offered, I would definitely recommend taking it.

5. Every day life in the host country

I would recommend renting a car together with other students. There's a car rental company called Dirt Cheap Car that's really ideal for a semester abroad. We paid $1800 for a car for the whole semester, and it was definitely worth it because public transportation is terrible in San Diego. Otherwise, there are lots of sporting events and beaches in San Diego. And it's always worth taking trips to explore California. Cool places nearby are the Imperial Sand Dunes, Lakeside Rodeo, and Sunset Cliffs. But otherwise, just talk to other exchange students or locals for cool travel recommendations.

6. Testimonial

My semester abroad was an amazing experience that I would do again in a heartbeat. Of course, everything was very uncertain and new at the beginning, but looking back, it was definitely the best time of my life. I had so many experiences and memories that I will never forget. Therefore, I can only wholeheartedly recommend that everyone have this experience if it's at all possible for them.