Details

• United States of America
• MAMgmt-14
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

Visa Application – J-1 Visa (USA) Step 1 • You will receive an email from your host university to your regular email account: “Congratulations: Next Steps as an International Student at USC!” from: NEWINTERNATIONAL@sc.edu • I received this email on April 14. • In this email, you will be asked to provide proof of financial support. ⸻ Step 2: Documents for the University (USC) • Submit all required documents to your host university. • Provide proof of financial resources (approx. USD 12,000). • Initially, I was informed that I needed to show USD 24,000. However, since I am an exchange student and not a full-time student, proof of USD 12,000 was sufficient. • The required financial certification form is attached in the email. • It was sufficient that my parents provided proof of these funds. ⸻ Step 3: DS-2019 Form • You will receive the DS-2019 form from your host university via your USC email address. • Instructions on how to set up your USC email account will be sent to you once you have submitted the financial proof. • I submitted my financial proof on May 1 and received the DS-2019 document the same day. • Save and print the DS-2019 and the cover letter. • Make sure to sign the DS-2019 form. ⸻ Step 4: SEVIS Fee for J-1 Visa • Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (approx. USD 220). • Payment is made via: https://www.fmjfee.com • Save and print the payment confirmation. ⸻ Step 5: DS-160 Application • Complete the DS-160 online form: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ • After submission, you will receive the DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode. → Save and print this confirmation page. ⸻ Step 6: Visa Appointment • Schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy via: https://www.ustraveldocs.com ⸻ Documents to Bring to the Embassy / Consulate ✔ Passport ✔ DS-160 Confirmation Page (with barcode) ✔ Visa fee payment confirmation ✔ SEVIS payment confirmation ✔ DS-2019 (original) ✔ Passport photo ✔ Proof of financial resources ✔ Admission letter from the host university Your passport will be retained at the consulate to insert the visa. You will later be able to collect your passport (with visa) from the designated postal service location.

2. Accommodation

Apartment Search at the University of South Carolina (USC) Finding accommodation at the University of South Carolina can be particularly challenging, especially for the Fall semester. The main reason is the high demand combined with low turnover of available housing. In general, there are two groups of students: Undergraduate Students and Graduate Students. Undergraduate students are required to live on campus and are directly supported by the university in securing housing. Graduate students, however, are not allowed to live on campus and must find accommodation independently. Another key factor is the semester cycle: In the Fall semester, many new students arrive in Columbia, while only a few leave. In the Spring semester, the situation is reversed — many students leave, but significantly fewer arrive. As a result, housing availability is particularly limited in the Fall semester. Additionally, short-term leases are uncommon in South Carolina. Most landlords only offer 12-month leases. Therefore, it is essential to start searching for housing early. ⸻ Housing Search Options One option is searching through Facebook groups (e.g., “Housing Columbia” or similar groups). Apartments are posted there, and students can also publish housing requests. However, this approach requires a lot of luck and, most importantly, very early searching, as short-term offers are rare. The second option is signing a 12-month lease. I chose this option at The Hub. The regular rent was approximately USD 1,150 per month. Since we decided relatively late, we received a monthly discount of around USD 350, which reduced the rent to about USD 800. In this case (at least at The Hub), it can be worthwhile to wait slightly, as discounts may be offered closer to the semester start. The disadvantage of such a lease is the one-year commitment. We moved in in August, stayed until December, and then had to find subtenants until July. Five of us (all German students) shared one apartment, and in the end, all of us managed to find subtenants. Most of us only found them in December or even January. However, it is highly advisable to start searching for a subtenant immediately after signing a 12-month lease. An ideal solution would be to find someone before going abroad who takes over the second half of the lease. However, I do not know anyone who managed to arrange this successfully. ⸻ Experience with The Hub The Hub offers many advantages: • Modern and clean apartments • Private gym and pool • Good location (approx. 12-minute walk to campus) • Many other students living there, which makes social integration easier ⸻ IMPORTANT A crucial point to pay attention to: If you receive a discount when signing the lease, make sure to obtain written confirmation that this discount will also apply to your subtenant. In our case, the granted discount was not supposed to be transferred to subtenants, which made finding replacements significantly more difficult. ⸻ Short-Term Leases – Exceptional Cases There were a few isolated cases of students receiving short-term leases in the same housing complex. In one known case, the apartment was only searched for after arriving in Columbia, which resulted in a short-term lease — however, at a price of over USD 2,000 per month. Officially, we had previously been informed multiple times via email that short-term leases at The Hub were not possible. ⸻ Conclusion In summary: • Graduate students must find housing independently • Housing search in the Fall semester is particularly difficult • 12-month leases are the standard • Early planning is essential • Discounts and lease conditions should always be secured in writing Ultimately, everyone must decide whether they are willing to take the risk of a 12-month lease and the need to find a subtenant, or whether they prefer a more expensive short-term solution.

3. Academic life at host university

Academic Culture & Teaching Style • Much more practice-oriented than at WU Vienna • Strong focus on: • Continuous assessment (midterms, assignments, presentations) • Class participation and discussions • Case studies and group work • Less pure theory, more practical application and interaction ⸻ Course Comparison: USC vs. WU Vienna DMSB 713 – Global Economics → WU Equivalent: Wirtschaftspolitik • The course has not yet been officially recognized by WU Vienna; the decision is still pending. • If recognized, I would recommend taking it. • Workload: • Two exams • Cheat sheets are allowed • Overall relatively easy to achieve a good grade • Content is manageable and well-structured • I received an A with very little effort ⸻ DMSB 711 – Global Strategic Management → WU Equivalent: Strategic Management • More demanding than Global Economics • Focus on: • International corporate strategies • Strategic decision-making in global markets • Solid academic level but well structured • I received a B+ (not an A) ⸻ IBUS 738 – International Business and Sustainable Development → WU Equivalent: Sustainable Development • More difficult to achieve a top grade • The professor places strong emphasis on: • Very well-prepared presentations • Visible effort and engagement • The midterm exam was comparatively challenging ⸻ DMSB 714 – Managing the Multinational Enterprise → WU Equivalent: Management Course Abroad • One of the most interesting courses of the semester • Strong focus on: • Case studies • How international companies deal with crisis situations • International expansion and organizational structures • At the same time, relatively easy to achieve a very good grade • Highly recommended for students interested in international management • I received an A without much stress ⸻ Overall Recommendation • Courses are generally more practical and interactive compared to WU Vienna • Particularly recommended: • Managing the Multinational Enterprise • Global Strategic Management • If you are looking for a lighter workload (subject to recognition): • Consider Global Economics ⸻ Workload & Academic Intensity I had classes five days per week from 8:00–10:00 AM (sometimes 9:00–11:00 AM). Overall, the academic workload was very relaxed and not particularly challenging. • Around 2 hours of classes per day • Little to no traditional homework • Exams and assignments were manageable and easy to plan • As a result, there was plenty of free time outside of academics Conclusion: The workload is significantly lower than at WU Vienna. The semester is particularly well suited to: • Traveling extensively • Fully experiencing campus life • Developing personally or athletically alongside studies ⸻ Campus Infrastructure All classes take place at the Darla Moore School of Business. From The Hub, it is approximately a 12-minute walk. • Very modern building with many study and lounge areas • Cafeteria located on the upper floor • Convenient and easily accessible on foot Nearby is the Strom Fitness Center (approx. 3-minute walk): • Largest gym on campus • Huge variety of equipment • Three floors • Four full basketball courts • Climbing wall • Indoor and outdoor pool • Showers and large locker rooms From the Darla Moore School of Business, it is about a 5-minute walk to the main campus of the University of South Carolina and the Dining Hall. • All-you-can-eat for approx. USD 16 • Daily changing menu • Alternative food spots available: • Chick-fil-A • Wrap stations • Asian cuisine • Pizza & burgers ⸻ Meal Plan & Campus Dining At the University of South Carolina, you can purchase different meal plans. There are various models with Meal Swipes, such as 50, 100, or Unlimited. I chose the meal plan with 100 Meal Swipes per semester. • Cost: approx. €1,189 • Includes: • 100 Meal Swipes • One Meal Swipe is worth approx. USD 10 • Additionally, 250 Meal Plan Dollars (USD) ⸻ Usage & Savings • For the all-you-can-eat buffet, you pay with one Meal Swipe → Instead of paying approx. USD 18 regularly, you effectively pay around USD 10 • You only truly save money if you use all 100 Meal Swipes ⸻ Assessment / Recommendation • 100 Meal Swipes are a lot, especially if you: • Travel frequently during the semester • Often eat off campus • Therefore, you should carefully evaluate whether the meal plan is personally worth it – particularly if you plan an active travel and social schedule

5. Every day life in the host country

Life & College Experience (The most important part besides academics) At the University of South Carolina, you truly get the classic American college experience — exactly the way you know it from movies. ⸻ Football Season & Campus Spirit (August–December) • Football season is a huge topic on campus • Through the Gamecocks App, you collect points by attending university sports events (football, volleyball, basketball, etc.) • The more points you collect, the higher your chances of receiving football tickets • We always got tickets because we had collected many points ⸻ Game Day: Tailgating & Frat Lots Tailgating • Meeting before the game near the stadium • Grilling, eating, drinking — very social atmosphere Frat Lots (Fraternity Lots) • Fraternities set up their own tents • Large pre-game parties • Entry usually requires a wristband (approx. USD 30 — cheaper for women) • Almost all students are there • Located directly next to the stadium • Definitely something you have to experience at least once ⸻ Nightlife & Bar Scene • The city itself does not offer an overwhelming amount, but: • The bar scene is very lively Typical weekly routine: • Wednesday: Jake’s • Thursday: Tin Roof – $1 cocktails all evening • Friday & Saturday: Five Points (main bar district) • Group Therapy • Breakers Friday After Class at Group Therapy (Five Points) → In my opinion, the best party in South Carolina ⸻ Traveling During the Semester The semester is perfect for traveling — highly recommended. Day or weekend trips: • Savannah • Charleston Miami is relatively close and very affordable to reach. Friends of ours also traveled to Mexico and Guatemala. We personally traveled to Nashville, the West Coast, Michigan, and Miami. ⸻ Conclusion If you are already in the United States, you should use the semester to travel as much as possible and truly explore the country. The combination of: • Relaxed academic workload • Strong campus life • Extensive travel opportunities makes the exchange semester at USC truly special and unforgettable.

6. Testimonial

My exchange at the University of South Carolina was the absolute American college experience and truly the best time of my life. I met incredible people from all over the world, enjoyed great weather until the very end of the semester, and experienced a perfect balance of a relaxed academic workload and an unforgettable social life. Between campus events, traveling, and celebrating together, this exchange was an absolute dream I would choose again without hesitation.