Details

• Indonesia
• BaWiSo-19
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

Something that I wish I did is to start preparing early and research partner universities carefully. Don’t focus only on rankings, consider course options, semester dates, costs, and cultural fit. Attending info sessions and talking to former exchange students can be very helpful and you can get a lot of insights from them. Also really important is to double-check all deadlines and required documents to avoid unnecessary issues, such as visa, insurance and vaccines( which I advise you to look into 6 month before you leave). Learning about the local culture and daily life beforehand made my transition to Indonesia much easier. For travel, compare flight options early and try to arrive a few days before orientation to adjust. Pack thoughtfully( don't overpack, you can find a lot of things there) and stay flexible, preparation helps, but being open-minded is key to making the most of the exchange experience. Also really important for girls; there are no tampons in Indonesia, only pads.

2. Accommodation

I had the number of a guy who rents accommodation for exchange students and the majority of people live in the vilas rented from him. I recommend you to get a shared vila because is easier like that to meet people and not feel alone. Most of the vilas are around 20 min away from uni, which is pretty convenient and the area is safe. I never felt unsafe while I was in Indonesia. If you need the number of the guy feel free to email me : h12215678@s.wu.ac.at

3. Academic life at host university

The campus offered good facilities, but it felt larger and less structured than WU, so I recommend arriving early on the first day to find your classrooms and get oriented. There was also a dress code requiring students to come to university in appropriate, modest attire, which was different from the more casual atmosphere at WU and worth preparing for in advance. Teaching styles were often more interactive and relationship-based, with a lot of presentations and assignments. Regarding course choices, I particularly enjoyed Central Banking and Cooperative Economics, which were both engaging and offered perspectives that complemented my studies at WU. Overall, I recommend choosing courses that expose you to topics or approaches you wouldn’t typically experience at home, as this adds the most value to the exchange.

5. Every day life in the host country

Daily life in Indonesia differed from Vienna and required some adjustment. Public transport was limited, so ride-hailing apps or scooters were common ways to get around. I generally felt safe, but staying aware of my surroundings and taking basic precautions was important. There were plenty of opportunities for social and leisure activities, including exploring local culture, food, and nearby travel destinations with other students. Informal events and gatherings were common, and sports facilities and outdoor activities were accessible on or around campus. Students could also join sports clubs. I personally joined the tennis club, which was a great way to meet people and stay active.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester in Indonesia was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and grow both academically and personally. What made it special were the people I met, the cultural immersion, and the chance to experience a completely different way of studying and living. Exploring the region while building international friendships made this semester one of the highlights of my time at university.