Details

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

1. Preparation

To prepare successfully for a semester abroad at WU, students should be clear about their goals early, as this makes the application process easier. Maintaining strong grades from the beginning is essential, as academic performance significantly improves selection chances. It is also important to carefully research partner universities and choose one that fits individual priorities, such as guaranteed housing, which can be crucial in large cities. Having contacts or support in the host region is helpful. Additionally, students should be open-minded, proactive, and willing to meet new people by attending international and networking events at WU. Finally, thoroughly understanding the application requirements and program structure is critical to ensure a smooth process.

2. Accommodation

When preparing for a semester abroad, it is essential to decide early what type of housing suits you best (on-campus vs. private accommodation). In countries like the U.S., living on campus is common and highly recommended, especially for exchange students, as it makes social integration much easier. Choosing universities that offer guaranteed housing significantly reduces stress during the preparation phase. At University of Georgia, on-campus housing was well organized for exchange students, with several dormitory options available. Living on campus provides advantages such as proximity to dining halls, sports facilities, and reliable bus connections, as well as better opportunities to meet international students. In terms of location and safety, campus housing is convenient and secure, and overall costs are reasonable compared to larger cities. A key tip is to prioritize on-campus housing and remain flexible, as room availability can change closer to the semester start.

3. Academic life at host university

Academic life at the host university was largely comparable to WU Vienna in terms of course content and workload, although experiences strongly depend on the specific course and professor. Courses at the host institution, such as business, management, finance, and risk management, were generally well structured and manageable, with some perceived as less demanding than those in Vienna. Teaching staff were approachable, with open office hours and a supportive attitude toward students. The academic system allowed for flexible scheduling (e.g., concentrating classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays), which made it easier to balance coursework, travel, and student life. Continuous assessment meant that starting coursework early was essential to reduce stress later in the semester. Campus infrastructure and course planning supported an active student lifestyle, and group work and classroom seating patterns encouraged early social interaction. Overall, the academic culture was similar to WU Vienna but more informal, with a strong emphasis on participation, openness, and steady engagement from the beginning of the semester.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life at the host location was convenient, safe, and highly engaging. In Athens, public transport on campus was free and operated via university buses, which made daily commuting easy. While there was no direct train connection from Atlanta airport to Athens, shuttle services provided a reliable alternative. The city felt safe, with a strong and visible police presence at state, county, and city levels. Leisure and social activities were a major highlight. University of Georgia offers outstanding sports facilities, including a large gym, swimming pools, courts for various sports, and even fencing. Students could participate in recreational sports, join team sports, or simply stay active through running and cycling. Beyond sports, there were numerous student clubs, academic and social events, startup-related activities, guest speakers, and cultural initiatives. College sports played a central role in student life, especially American football, with games attracting over 90,000 spectators and providing an authentic U.S. college experience. Additionally, Athens has a vibrant nightlife, a high density of bars, and a strong fraternity and sorority culture, making social life very active. Overall, everyday life offered a wide range of opportunities, encouraging students to socialize, stay active, and fully immerse themselves in American college culture

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester at the University of Georgia was an outstanding and unforgettable experience. What started as a strategic decision for guaranteed housing turned into an immersion in a vibrant Southern campus culture, strong academics, and an exceptional student lifestyle. As part of an SEC university, UGA offers an unmatched college sports atmosphere, especially American football, combined with excellent weather, welcoming people, and endless opportunities to stay active and social. Athens itself provided incredible sports facilities, nightlife, and a close-knit campus community, while Atlanta’s connectivity made traveling across the U.S. easy and memorable. I made friends effortlessly, stayed active every day, traveled extensively, and truly felt part of American college life. Looking back, there is nothing I would change about this experience—it exceeded all expectations.