Details

• United States of America
• BBE-18
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

While preparing for my exchange semester I found it very helpful to connect with fellow exchange students from WU in advance. I highly recommend utilizing the contact details provided by WU to reach out to your future exchange companions. Coordinating flights and navigating the visa application process together not only makes the preparation process easier but also creates a sense of security when organizing your travel to the US. Regarding travel arrangements, I personally flew to Atlanta Airport and took an Uber form there to the university. Unfortunately, public transport in Atlanta is limited and not very efficient, so arranging private transportation is often the most convenient option. I also strongly recommend booking your flights as soon as you receive your visa. Flight prices can increase rapdily and booking early helps ensure you secure the most affordable fares.

2. Accommodation

I began searching for accommodation on campus early on and decided that for me as an exchange student a student dorm would be the best option. The application process was quite stressful as it opened only three times at a specific time and date and available rooms filled up quickly. As a result I ended up applying for a dorm without much prior information about it. In the end I was assigned a single room within a four-bedroom apartment. The residence was located on Clairmont Campus, just a short bus ride from the main campus. Emory runs there own buses which you can use for free to get around campus. I always felt very safe there and greatly enjoyed the available facilities, including a small gym, a park, a pool as well as paddleball and tennis courts.

3. Academic life at host university

The Emory Campus is very beautiful and offers a wide range of facilities, including several dining halls, cafes, a gym, a swimming pool and libraries. I noticed that the academic culture is more goal-oriented comared to Austria. Students frequently talk about internships and career opportunities and are highly motivated to perform at their best. Compared to WU I felt that the courses were taught in a much more enthusiastic and engaging manner. Many professors come directly from professional practice, which means that teaching often incorporates real-life experiences, case studies and practical insights. I can highly recommend the M&A course if you are interested in the topic. Although it was challenigng it was taught exceptionally well and provided valuable practical insights into real-world transactions. Two other courses I took, Negotiations and Macroeconomics, are courses I recommend if you are looking for classes with relatively low workload. The Data Analytics with Coding course was highly interesting in terms of content, however, it was unfortunately not taught in a very engaging manner. Nevertheless, if you are interested in learning the basics of Python, I would still recommend this course.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transportation in the US is generally limited and this is especially true in Atlanta, where I found it to be difficult to get around without a car. I would therefore recommend discussing the possiblity of buying a car together with other exchange students. My friends and I ended up spending a significant amount of money on Uber rides and purchasing a car might actually be more cost effective. The campus itself is very safe, however, as in any large city, Atlanta has both safe and less safe areas. I recommend to inform yourself in advance about which neighborhoods you should visit and which ones are better avoided. Campus life offers a vibrant social environment with many events organized by student clubs as well as the university itself. As mentioned earlier, Emory provides excellent sports facilities, including a gym, basketball and soccer courts, tennis and paddleball courts, swimming pools, yoga classes and many more.

6. Testimonial

The best part of my exchange was the people I met along the way. I became part of a large group of international students and we grew very close during our time in the US. Together we traveld to the West Coast, Miami, New York, Boston, Nashville and many other destinations. The memories we created on those trips and throughout the semester are ones I will cherish forever.