Details

• United States of America
• BBE-18
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

join exchange group chats and start preparation early (visa, courses, accommodaction, finances)

2. Accommodation

I lived in an off-campus student accommodation with pretty nice amenities such as a pool and gym. I found the accommodation through Facebook groups, which I would highly recommend for finding sublease rooms/ apartments. The location was very convenient and safe, only about 5 minutes walking distance from the Terry College of Business (where I had all of my classes). But the free UGA bus system made it easy to get around campus and Athens. Living there was also a great way to meet new people, especially American students, since most residents were UGA students.

3. Academic life at host university

My academic life at UGA was very different compared to WU Vienna. I took some advanced finance courses, which were quite demanding. In each course we had 4 exams throughout the semester as well as presentations and assignments, so there was continuous work and preparation required. I had classes every day, which meant less free time than expected. Therefore, I would recommend informing yourself in advance about the workload and difficulty of the courses. However, the professors were very supportive and approachable. I also noticed that the teaching style in the US is much more practice-oriented, as professors strongly focus on preparing students for the real working world and teaching practical knowledge.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life at UGA was very exciting, with many university events and sports activities throughout the semester. Even though it was not football season, attending basketball, baseball, and softball games was a great experience. The campus also offered tennis and pickleball courts, and the free UGA bus system made transportation very easy. Downtown Athens was lively and there was always something going on, including festivals during my stay. Overall, Athens is a smaller college town with a strong student atmosphere, although I personally prefer living in a larger city.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester at the University of Georgia was an unforgettable experience where I met many amazing people and created memories that will stay with me for a long time. The people truly made the exchange special, so I would recommend being open-minded and social from the beginning. I especially enjoyed experiencing American college life, attending sports events and meeting students from many different backgrounds. Americans were generally very welcoming and approachable, which made it easy to connect with others quickly.