Details

• United States of America
• BBE-18
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

I would recommend starting the preparation process as early as possible, especially regarding visa documents, housing, and course selection. Emory and WU both provided helpful information, but some administrative steps still took time and required careful planning. Book tickets early

2. Accommodation

I stayed in private accommodation that I found through the Emory Housing website. In my experience, staying off campus was significantly cheaper than living in university housing. However, most of the student life, events, and social activities at Emory take place on campus, so living on campus can make it much easier to fully experience campus life and meet other students.

3. Academic life at host university

Academic life at Emory University was very diverse and flexible. One of the things I appreciated most was the wide variety of courses available. Students are not limited to business-related classes and can also choose courses from other schools and departments, including arts, humanities, and many other fields. This made it possible to explore interests outside of my main area of study and experience a more interdisciplinary academic environment.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life in the U.S., and especially in Atlanta, was very different from life in Vienna. Public transportation was quite limited, so in many situations students had to rely on Uber or other rideshare services. In addition, Emory University is not located directly in downtown Atlanta, so there can be significant distances between places, which makes transportation less convenient without a car. Emory’s shuttle system was still helpful for getting around campus and nearby areas. In terms of safety, the Emory campus generally felt safe and well-maintained. However, like in any large U.S. city, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night or when traveling farther from campus. There were many social and leisure activities available throughout the semester. Emory has a very active student life with clubs, networking events, cultural activities, and student organizations. The university also offers excellent sports facilities, including gyms, fitness centers, and sports halls. Overall, there were many opportunities to meet people and get involved both academically and socially.

6. Testimonial

My exchange at Emory University was an incredibly valuable experience both academically and personally. What made it especially memorable was the combination of a strong campus community, diverse academic opportunities, and the chance to experience everyday student life in the U.S. I especially enjoyed meeting people from different backgrounds, exploring courses outside my main field of study, and being part of such an active campus environment. Overall, the exchange helped me grow more independent, adaptable, and open-minded.