Kategorie: ‘Other’
My semester abroad in Chile, Valparaíso
- Business Administration and Engineering: Civil Engineering B.Sc.
- Chile, Valparaíso
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
- 07/2025 – 12/2025
Before the stay
The application process went smoothly, but the final confirmation from the host university arrived relatively late, just two and a half months before the start of the semester abroad. Due to the late confirmation, I did not apply for a visa but entered the country on a 90-day tourist visa and then left the country after three months for some days (a 10-hour bus ride to Argentina), which was very straightforward and is what most exchange students did.
The language requirement was B2 in Spanish, which I was able to prove through the RWTH Language Centre.
Arrival in the host country
©International Office
I lived with a Chilean host family for the first month, which I can highly recommend if you want to arrive in a relaxed manner, but it is of course more expensive than a shared flat. After that I moved to a shared flat with Chilean students I got to know in the first month. A week before lectures began, the PUCV organised an orientation week for us, which was very well structured and provided interesting insights into the culture and helpful information about safety, the university and the peculiarities of Chilean Spanish.
It also provided an opportunity to meet other exchange students and make friends. During the first few weeks, I did a lot with the other exchange students, as we all wanted to get to know the area and didn’t have much to do for university yet.
Academic Experience
During orientation week, everyone had a personal meeting with the coordinator to finalise their course selection based on the timetable.
©International Office
I successfully completed four of my five courses (14 CP) and was able to get Massivbau 1 and Operations Research credited at RWTH. I dropped the fifth course because it built on a course I hadn’t taken in Germany. Overall, it was quite a challenge due to a lack of prior knowledge in some areas because Chilean Spanish (even that spoken by the professors) is not so easy to understand. However, my Chilean fellow students were very open and helpful, so I was able to keep up well everywhere and, over time, it became easier for me to understand everything. Compared to Germany, the system is definitely much more school-like, with obligatory attendance, group work, tests and mid-term exams. If you do well there, you often don’t even have to take the final exam. If you choose a lot of courses, you should definitely be prepared for the university to take up a lot of your time during the semester, but the exam period is significantly shorter than at RWTH.
Overall, I was very satisfied with my university, as the support for exchange students was very good and the professors were very accommodating when problems arose. I also found the atmosphere in class very pleasant, as the courses are much smaller (max. 30 people) and the relationship with the professors is very relaxed. There were very few other exchange students in the engineering faculty, as most of them go to Santa Maria University, but this made it easier for me to socialise with my Chilean fellow students, who were very interested in getting to know an exchange student. The group work definitely helps with this too.
Tips for interested students
©International Office
If you want to live in a shared flat, it is a good idea to stay in a hostel at first and then view shared flats on site to get a better impression of the condition of the flat and the location. There are lots of offers on the compartodepto website, most of which are available immediately.
Although my university was in Valparaíso, I lived in Viña del Mar, as it is much easier to get to the beach there and it is also much safer than Valparaíso, especially at night. However, if you want the full South American experience, I would recommend living in Valparaíso, as it is much livelier and more colourful. Nevertheless, if you want to move to one of the hills, you should find out about safety beforehand.
In general, criminality is kind of a problem in Valparaiso, but if you listen to the tips of the locals and e. g. do not walk alone in the streets at night and take care of your valuables, you don’t have to worry.
©International Office
Valparaíso and Viña del Mar have a lot to offer in terms of leisure activities. I especially enjoyed being so close to the beach. On Fridays and Saturdays in particular, exchange students often had the opportunity to go to clubs for free. I really liked the Dichere event (formerly MundoLingo), which took place every Wednesday evening in a bar in Viña, where you had the opportunity to meet other exchange students and Chileans.
The university also offered fun activities, I participated for example in a traditional dance class.
In Concon, you can go surfing for little money, and the conditions are usually good for beginners. Other cool places to visit nearby are the botanical garden, the Cerro Alegre district and the dunes of Concon. Special highlights for me were the national holiday on 18 September, which is celebrated extensively in Chile (all through September) and the New Year’s Eve fireworks over the sea. I would also highly recommend travelling to both the north (Atacama desert) and south (Patagonia) of Chile, but you need to plan enough time for this due to the distances involved.
Finances
For the first month, I lived with a host family on full board for $550, then much cheaper in a shared flat. I received the PROMOS scholarship, which mainly helped me cover the flight costs and health insurance costs. Food in Chile is not much cheaper than in Germany, but leisure activities and single tickets for public transport (less than 1 euro) are. Overall, if you exclude travel, thanks to the scholarship, I managed well with the money I would normally spend in Germany.
Academic value of my stay
From a civil engineering perspective, I found the topic of earthquake-proof construction very interesting, which is why I took a course on it. It was very exciting to experience a few little earthquakes myself and see how well the buildings dampen the movement in reality so that you hardly notice anything. It was also very interesting to see how different the building standards are between Chile and Germany and what impact this has on the calculations.
My Spanish improved enormously during the semester and I also learned many technical terms that are needed in a professional context.
Sustainable character of my stay
In terms of CO2 emissions, the long-haul flight to Chile and back is obviously very harmful, but during my travels through Chile I tried to avoid flying as much as possible and travelled by bus instead, which is really comfortable in Chile!
Personally, the semester had a lasting positive impact on me and helped me mature, as I learned to live outside my comfort zone, adapt to unfamiliar circumstances and solve problems independently.
The Chileans were very open-minded towards me and welcomed me into their groups of friends, which allowed me to make some very good friends and gain a deep insight into the culture. With this new cultural understanding, I can well imagine working in an international context one day, and it gives me a better understanding of how foreigners living in Germany feel.
I have also learned to appreciate the privileges I have in Germany – for example, the freedom to walk around alone at night, the good infrastructure and financial security.
Conclusion
I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to take part in this exchange and get to know a new culture and make new friends. Of course, it was also exhausting to be outside my comfort zone, speaking Spanish all the time and having to adapt to a foreign culture, but it was definitely worth the effort. If I had been able to get more credits for my courses, I could well have imagined staying for a whole year.
My Internship at an Architecture Office in Brussels
- Architecture M.Sc.
- Belgium, Brussels
- Mamout Architects
- 06/2025 – 01/2026
Application/Finding an internship
I chose the city before looking for architecture offices because the place itself was very important to me. After finishing my Bachelor’s, Brussels felt like the perfect next step – it’s close to my hometown, yet offers a completely different language, culture, and atmosphere. I was especially drawn to its multilingual and diverse character, with French and Flemish spoken and many international residents because of the EU institutions. This creates a very inspiring environment with active, creative communities and people working in fields that interest me most. The city is dynamic and always full of life, offering new experiences every day. I discovered most of the architecture offices I applied to through conversations with students who had already gone through the process, which was extremely helpful when I felt unsure and a bit overwhelmed at first. Since Brussels was the only city I seriously considered, I applied to several studios I liked and after a few weeks received an acceptance, which confirmed that choosing Brussels was the right decision for me.
Accomodation & Living expenses
Before I moved to Brussels for my internship, I had a bit of free time and decided to volunteer at a music and cultural festival to help with the setup. Working together on the festival was a great way to meet people quickly and start creating my first memories in the city. It really helped me to make initial contacts, and in the end I even found my first shared apartment in Brussels through these connections. In terms of housing, I would describe Brussels as fairly average for a European capital when it comes to rent prices. Groceries, however, are relatively expensive, which I didn’t fully realize before moving here. Over time, you get to know the city better and discover alternatives, like the local markets, which have a great atmosphere and where you can buy fruit and vegetables for much less than in the supermarket.
Everyday life/ the internship
My everyday life during the week was mainly shaped by my full-time internship. From Monday to Friday, I worked in the office from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., building models, drawing plans, creating 3D models, visiting construction sites, preparing presentations for clients, and enjoying lunch breaks with my colleagues. The office was quite small, with only four employees and one other intern, which was ideal for my first long internship because I quickly understood how everything worked and gained insight into all parts of the projects. The main working language was French, which was challenging for me at first. I often felt unsure in conversations and meetings, but week by week I noticed clear progress. Using a new language every day took a lot of courage, but it also strengthened my self-confidence and made me more open and independent.
Free time/tips
After work and on the weekends, I spent my time exploring the city and meeting new people. From the beginning, living in a shared flat was important to me because it’s the easiest way to make contacts. At the same time, I also enjoyed discovering Brussels on my own, walking through different neighborhoods and getting to know the city at my own pace. Brussels never disappointed me – there is always something going on. It offers a lot of culture, impressive architecture, many young people, and in my opinion a very diverse nightlife scene, which made my time there both exciting and inspiring.
Conclusion
Going to Brussels for my internship was a great decision, and I can honestly say that I learned a lot and also grew personally during my time there. It was very enriching to step out of my comfort zone and experience completely new things. Already during the internship, I realized that eight months in the city would not be enough, because Brussels has so much to offer. I also made some wonderful new friendships that I want to continue developing, and I feel so comfortable here that I would like to do another internship and even my Master’s in the city. After eight months, the city finally feels familiar – I have a routine, a great social environment, and yet I have still barely scratched the surface of everything Brussels has to offer.
©International Office
My research internship at the University of Cambridge
- Chemistry M.Sc.
- United Kingdom, Cambridge
- University of Cambridge
- 10/2025 – 01/2026
Application/Finding an internship
©International Office
At the beginnings of my master’s studies at RWTH, I heard about invaluable experiences and strong recommendations from several students who had gone abroad for university-related stays. Intrigued by these stories, I wanted to combine academically high-impact research with improving my English language skills. Despite the common stereotype about rainy weather, I selected the UK as my host country. As I always have been impressed by the great history of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, I applied to three research groups at these universities by emailing the respective professors. Thereby, it gave me planning reliability to commence with the application process one year in advance to the intended time of the stay abroad. Gratifyingly, after one Zoom meeting with the professor, I was offered a research internship position at the University of Cambridge and was allowed to communicate my preferred research topics. Following the offer, I was confronted with a huge bureaucratic burden. However, helpful assistance and some flexibility regarding English language certificates from the host university simplified the process to some extent.
Accomodation & Living expenses
As far as I understood, living in colleges is rather not amenable to short-term visiting students. Hence, I had to search for private accomodation, some of which was advertised on a website of the university. This lowered the risk of scams, but rents of far more than 1000€ for the advertised accomodations were not affordable. Ultimately, I found a suitable accomodation, including a room, private bathroom, and a convenient distance to the uni, via the website “SpareRoom”. I lived together with my British landlord, which turned out to be a great opportunity for learning more about the (pub) culture and the language.
At the very beginning of my stay I realized that the primary means of transportation in Cambridge is the bicycle. Fortunately, the wide availability of second-hand bikes saved me from spending a fortune on a new one. In my experience, discount stores such as Aldi or Lidl are the most convenient options for grocery shopping at prices comparable to those in Germany.
Everyday life / the internship
During the week, I worked at the chemistry department, usually from 9:30 until 18:00. Without strictly fixed working hours, I could call it a day at my own discretion. After long days at work, I normally limited my activities to cooking or going to a gym near my accomodation.
I greatly enjoyed my work in the chemistry department due to the diverse combination of laboratory and office tasks, as well as frequent meetings. Contrarily to my experience with previous research projects conducted in germany, I worked quite independently on the project assigned to me. Initially, this felt unaccustomed, but over time I became increasingly comfortable planning and conducting experiments based on my own ideas. Furthermore, I could always consult my supervisor, and the group members were very supportive, especially in the beginning. Another surprising difference compared to germany, was my strong integration into academic discussions during group meetings. Throughout my stay, I presented my ideas and results every two weeks in a subgroup meeting and twice in the weekly group meeting. This helped me improving my english abilities and my academic communication skills in general.
©International Office
The research group consisted of many interesting personalities from different countries, rendering the group highly international. Since several new members joined the group around the same time as I did, we often shared similar questions and challenges. With the great assistance from experienced members, a group dynamic developed, leading to several evenings spent in pubs, visits to the Christmas market, as well as a trip to London. As a result, the atmosphere in both the laboratory and the office was very pleasant, friendly, and, especially, funny.
Free time / tips
Free time was mostly constrained to the weekends, during which I explored the centre of Cambridge and its impressive college buildings together with friends from the working group or visiting friends and family from Germany. In this regard, I strongly recommend booking a punting tour, during which a guide propels a small wooden boat along the River Cam by pushing a long pole against the riverbed while explaining aspects of the colleges’ history. Further adventures I undertook were trips to Oxford and London. The skyscraper scenery combined with historic landmarks such as the Palace of Westminster, the prominent Elizabeth Tower, and the Buckingham Palace, made the trip to London more than worthwhile. As a tip, the view from Sky Garden – London’s highest public garden at a height of 160 meters – is breathtaking, and, even better, access to the skyscraper is free of charge! Also, visiting the Tower Bridge by entering the towers and the former engine room was a highlight.
©International Office
Conclusion
All in all, it was an invaluable experience and great opportunity to foster both my academic and personal development. From an academic view, I worked independently on a research project, presented my ideas and experimental results in several meetings, and improved my english language abilities as aimed for. Personally, I made new friends from all over the world, experienced the beauty of Cambridge and London, and broadened my horizons by getting in touch with diverse cultures. I am very grateful for the support provided by Erasmus, enabling an adventure I will never forget.
My research stay at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Anna Nießen (anna.niessen@hrm.rwth-aachen.de)
- PhD Candidate for Economics
- USA, Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- 08/2025 – 01/2026
Preparation and organization of the stay
The preparation of the research stay was smooth and well organized. Together with my doctoral supervisor at RWTH Aachen University, I contacted a distinguished professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee via email. I was familiar with his work from numerous academic publications, including several joint papers with German scholars. He responded very positively and was highly supportive, which made arranging the research visit straightforward.
Following his invitation, I applied for and obtained a J-1 visa. The language requirement for the visa process was limited to providing proof of at least a B2 level in English. Health insurance was a required component of the stay; I chose ISO Health Insurance to meet this requirement. Throughout the preparation process, the Center for International Education at the host university, as well as the secretariat of the Economics Department, provided valuable guidance and administrative support.
Accommodation was arranged through the host university’s housing services, and I was able to stay as an external guest in a one-bedroom apartment in one of the university residence halls. I booked the flights several months in advance, from Frankfurt to Milwaukee.
Shortly before departure, I finalized additional arrangements, such as organizing a mobile phone plan, obtaining a suitable power adapter, obtaining US Dollars and ensuring access to a credit card. Overall, the administrative and logistical preparation for the research stay was efficient and well supported.
First steps after arrival in host country
I arrived in the host country at the end of July, taking advantage of the possibility to enter up to 30 days before the official start of the research stay. This allowed me to adjust to the time difference and become familiar with the city.
Statue on Milwaukee River Walk
©International Office
During the first days, I stayed in an Airbnb apartment before moving into Kenilworth Square, one of the university residence halls. The accommodation there was of very high quality. I lived on the seventh (top) floor and had a view of Lake Michigan. The apartment was quiet, well equipped and provided all essential household items, including kitchen utensils. In addition, a 24/7 service desk was available.
Shortly after arrival, I explored the university campus and discovered that a free shuttle bus operates between Kenilworth Square and the main campus. I was able to use this service after obtaining a student card at the Student Union. I also completed the required registration at the Center for International Education.
Before officially starting my research stay on August 1, I had the opportunity to meet my supervising professor for a meal, which provided a welcoming and informal introduction to the host institution and helped establish a productive working relationship from the outset.
Academic/professional experience
I was not formally enrolled as an employee or PhD student at the host university and therefore did not have to pay any tuition or enrollment fees. The Economics Department consisted of approximately 15 professors and 15 PhD students. Interestingly, there were also three other permanent German PhD students present through an exchange program with the University of Giessen.
I was provided with my own office. I was allowed to attend the economics courses, including both classes taught by fellow PhD students and PhD-level courses led by faculty professors. In particular, I found the quality of the PhD courses to be very high. The courses emphasized interactive teaching methods, including quizzes, incentives for active class participation (e.g., bonus assignments) and innovative exam formats.
During my stay, I worked closely with my supervising professor on two research papers in the area of performance pay. We met regularly to discuss progress, which made the collaboration highly productive. I also had frequent and productive exchanges with other PhD students about our research. Overall, the department fostered a very supportive and collegial research environment and I experienced a strong sense of cooperation and mutual assistance among faculty and doctoral researchers.
Me during my EconClub Presentation
©International Office
The department also offered a vibrant academic seminar culture. Weekly Wednesday “labor lunch talks” allowed PhD students to present their research; I presented one of my RWTH research projects in this forum. In addition, a Friday seminar series regularly invited external researchers to present their work. Beyond academic seminars, the university hosted numerous professional and career-oriented events. For example, a representative from the Milwaukee Bucks’ data analytics department gave an insightful talk about applied data work in professional sports.
During my stay, an Economics Club was founded, and I participated in its biweekly meetings. Toward the end of my visit, I gave a presentation about RWTH Aachen University and my research group in this Economics Club, comparing academic structures and research environments between RWTH and UWM.
On a personal level, I found the academic community to be exceptionally welcoming. I developed close friendships with fellow PhD students and we frequently engaged in both academic and social activities together. The widely held view that people in the US Midwest are particularly friendly was strongly reflected in my experience.
Financing
The overall costs associated with the research stay were manageable but higher than typical living expenses in Germany. Expenses related to the visa application, health insurance and administrative requirements amounted to approximately USD 500. Round-trip flight tickets cost around USD 800.
Transportation costs were relatively low due to the availability of a free university shuttle and complimentary UWM taxi services after 6 p.m. As a result, I only occasionally purchased public bus tickets to travel to downtown Milwaukee, which cost USD 2.75 per trip.
Housing represented the largest expense. I paid USD 2,100 per month (including utilities) for my apartment at Kenilworth Square. This rate was relatively high because I stayed as an external guest; official PhD students typically pay around USD 700 per month for comparable university housing. In addition, longer-term rental options in the private market, especially unfurnished one-bedroom apartments, are available at significantly lower prices (approximately starting from USD 1,000 per month including utilities).
In general, the cost of living in the US is higher than in Germany, although Milwaukee is considered a comparatively affordable city within the US. Food expenses were noticeably higher than at home. I frequently shopped at Whole Foods, with Pick ‘n Save serving as a somewhat more affordable alternative nearby. Grocery shopping often amounted to around USD 50 for a small number of items. However, the university provided a food pantry, where students could obtain free groceries up to three times per month. Eating out can be relatively inexpensive when using fast-food options. I spent several hundred dollars per month on leisure activities, although many free or low-cost recreational opportunities were available in the city and on campus.
To support my stay, I received € 3,000 through the RWTH Research Ambassador Program.
Leisure
Milwaukee offers a wide range of leisure and cultural opportunities. Before my stay, I had not fully realized how much the city has to offer, but I found it to be a vibrant and, in my view, underrated destination. The city features several sandy beaches along Lake Michigan, beautiful parks and notable cultural attractions such as the Harley-Davidson Museum and the Milwaukee Art Museum. I particularly enjoyed exploring local cafés, cinemas, the Milwaukee Public Market and various farmers’ markets and festivals such as the German Fest or the Summer Music Fest.
Sports and live entertainment are also a major part of the city’s culture. The Milwaukee Bucks play at the Fiserv Forum, which regularly hosts both NBA games and concerts. The city is also home to the Milwaukee Brewers, who reached the semifinals of the MLB during my stay. One of my more unique experiences was visiting a shooting range with a fellow PhD student and watching an IndyCar race. Joe Cat’s is a popular bar on Brady Street, one of Milwaukee’s main nightlife areas. Water Street also offers many lively venues for going out. The university provided many free recreational opportunities, including billiards, bowling, gaming facilities and a fully equipped fitness center with a gym, basketball court, swimming pool, racquetball courts and group exercise rooms. Wisconsin itself has strong German cultural influences and is well known for its breweries, beer culture, cheese curds and frozen custard.
Me in Lambeau Field, Green Bay
©International Office
Milwaukee’s location makes it convenient for regional travel. Chicago in Illinois is less than two hours away by train, and I visited several times to experience its architecture and the river walk. I also traveled with a fellow PhD student to Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, where we explored the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, its impressive sports facilities and the State Capitol building. Additionally, I took a train trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota to explore the city. Toward the end of my stay, I traveled with another PhD student to Green Bay to visit the Packers stadium, and then to Door County, known for its scenic parks and charming small towns.
The climate in Milwaukee is quite extreme. Winters are very cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping to around -25°C on several days, making it very suitable for winter sports. In contrast, summers are warmer than in Germany, and the city feels especially vibrant after the long winter months.
I also traveled with my boyfriend to the Rocky Mountains and the East Coast during a two-week summer vacation, and spent Christmas and New Year’s Eve with my great-aunt’s family in Seattle. Flights within the US are usually inexpensive and there is so much to see, so I highly recommend traveling.
What added value did the stay have for my studies/career prospects?
The research stay significantly strengthened my academic profile by expanding my international research experience, deepening my expertise in labor economics and leading to productive research collaborations, including joint papers. It also broadened my professional network and improved my ability to work in an international research environment, which will be highly beneficial for my future career.
Beyond my personal career development, the stay contributes to society by fostering international knowledge exchange and strengthening research ties between German and US institutions. By sharing my experiences and research results with colleagues and students at RWTH and UWM, I help transfer knowledge and encourage future international academic cooperation.
To what extent does my stay abroad have a sustainable character?
The stay has a strong sustainable impact, as it led to long-term academic collaborations and personal connections that will continue beyond the visit. I plan to maintain close research ties with my supervising professor and to pursue further joint projects with PhD students at the host institution. In addition, the friendships I built and the continued exchange with colleagues foster lasting international networks. These ongoing collaborations support sustained knowledge transfer and contribute to long-term cooperation between RWTH and UWM.
Conclusion
Overall, my research stay was an extremely rewarding experience. I learned a great deal, both academically and personally, and had the opportunity to meet many inspiring and talented people. Living in Milwaukee was very enjoyable. I am confident that I will return in the future and continue meeting with the people I connected with during my stay. I would like to sincerely thank my supervisor and his wife for their support and hospitality throughout my stay.
My Research Stay at Stanford University
- PhD Candidate for Product Engineering of E-Mobility Components
- USA, Stanford
- Stanford University
- 06/2025 – 11/2025
Preparation and organization of the stay
I am currently a fourth-year PhD candidate at the PEM at RWTH Aachen University. From early on in my academic career, it was a clear personal and professional goal to spend part of my doctoral studies abroad. During my Master’s degree, this plan could not be realized due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which made international research stays largely impossible at the time.
©International Office
As a result, I continuously sought opportunities later on and remained in close exchange with professors and group leaders from relevant research groups in the United States. These discussions helped me sharpen my research interests and identify potential host institutions. Ultimately, a combination of persistence and good fortune led to an exciting opportunity at Stanford University, where I was offered a visiting research stay within the STEER research group.
Following the initial contact, the process moved forward very quickly, and I received an official invitation from Stanford. A particularly positive aspect was the excellent administrative support on the host side: a dedicated contact person at the department guided me through all formalities, including visa-related questions and institutional requirements. This support significantly reduced the bureaucratic burden and made the overall process smooth and manageable.
In parallel, I applied early for on-campus housing through Stanford’s internal housing lottery system. Although I was not allocated permanent housing through this route, I was able to secure two consecutive sublets directly on campus. This required some flexibility and a bit of luck, but it was strongly facilitated by an active and supportive German community at Stanford. In this context, I can highly recommend joining relevant community groups or chat channels, as they are extremely helpful for housing, administrative questions, and general orientation.
Regarding financing, a small portion of the travel and stay expenses could be covered through my research project, with explicit support from the project sponsor. Institutionally, the entire stay was handled as an extended business trip, which simplified internal approval processes and reimbursement procedures.
Overall, the preparation phase required initiative and coordination but was greatly eased by strong institutional support on both sides, proactive networking, and early planning – especially with respect to housing and administrative requirements.
First steps after arrival in host country
My stay effectively started immediately after arrival. I was able to move directly into my sublet room, which was located on campus at Stanford University. This proved to be extremely convenient, as it allowed for very short walking distances to all relevant facilities, including offices, laboratories, and shared infrastructure.
Since I was not enrolled as a regular student, I did not have to select or attend any courses. Instead, I was able to start my research activities in the host research group right away, without any delay. Administrative formalities, such as obtaining a student or visiting researcher ID card and access credentials, were handled very efficiently and could be completed within a single day.
One practical recommendation that cannot be overstated is to obtain a bicycle as early as possible. University campuses in the United States are typically very large and spatially cohesive. Compared to Aachen, distances are significantly longer, and daily mobility without a bike is impractical. A bicycle quickly became an essential part of everyday life and greatly improved flexibility and efficiency on campus.
Academic experience
I was officially registered as a Visiting Student Researcher at Stanford University. In this status, I was neither required nor formally allowed to enroll in regular courses for credit. However, in coordination with the respective principal investigators, it was possible to sit in on lectures and attend courses informally. I would strongly recommend making use of this opportunity, even if it is not mandatory.
The teaching quality at a university like Stanford is exceptionally high. Courses are very well structured, clearly motivated, and highly engaging. Beyond their academic value, some lectures are also extremely beneficial from a personal and professional development perspective. A particularly striking example was the course “Personal Finance for Engineers”. The way financial literacy, personal finance, and investment strategies are taught to engineering students is exemplary and forward-looking. This is an area that, in my view, should receive significantly more emphasis in engineering education in Germany as well.
In terms of social and academic integration, the German community at Stanford plays an important role. It is the second-largest international community on campus, which made integration very easy. I was warmly welcomed and quickly connected with like-minded people, both academically and socially. This network not only facilitated everyday life but also enabled valuable exchanges on research, career paths, and life in the US more broadly.
Overall, despite not being formally enrolled in courses, the academic exposure, high-quality teaching environment, and strong community integration resulted in a highly enriching professional and personal experience.
Financing
The research stay was financed primarily through private means, supplemented by funding from my ongoing research project and the support of the RWTH Ambassador Scholarship. This combination made it possible to cover the essential costs associated with the stay, including travel, insurance, and part of the living expenses.
It comes as no surprise that private universities in the United States – and especially in the Bay Area – are associated with very high costs. As a visiting researcher, I was required to pay a monthly university fee. In addition, general living expenses, particularly for food and daily necessities, are significantly higher than in Germany. Housing costs also represent a substantial share of the overall budget, even when living in shared or sublet accommodations.
Nevertheless, the stay is absolutely manageable from a financial perspective with appropriate planning and funding support. More importantly, it should be viewed as a strategic investment in one’s own education and professional development. The return on this investment – through academic exposure, international experience, networking, and personal growth – is exceptionally high and, in my assessment, clearly justifies the associated costs.
Leisure
©International Office
California is, quite simply, breathtaking. This is often said – but experiencing it firsthand truly confirms it. The diversity of landscapes along the US West Coast is remarkable, ranging from dramatic coastlines and deserts to mountains and forests. Combined with the consistently pleasant climate throughout most of the year, California offers exceptional conditions for outdoor and leisure activities.
One absolute highlight – and a clear recommendation for anyone spending time in the region – is visiting the national parks. They are unique on a global scale and offer experiences that are difficult to compare with anything in Europe. In particular, trips to Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and the Grand Canyon are strongly recommended. Each of these parks is distinctive in its own way – whether through scale, geology, climate, or biodiversity – and all are truly unforgettable.
What added value did the stay have for my career prospects?
For me personally, the stay was particularly valuable due to the different working culture and the strong attention to detail within the host research group at Stanford University. The way research questions were approached – often with a high level of precision, openness, and constructive discussion – was both refreshing and intellectually stimulating.
The people I worked with were, without exception, highly interesting personalities with very diverse and inspiring backgrounds. This diversity of perspectives significantly enriched daily research interactions and broadened my own way of thinking. Beyond the immediate academic collaboration, one of the most lasting outcomes of the stay is the international network that emerged and continues to exist beyond the exchange itself.
At the same time, the exchange was not a one-way transfer. Through my own research background and prior project experience, I was able to contribute concrete technical expertise and practical insights to the group on site. This mutual exchange of knowledge and perspectives was a key strength of the stay.
On a broader level, California and Germany share more similarities than is often assumed, particularly with regard to innovation-driven industries and technology ecosystems. This is especially true in my field of work, the battery industry, where comparable ambitions exist in terms of sustainability, industrial scaling, and technological leadership. Many of the approaches, mindsets, and organizational structures observed in California offer valuable learnings that should be examined more closely and, where appropriate, adapted for application in Germany.
Especially in the current politically turbulent times, it is becoming increasingly important to identify partners with shared values and to strengthen cooperation with regions such as California. Building closer ties in strategically relevant technology fields can help enhance resilience, innovation capacity, and long-term competitiveness – benefiting both individual researchers and society as a whole.
To what extent does my stay abroad have a sustainable character?
The stay abroad has a clearly sustainable character, as the exchange of experience and knowledge extends well beyond the physical duration of the visit. The professional and personal connections established during the stay continue to enable ongoing scientific dialogue, informal consultation, and mutual learning over time.
Conclusion
I can wholeheartedly recommend such an exchange stay to anyone considering it. Despite the organizational and financial challenges involved, the personal and professional benefits clearly outweigh the costs. One should not be discouraged by the financial effort required – when viewed in the context of long-term career development, the investment is more than justified.
My Internship at Bosch Cooperation in Tranås
- Chemical Engineering M.Sc.
- Sweden, Tranås
- Bosch Cooperation
- 03/2024 – 08/2024
Application & Finding an Internship
A fellow student told me about her internship at a company in Tranås, Sweden. There, the company develops and researches all kinds of heat pumps, utilizing power from the mountain, the water, or the air. On the company website, I found several open positions in different departments starting in spring 2024. I applied for a few positions and quickly received their answers. After 2 interviews, I got the internship position in the engineering department, which is working on the reliability of the components in the refrigerant circuit of the heat pump.
Accomodation & Living Expenses
The company is located in Tranås, a small city in the prince Småland in Sweden. I was accommodated with other international interns and thesis students in a hotel directly next to the lake Sommen. Every intern had their own private room and bathroom.The living room, kitchen, Office and laundry room was shared with the other interns. There was also a gym and sauna in the hotel, which we were allowed to use. It took about 10 minutes to drive from the hotel to the city center of Tranås and about 15 minutes to the company. We were provided with 2 cars and 1 van for us interns to drive to work, grocery shopping and other activities. It was also possible to rent company bikes, which was especially nice in the summer.
The provision of accommodation and cars simplified the preparation for the internship a lot, because I didn’t had to look for apartments abroad. Living with 13 other international interns and students, it was easy to settle in and find friends. I really enjoyed living with so many people from different countries and cultures. We often cooked dinner together and spent the evenings on the terrace enjoying the sunset over the lake together.
Everyday Life & The Internship
For my internship contract I had to work 40 hours per week, usually from 7:30 am in the morning until 4:30 pm in the afternoon with a 1-hour lunchbreak. The interns were allowed to work flexible hours and arrange their working hours themselves. During my time at the company, I worked with my supervisor on 3 big, different topics. I was able to get deep into the different topics, apply my knowledge from university and get some work experience.
The working culture in Sweden is non-hierarchical. Everyone is approached just with their first name, regardless of their title, age or status in the company. This is also reflected in the casual dress code at the office. Managers and workers are both working in comfortable and convenient clothing like jeans and sweatshirts. It is also worth mentioning that the Swedes have a very high sense of duty and connection towards their work, their team and the company. Therefore, they are often proudly wearing clothing with the company logo. Important decisions are not only made by senior managers or executives, but everyone on their team is also included in the decision and asked on their opinion on the subject matter. As an intern I felt as part of the team since my first day at work and my opinion was valued and not less worth than from other colleagues. The Swedish way of working is characterized by trust, independence and flexibility of the employes. You are able to organize your workday as you prefer, whether you want to work from your desk, a meeting room or from home.
A very important part of the Swedish work culture is the Swedish coffee break called “Fika”. At least once per day you get yourself a coffee, tea or hot chocolate and sit down with your colleagues on the couch and talk about non work-related topics. Usually someone brings some baked goods with them to share and enjoy during Fika. There is a huge variety of different swedish pastries, like the famous Kanelbullar, Wienerbröd, Chokladbollar and Blabärspaj. I was not surprised, when learned that Sweden is one of the countries that consumes the most amount of coffee per person.
People in Sweden value their work life balance a lot. During lunch time I could go to free Yoga classes, go for a quick session at the companys gym or join one of the running groups.
My colleagues at work were from a lot of different countries, so I talked Englisch most of the time during my internship. Since I shared my accommodation with other interns from all over Europe, I was able to learn some phrases in French, Italian, Swedish and Portuguese.
Free time & Tips
Summer is the best season to for a visit in Sweden, since the amazing Swedish nature with all the beautiful lakes and woods is coming alive. In Sweden, there is the so called “Allemansrätt”, which guarantees you free access to all parts of nature. You are allowed to visit ever dock on the lake, collect as much berries or mushrooms as you want and put up your tent on every island or wood as long as you don’t bother the owner. Everywhere in Sweden you can find amazing hiking trails through fairytale woods with shelters and fireplaces for camping. Even though the summers in Sweden are not as warm, you can easily go swimming in one of the many beautiful and peaceful swimming lakes.
On the weekends I often visited one of the citys around Tranås. I really enjoyed my trip to the small town Gränna, where the sugar cane was invented and stroll past all the candy shops with all the colorful candys displayed. I spend a few sunny afternoons sitting in small cafes in Eksjö surrounded by old pastel colored timber houses. But also, bigger citys like Linköping with the medieval cathedral and Jönköping at the lake Vättern are definitely worth a visit.
From Tranås, you can travel to Stockoholm in 3-4 hours by using the train. I had a lot of fun walking around the old part of the town “Gamla Stan”, visiting the famous Vasa Museum and going for a night out in big city like Stockholm.
Gothenburg is known for its archipelago, several scattered islands on the west coast of Sweden. I had a marvelous time while driving with ferries from island to island. On one of the islands, we rented a kajak and paddled along the coastline for a few hours, of course with a few stops for Fika and a swim in the sea. In the evenings, we visited different bars and listened to swedish metal and rock music.
One of my highlight during my time in Sweden was my canoe trip on the lake Ansen. We rented a canoe for a few days at one of the several canoe rentals. We drove through the national park, enjoyed the beautiful nature and stopped on one of the many islands to build up the tent and sleep for the night. I can highly recommend renting a canoe or kajak and going onto the lake, even just for a few hours.
Another one of my highlights was our trip to the island Öland during Midsommar, the national holiday at the summer solstice. At Midsommar everyone is celebrating all day wearing flower crowns in their hair and dancing around a tree, decorated with flowers and leaves. Since it’s the longest day in the whole and it’s not getting dark, you stay up late and party all night.
Conclusion
I spent a fantastic and wonderful summer during my internship in Sweden, experiencing the incredible nature and landscapes. All the Swedes I met were open-minded, super friendly and made me feel very welcome. The work ethic and culture is much more relaxed than in Germany and you meet your colleagues at eye level, regardless of their hierarchical level and enjoy a coffee and cake during Fika. I am thankful for all the beautiful experiences, memories and new friends I made during my time in Sweden.
My Internship at the University College Dublin
- Molecular and Applied Biotechnology M.Sc.
- Irland, Dublin
- University College Dublin
- 04/2024 – 06/2024
Finding and Applying to an Internship
Before my stay abroad, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do. However, when my girlfriend told me she was offered an internship position at a school in Dublin, my decision became clear. We decided that experiencing our internships abroad in the same city would make things easier, so I started searching for research groups in Dublin that interested me. I explored the websites of known universities, searching for researchers focused on bioprocessing, bioeconomy, and microbiology. I was particularly drawn to one research group, which aimed to utilize microalgae for the valorization of food waste. I directly applied for a three-month research internship, and after a few weeks and two Zoom calls, I was told that I could do the internship.
Accomodation and Living Expenses
Securing an affordable place to stay in Dublin was challenging. The city has a housing crisis, making flats very expensive. Student accommodations on the UCD campus were not a cheaper option, with the lowest price being 800 Euros per month for a shared room, and their application timeframes didn’t fit my schedule. Fortunately, I found a room in a shared apartment for 850 Euros per month on the website “Homestay”. At the start I was feeling very unaccustomed to living with a stranger but that feeling faded away with time when I got to know my flatmate better. The commute to the university was about 30 minutes, and a trip to the city centre took an hour. Despite living outside the city, I enjoyed the greenery, particularly Fernhill Park, which became one of my favorite spots in Dublin.
I usually did my grocery shopping after work once a week, as the smaller stores near my apartment were quite expensive. For example, cheese could cost up to 5 Euros per pack. Bulk shopping at a discount market was essential for affordable food, except for bread, which was inexpensive everywhere but of course not comparable to German bread 😉. I definitely recommend to only shop in large discounter markets in Ireland.
Everyday Live
I felt a bit nervous on my first day, but that quickly faded as I got to know the welcoming members of my research group. The lab environment and research methods were similar to those I was familiar with in Germany, which helped me settle in. Although the general approach was familiar, I still learned new laboratory techniques and tricks from my supervisor, especially regarding sterile work.
My tasks were divided between data analysis of existing literature and practical laboratory work with microalgae, known as wet-, reproducible outcomes. While there are standard practices, each lab has its own tricks lab or bench work. Working with microorganisms requires strict sterile conditions to prevent contamination and ensure predictable to maintain sterility, and I was grateful to learn new methods that were unfamiliar to me from my previous experience in German labs.
One aspect I appreciated about my work was the independence I had in deciding when and how to approach my tasks. Academics often start work later than usual, and this seemed even more common in Ireland. I typically worked from 9:30 am to 5 pm, but some colleagues started later and stayed longer.
In the evenings, I didn’t do much besides going for walks and cooking dinner, with leftovers serving as lunch the next day. Without a bike and with limited bus service in my area, my options for activities were slim. However, I eagerly looked forward to the weekends when I could explore more of Dublin and Ireland.
Free Time and Tips
Although my work group was friendly, social interactions outside work were limited to a monthly movie night. Luckily, I was part of a group of interns from the school where my girlfriend worked. Together, we made the most of our weekends by exploring Dublin’s pubs, restaurants, hiking trails, sightseeing spots, and local markets and art scenes.
Ireland’s pub culture is something special. On weekends, it’s common to go out, have a few pints, and dine at restaurants. Everyone is relaxed and enjoying the weekend atmosphere. Most pubs have live music, and the crowd cheers and sings along, creating a sense of unity and merriment that I have yet to experience in Germany. I personally loved the more traditional “Porterhouse” in the temple bar quarter but also the modern “bonobos” where tabletop games were played and who had a wide variety of all sorts of drinks. Dublin’s culinary scene is also diverse. I enjoyed Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Spanish, and occasionally Irish food.
Apart from the bustling city, I loved Ireland’s nature the most. Green hills and meadows are everywhere, often contrasted by steep cliffs overlooking the sea. I often visited the peninsula of Howth, close to Dublin, taking all my visitors there because it is a must see for everyone visiting Dublin. It is a 50-minute bus ride from Dublin city center, but only 30 minutes from my girlfriend’s place, where I stayed most weekends. Two highlights at the end of my stay were trips to Galway and Belfast, where I experienced other cities in (Northern) Ireland and took a bus tour along the coast, where I could again awe the nature and the rougher northern coast line. When traveling Ireland, I would recommend taking the train if possible. Train tickets between the big cities cost only 8 Euros and the trains are very clean and spacious making the ride very pleasant. The best thing is: while driving you can view the beautiful landscape.
Conclusion
All in all I can say my internship in Dublin was a remarkable experience, both professionally and personally. I gained research skills, made new friends and could experience the culture of Ireland first hand for 3 month. Especially living and working in a foreign country is an experience that is hard to come by easer than with an Erasmus internship. I am happy I could have that experience and I am sure I will never forget it.
My Internship at the Manuscriptorium in Czechia
- Philosophy, Literary and Linguistic Studies B.A.
- Czechia, Prague
- Manuscriptorium Digital Library of Written Cultural Heritage
- 06/2025-07/2025
Application
I heard about the internship opportunity at the Manuscriptorium (part of the National Library in Prague) from an online article I read. I applied online and after a short period of time they agreed to let me do the internship in Prague. I applied for the Erasmus internship support with the help of RWTH. After filling out the forms I received the confirmation shortly after. The whole process was easy and straightforward.
Accommodation
Finding accommodation in Prague is very difficult and the prices have risen over the years. The locals in Prague told me that finding a flat is even difficult for them. I got a small furnished room in a shared flat with five other people who were also mostly international students. My room was close to the city centre, and I paid 15900 Kč (~640€). For other students I recommend getting a room further away from the centre and looking through Facebook. The public transport in Prague is cheap and amazing, especially the trams and the metro. I paid around 20€ a month and could use every tram, metro, bus and train inside the centre and the surrounding area.
Everyday life in Prague and tips for other students
I really enjoyed living in Prague as it is a very beautiful and big city so there is always something to do. I tried learning some Czech, but it is very difficult and since I only spend two months in Prague and the language at my internship was English, I only learned a few words and sentences.
During the first weeks I often visited the famous tourists’ spots like the Prague castle or the Charles bridge. There are also a lot of beautiful churches that I visited, however in Prague you often must pay to go inside them. Since the city is so beautiful and has a lot of amazing architecture, I also often just walked through the city looking at the buildings. I also met some Czech students that I went climbing with or went to the cinema or the bar. I also visited a lot of exhibitions. In my time in Prague, I went to the Mucha and the Kafka Museum and saw a David Lynch exhibition as well as one focusing on women artists throughout the ages. Surrounding Prague is also a lot of nice nature. I went to Divoká Šárka, which is a nature reserve with a big lake that was perfect for swimming. There is a website called goout.net that I would recommend to all students going to Czechia, it shows concerts, museums, parties and many other events happening in Czechia, but it is also available for Slovakia and Poland.
I also went to some tea rooms that are very cozy and nice if you enjoy freshly brewed tea. In Prague there were also many bistros. Many of these are affordable (the price is calculated based on the weight of your meal) and offer vegan/vegetarian food. Because I am vegetarian I ate at these places a lot. Since Czech food is often made with meat, I could not try a lot of it but there is a meal called Smažený sýr which is fried cheese and fries and tastes nice. Many places also sell homemade lemonades that I can highly recommend, the one I liked the most is Malinovka, which is raspberry flavoured.
Work
I really enjoyed working at the National Library which is inside a beautiful building near the Charles bridge. It was my job to help catalogue medieval manuscripts with XML according to the TEI guidelines and prepare the files for publishing. For this I was first given a good introduction into XML and the cataloguing of medieval manuscripts. I would then start by doing a rough draft for each manuscript and then refining the files multiple times, adding more information about the manuscript and fixing mistakes. The people working at the library were very nice and helpful.
As well as the cataloguing I helped by popularizing the manuscripts by writing articles about them. I really liked the internship since I got to learn XML as well as the TEI-Guidelines which are often used in digital humanities projects. I also enjoyed that I got to learn about medieval manuscripts in the process, since I am very interested in history.
Conclusion
I really enjoyed my time in Prague and met a lot of amazing people. I was a bit nervous at first about going away, however it was a good time, and I would like to experience something like this again. The city is beautiful, and I appreciate that I got to do the internship and learn new skills.
My Internship in Cork, Ireland
- Electrical Engineering and Information Technology M.Sc.
- Ireland, Cork
- QT Technologies Ireland Limited
- 03/2025-07/2025
As a master’s student in Electrical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University, I had the opportunity to complete a six-month internship at Qualcomm in Cork, Ireland, supported by the Erasmus+ Internship Programme. My goal was to gain practical experience in my field while improving my language skills and experiencing life abroad.
1. Application/Finding an internship
I did not specifically look for an internship in Ireland at the beginning. My main aim was to complete an internship during my master’s studies in a country where English or Spanish is spoken, so I could improve one of these languages. Going abroad was a priority for me. I had heard great things about Ireland from two friends who had previously lived and worked there for half a year, so Ireland quickly became a strong option.
I applied directly via the Qualcomm careers website for an internship position in their Cork office. After completing several interviews, I was fortunate to be offered a place.
2. Accommodation & Living expenses
Shortly after receiving my internship offer, I began searching for accommodation. I was surprised to find that rental prices in Cork were quite high, especially considering the condition and furnishing standards of many of the available options. Fortunately, I was later informed that the company provides shared housing specifically for interns. I was able to rent a furnished 12 sqm room with a private bathroom in a four-person shared house located very close to the city centre. The house included a shared living room, guest toilet, and communal kitchen. The rent was €1000 per month – a flat rate that, as I understood, applied to all interns living in company-provided housing.
Grocery prices were similar to those in Germany. However, prices for personal care products were significantly higher, and alcoholic beverages in supermarkets were extremely expensive. Prices in pubs for a pint of beer ranged between €4.40 and €6.70 – quite steep, though not unheard of compared to places like Cologne. Eating out at restaurants was only slightly more expensive than in Germany.
For baked goods, Lidl offered a self-service bakery section very similar to the ones in Germany, with comparable prices. If you’re looking for high-quality bread, the English Market in Cork is a good place to go – though the prices there are significantly higher.
3. Everyday life/The internship
During my internship, I worked 37.5 hours per week as a Timing Engineer at the company. The office had a very international environment, with interns and colleagues from all over the world. This made for a dynamic and collaborative workplace, where English was the primary working language.
Although I’m unable to go into detail about my specific responsibilities due to confidentiality agreements, I can say that the experience significantly strengthened my technical and analytical skills. I also had the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art tools and contribute to real-world projects within a professional R&D environment.
Regular meetings with my supervisor ensured that I received consistent guidance and feedback, and I always felt well supported by my team. In addition, Qualcomm offered internal learning opportunities such as tech talks and knowledge-sharing sessions, which broadened my perspective on current trends and technologies in the industry.
The office was located within walking distance of the city centre, which made commuting very convenient. I had heard from many others that buses could be unreliable, but since I didn’t rely on them, I can’t confirm this personally.
4. Free time/Tips
Cork is a relatively small city, so you can explore most of the main sights in just a few days. Highlights within the city include Elizabeth Fort, Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the University College Cork (UCC) campus, and the historic Cork City Gaol. A highly recommended walk leads from the city centre to Blackrock Castle, along a newly developed riverside promenade. On the way there or back, it’s definitely worth stopping by the Marina Market, a large indoor street food hall offering international cuisine and a lively atmosphere.
Cork also boasts a vibrant and active pub scene, with events such as pub quizzes, live music – from traditional Irish tunes to international classics – beer pong tournaments, and more. Especially on weekends, there’s always something happening.
When the weather is good, relaxing outdoors is easy. In addition to Fitzgerald Park, Cork Lough and St. Patrick’s Hill are great spots to lie on the grass and enjoy the sunshine.
For short trips just outside of Cork, the harbour towns of Kinsale (about 1 hour by bus) and Cobh (25 minutes by train) are highly recommended. Both offer beautiful coastal views and a pleasant atmosphere for day trips.
There’s also a WhatsApp group and Instagram page (corkinternationalstudents) specifically for international students. These platforms help organize a variety of events in the city, such as parties, pub crawls, karaoke nights, and more. They also arrange affordable tours to Irish landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher, cities such as Dublin or Galway, and scenic hikes to places like the Ring of Kerry or Coumshingaun Lough. The people involved are very welcoming, and it’s a great way to make new friends – including students from UCC.
Another cultural highlight is attending a match at the GAA stadium to cheer for Cork in traditional Irish sports like Hurling and Gaelic Football. When Cork reached the provincial finals and even the All-Ireland semi-final and final in Hurling, the whole city came alive with celebration and watch parties.
If you’re a fan of other sports, you can also catch international football matches at pubs like The Woolshed, which even streams the German Bundesliga – perfect if you want to see Borussia Dortmund win a match!
5. Conclusion
I truly enjoyed my time in Ireland. I had the chance to meet many friendly and inspiring people and gained valuable professional experience. Following my internship, I’ll be moving back to Cork to work full-time for the same company. This internship was an incredibly rewarding experience both personally and professionally.
My Research Stay at UC Berkeley
- PhD Candidate for Electrical Engineering
- USA, Berkeley
- University of California, Berkeley
- 05/2025-08/2025
- Preparation and organization of the stay:
I am currently in my final year of my PhD at the Center for Ageing, Reliability and Lifetime Prediction for Power Electronics and Electrochemical Systems (CARL), RWTH Aachen, where I work on analyzing the aging mechanisms of batteries using experimental and simulation-based data. Battery research is highly interdisciplinary, combining knowledge of electrochemical processes, experimental setups, engineering, and data analysis. Spending part of my research abroad had always been very important to me, as it offered the chance to gain new perspectives and access complementing expertise for my research. The energy, controls, and applications lab (eCAL) at UC Berkeley, with its expertise in algorithms, lifetime analysis, and data-driven methods, complemented my background and offered the expertise I needed for my analyses. To prepare for my time there, I organized the battery aging measurements I had started at RWTH Aachen so that they could be analyzed once I arrived at the lab. A professor at my institute from RWTH Aachen put me in contact with my host supervisor.
Organizing the logistics of a research stay in the US can be challenging. Finding accommodation in Berkeley on short notice was not easy, so I opted for an Airbnb, while shared apartments or nearby cities like Oakland offered more affordable alternatives.
- First steps after arrival in host country:
By chance, my first day at UC Berkeley coincided with the annual eCAL retreat, where we went lawn bowling and had dinner afterward. It turned out to be the perfect way to meet the whole group in a relaxed setting and to get to know the PhD students right away. Everyone was very welcoming, and a few of them gave me a tour of the lab. I also met my host professor in person that day, which made it easy to settle in and feel like I could start my research stay right away.
- Academic experience:
eCAL had the feel of a close-knit group: about ten PhD students worked under the supervision of my host professor, supported by a handful of bachelor’s and master’s students. The culture and PhD process at UC Berkeley was noticeably different from what I was used to in Germany. At RWTH Aachen, PhD students often supervise theses and work closely with student assistants, whereas in Berkeley the emphasis was much more on individual projects and dissertation work without relying on large infrastructure and equipment. This meant fewer administrative and organizational duties for the PhD students at UC Berkeley, allowing researchers to focus deeply on their own topics. Each environment had its own strengths and weaknesses, and this exchange gave me the opportunity to integrate the strengths of the US PhD system into my work at RWTH Aachen.
The lab’s relatively small size made it easy to settle in and even though the students were spread across different campus buildings, communication was open and effortless. eCAL was also highly international, with students from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. This diversity enriched our exchanges, blending technical discussions with cultural perspectives and insights into PhD programs.
- Financing:
The cost of living in the US, especially in the Bay Area, is quite high, covering groceries, leisure activities, and daily expenses. Fortunately, I lived close to a Trader Joe’s, which offered relatively affordable groceries. Getting to San Francisco on the weekends was very convenient thanks to the BART train, while within the city, buses and the metro were the main public transport options. For trips outside the Bay Area, having a car is essential. Renting a car in the US is comparatively affordable, but it requires a credit card.
- Leisure:
Berkeley itself is a relatively small city in the East Bay, and since my stay took place during the summer semester, both the campus and the city were fairly quiet. Overall, I really enjoyed Berkeley and San Francisco as the area has a lot to offer, both culturally and culinarily. I visited Alcatraz, explored several exhibitions, and had excellent food in Chinatown and Little Italy. One thing to keep in mind, though, is the microclimates in the bay area: it can quickly turn cold, windy, or foggy.
California’s landscapes are incredibly diverse, and it is the US state with the most national parks. Many of them are accessible from the bay area, though usually a car is necessary. During my stay, I was able to visit Yosemite, Sequoia, Redwood, and Death Valley National Parks, each was impressive in its own way. I was particularly fascinated by how different the scenery can be within a single state: from the forests of Redwoods and Sequoias to the dry, hot desert landscapes of Death Valley.
- What added value did the stay have for my career prospects?
My research stay abroad was an important step for my professional development. It allowed me to work in an international research environment and gain insights into different academic cultures and PhD systems. I strengthened my expertise in advanced battery data analysis and honed my ability to work in interdisciplinary, multicultural teams. Global issues like climate change can only be addressed collectively, and this experience highlighted how much progress depends on collaboration across borders and disciplines.
- To what extent does my stay abroad have a sustainable character?
My stay abroad had a lasting impact in several ways. Beyond my own research, I built professional connections with professors, startups, and companies at UC Berkeley, creating opportunities for future collaboration. Networking is crucial in academia, and I am confident these contacts will remain valuable. I am still in touch with several PhD students and look forward to meeting them again in the future.
- Conclusion:
My time in California was definitely both professionally and personally rewarding. Engaging with students from diverse countries brought new perspectives to my work and daily life. Most importantly, the stay allowed me to focus and collaborate intensively on my research, which was crucial for successfully completing my PhD and ultimately deepened my passion for science and research.
