Kategorie: ‘RWTH Research Ambassador Scholarship’
My research stay at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- 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 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.
Campus of UC Berkeley
©Katharina Quade
- 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.
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The Golden Gate Bridge on a sunny day. San Francisco is just about 30 minutes away from Berkeley by train.
©Katharina QuadeLeisure:
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.
My Research Stay at the University of South Carolina Upstate
- PhD Candidate in Business Economics
- USA, South Carolina
- University of South Carolina Upstate
- 09/2024 – 11/2024
Preparation
I had been a PhD student at RWTH Aachen for a few years and working abroad had always been something I’d like to do. As part of my research, last year I had the opportunity to start collaborating with a professor from the University of South Carolina Upstate. When I asked for the possibility to visit the US and work together from there, she was on board immediately. So, the planning began…
Planning a trip to the United States is definitely an administrative task, and I quickly realized that I had to take it step by step. After settling on a rough timeframe with my PhD supervisor and my hosting professor, I contacted the travel department of the university and booked my flights to and from the US. Talking to colleagues who had already been abroad and looking up to-do lists online was very helpful to figure out what steps to take, e.g. requesting a letter of confirmation from the host university or getting an international license. I started the organization process half a year before my stay, which was a convenient timeframe to organize everything.
Main building of the University of South Carolina Upstate. ©Maren Paegert
Accommodation & Living Expenses
Living expenses in the US are higher than in Germany, especially food prices. Eating out will cost around $ 20-30 for one meal. Grocery prices can be two to three times as expensive as in Germany, even for things like bread, a package of cheese, or some chocolate. This is just something to know and budget for. For my stay, I applied for and got granted the RWTH Aachen Research Ambassador Scholarship, which helped in covering some of those expenses.
As for my accommodation, I ended up booking an apartment in a complex which was specialized in short-term leases for extended business stays. I would recommend to book directly over the apartment’s website, since I experienced a cancellation several days after booking over a third-party platform. Other good options for a stay in the US are Apps such as Airbnb. In my case, there was no student housing available, but that would be another option in general.
College of Business and Economics. ©Maren Paegert
Everyday Life and Research Stay
I had my own office at the guest university and was able to experience everyday working life in the United States. Overall, working as Academic staff in the US is quite similar to Germany in many ways, with some cultural differences.
Also, I stayed in one of the Southern States of the US, and Southern hospitality is something I definitely experienced! Everyone was very friendly, open and attentive, which I enjoyed a lot. The professor I worked with was a great host, and I quickly met some amazing colleagues. The area offered a lot of places to explore, and I enjoyed walks in the park, going out for meals, shopping, the cinema, going to the gym, and running. One of my favorite experiences is that I was able to give my own lecture at the university and get into contact with many very curious students.
Another highlight was the last week of my stay, when we attended a conference in Virginia and I presented our research there. Overall, meeting an international community and collaborating was a very rewarding experience.
Conclusion
I can highly recommend to work or study abroad for a while. If that has been on your bucket list for some time, like in my case, be proactive and just do it!
