Thanks to the international profile of the university, I was able to meet students from many different cultural backgrounds

Going on a year exchange in a foreign country has always been on top of my bucket list. During my sophomore year, I came across an exchange opportunity in my home university in Hong Kong, in which applicants will be able to study a year abroad in a world-renowned academic institution, and the University of Bonn happens to be one of the partner universities. There are a couple of reasons for me to choose Bonn as my exchange destination, first being my pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Germany. As a biology student, I always knew how advanced German higher institutions are in biological studies, which solidifies my goal to study in Germany after my undergraduate degree. This exchange would offer me a good insight in the German higher education system, and most importantly, help determine whether I should pursue my master’s degree in Germany or not. Besides, as a German learner, it would be of huge advantage to stay and study in Germany to practice my German, since the medium of instruction in the University of Bonn is German.

It is by no means easy to apply for a visa thanks to the lengthy screening process by the German embassy. Here, I would like to suggest that all incoming exchange student start their visa application process once you receive the admission letter from the University, since the entire process could take up to 8 weeks involving multiple visits to the embassy. As for accommodation, it was well taken care of by the International Office, so the entire dormitory application process was very smooth and hassle free. A few days before my arrival in Germany, I received a text from my study buddy who kindly offered to pick me up at the central station. Hence, I would also like to remind all exchange students to sign up for the Study-Buddy Program. Not only will you be able to meet local students, but with the help from your buddy, you will be able to settle down in Bonn much easier.

Before coming to Germany, I did some research on the professors and the curriculum of the biology program, as well as identifying courses that I was interested in and professors whom I wanted to work with. With the aim of enriching my research profile, I took the initiative to approach a couple of professors in the department of Zoology and Evolutionary Biology to look for research opportunities, one of whom replied and eventually offered me a position in the Fish Cognition Lab. I ended up working with the professor for one semester as an intern and gained invaluable experience in fish neurology. In the summer semester, I had the opportunity to do a two-week research project in a research institute in Sylt as visiting student, in which I collaborated with students from the University of Bielefeld to study the meiofauna composition in the mudflat ecosystem on the island. These are some highlights during my study in the University of Bonn. Apart from Biology, I also signed up for a couple of German and Spanish courses to complement my studies and develop my language capabilities.

Friends have to be the best part of my university life here in Bonn. Thanks to the international profile of the university, I was able to meet students from many different countries and cultural backgrounds who were very engaged in telling their stories and sharing experiences. From them, I learned many things, from cultures to specific knowledge in their field of studies. I would say it is our inquisitiveness to new cultures and knowledge that brings us together and fosters our friendship. Also, given the fact that everyone here in the University of Bonn has such a diverse friend group, it is very often for us to converse in multiple languages. This is something that I have never experienced in my home University before.

Overall, my student exchange at the University of Bonn has been a once-in-a-life-time experience to me and is something irreplaceable. I am so glad to be able to study in such a world-renowned institution and enrich my life in different perspectives. If I had to choose my exchange destination again, I would, without a doubt, choose the University of Bonn again.