The experience allowed me to make lifelong connections

I chose to participate in the Global Exchange Program in Bonn because of the opportunity to immerse myself in German culture since I major in Germanic Language and Literature. I gathered information about the program mainly from the detailed university's website and the testimonials from previous participants at my home university.

 Upon arriving in Bonn, I was warmly welcomed by my Buddy (the Study Buddy Program is highly recommended). She helped me navigate the initial challenges especially language barriers. I stayed in a comfortable student dormitory, which was well-equipped and provided a supportive environment for adapting to the new surroundings.

I selected courses based on my academic interests and the compatibility of the modules with my home university requirements. The University of Bonn offered a flexible course design compared to my home institution, allowing us to choose courses from different departments. Connecting with other students in classes was a bit challenging at first due to the language barrier, but take it easy because group projects during the class helped break the ice.

Life in Bonn was vibrant and culturally rich. The locals were friendly, and I had the opportunity to practice my German language skills. Embracing the culture, attending local events like Karnaval, and exploring historical sites enriched my overall experience.

What to look out for:

To be honest having a clearer understanding of the cost of living in Bonn and creating a realistic budget would have prevented some financial stress. In terms of bank account, according to my own experience, we don’t need a document of city registration (Anmeldung) to open a bank account online at Sparkasse KölnBonn, feel free to explore the functions of the APP. For students who need a visa to go abroad I would strongly recommend to start your process as earlier as possible because it takes time. And it should be known that most of the stores are closed on Sunday.

I am highly satisfied with my time abroad in Bonn. The experience broadened my horizon, improved my language skills, and allowed me to make lifelong connections. In the future, I would focus more on integrating into local student communities earlier. This experience has inspired me to consider going abroad again, fostering a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and global experiences. I hope I can soon be in Germany again.