I gradually fell in love with Bonn

I was always interested in linguistics and I chose German as a major when I entered university. I applied for the exchange program at the University of Bonn with my classmate, and we discussed the application together. Before preparing for admission, I asked my previous exchange students about the process of getting a visa and the documents I needed to prepare. I also selected appropriate online banking card and phone card.

I came to the University of Bonn in the Winter semester and arrived in Germany in the middle of the welcome period, with many information sessions. In addition, I watched videos online to learn about getting WiFi, etc. I lived in the student dormitory am Jesuitenhof 1. There is a bus stop right next to the dormitory, so I could buy everything I needed nearby. My dorm room has a private bathroom and kitchen. I often went for walks along the nearby Rhine river when I had free time or just wanted to relax.

The biggest difference between the University of Bonn and my home university is the teaching method. At the University of Bonn, although there are also after-class assignments, most knowledge is introduced during the class. Students are taught to do exercises in class to find problems and ask questions, and there would be more group discussions. I especially enjoyed the German-Chinese translation course where I had a very niche teacher and many warm-hearted German students who became friends.

Bonn is not a large city, it is easy to get around and has comfortable environment. During my stay in Bonn, I gradually fell in love with it. The people I met were especially warm, kind and helpful. At the Bonner Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) I helped roasting almonds and met wonderful friends alongside earning some money and a new skill. The International Office’s Internationaler Club organized many impressive events, including city explorations and Halloween events.

Overall, I am very satisfied with my exchange experience at the University of Bonn, which has had many positive effects on me personally. I learned to adapt to life abroad on my own. I learned to cook on my own and expand my social life. I am grateful for this experience and I will consider studying abroad for my future graduate studies.

For future student exchange participants, I hope they will have the opportunity to see the cherry blossoms in Bonn in the spring and to walk into Beethoven’s house and enjoy the piano music quietly. Gaining knowledge and experiencing more of a foreign life at the same time will be beneficial to one’s lifelong development.