A Blog about Education Abroad

Category: Semester Exchange Postings

Blog Postings by Returning Stellenbosch University Students

  • Matthew Schneider at Stuttgart University, Germany

    Matthew Schneider at Stuttgart University, Germany

    Matthew Schneider

    M. Mechanical Engineering

    Semester Exchange in the First Semester, 2024 at Stuttgart University

     

    Pre-departure:

    Embarking on an exchange program at Stuttgart University was such an exciting opportunity for me. It wasn’t just about expanding my knowledge in mechanical engineering; it was also a chance to soak up the vibrant culture of Stuttgart. Known for its expertise in automotive engineering and advanced manufacturing, Stuttgart is at the heart of the renowned German automotive industry. Being at Stuttgart University, surrounded by experts and researchers who are at the forefront of automotive innovation, was incredibly inspiring. The university’s strong ties with local industries meant I could see theory put into practice, whether touring cutting-edge facilities or engaging in discussions with professionals. It truly brought my studies to life in a way I couldn’t have experienced elsewhere. The University has a good Aerospace Engineering program – which is the focus of my master’s thesis. They also have a highly accomplished student rocket group, HyEnd. I was interested in talking to and sharing ideas with other students in a similar field as me.

     

    Matthew visiting Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart

    The months leading up to my departure were filled with anticipation and meticulous planning. Getting travel documents in order and organizing accommodation is no small feat. Before leaving, I invested time into learning German and researching the area, as well as finding out about places to visit and things to do outside of the academic world. I wanted to take advantage of being in Germany and exploring cultural landmarks and cuisine. It was important to me to not only immerse myself in the academic environment but also to fully embrace the local culture and lifestyle. Learning some German phrases in advance not only helped me navigate everyday interactions but also
    made me feel more connected to the community from the moment I arrived.

    Preparing for accommodation was another adventure in itself. I wanted to find a place that was close to where I did my work but also offered some good amenities, which was not too difficult in Stuttgart as it is a vibrant town with dedicated student districts. Public transport was another consideration and familiarising myself with the ticket process and DB app were important aspects of my preparation to study abroad. I also had to inform myself on how to open a German bank account and how to register myself at the local registration office.

    Experience at the Host University:

    My time at Stuttgart University was an adventure of enriching experiences that went far beyond just academics. One of the highlights was the opportunity to connect with a large community of welcoming local German students and fellow international peers. Whether in the cafeterias or public transport, I found myself immersed in a cultural exchange and conversations that enriched my understanding of global dynamics and made me understand how where you come from truly can impact you on a deep level.

    Exploring Stuttgart’s rich culinary scene was another delight. From savouring traditional Swabian dishes to trying international cuisines made by other students was all a treat. These experiences not only satisfied my taste buds but also deepened my appreciation for different countries cuisines.

    Being interested in aerospace and rocketry, I had the opportunity to witness rocket engines being tested at the DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt) site in Lampholdshausen. Many students doing a masters degree in aerospace complete their thesis at the DLR and have the opportunity to work on site. This is also where the student rocket group, HyEnd, test their engines and flight hardware. It was an incredible experience, to see and hear rocket engines being tested, and to see the test bench and infrastructure was a privilege. Overall, my experience at Stuttgart University was a transformative journey of personal growth and cultural exploration. It taught me the importance of embracing diversity, both in thought and experience, and prepared me to face future challenges with an open mind and more of a global perspective.

    Managing finances during my stay in Germany was a significant aspect of my exchange experience. Through careful budgeting and taking advantage of student discounts, I navigated living expenses such as accommodation, groceries, and transportation. Dining out may be expensive and hurt ones budget, but making your own food and purchasing food from supermarkets is much more affordable and budget friendly. Travelling in Germany is also made affordable through the Deutschland ticket, which is a monthly subscription costing 49€ and gives you access to any bus, tram and regional train. Taking a trip to a nearby town will not cost you any money if you have this tick

    Return to Stellenbosch:

    As my exchange period drew to a close, I reflected on the transformative impact of my time at Stuttgart University. The knowledge gained, both academically and culturally, has not only enhanced my professional skills but also broadened my perspective on global engineering practices and offered incredible networking opportunities. Returning to my home institution, I bring with me a renewed enthusiasm for my studies and a deeper appreciation for the experiences and lifestyle I had while on exchange.

  • Nthatisi Mota at the University of Zurich, Switzerland

    Nthatisi Mota at the University of Zurich, Switzerland

    Nthatisi Mota

    M. Economics

    Semester Exchange in the First Semester, 2024 at the University of Zurich

     

    Pre-departure:

    Embarking on a semester exchange at the University of Zurich (UZH) in Switzerland was an experience of a lifetime. As a master’s student in Economics from Stellenbosch University, this exchange provided me with an invaluable opportunity to expand my academic horizons immerse myself in Switzerland’s rich culture and travel across Europe. From attending world-class lectures to exploring the picturesque Swiss landscapes and attending the Montreux Jazz Festival (a bucket list event of mine), every moment of my exchange was a journey of discovery, learning, and personal growth. 

    The pre-departure process for UZH was remarkably smooth, thanks to the comprehensive guidance provided by UZH.  From sorting out visa applications to securing accommodation, UZH’s exchange office was prompt and responsive to every query I had. They ensured that I was well-prepared before leaving South Africa, sending reminder emails for any outstanding documents, and providing detailed information about what to expect upon arrival. 

    Selecting modules was another crucial part of the pre-departure phase. UZH assigns a faculty mentor to each exchange student, and my mentor was instrumental in helping me navigate the different course options, and student life more broadly. There is also a popular app called Matricula, where students share their experiences and advice about various modules, which is incredibly helpful. Importantly, UZH offers flexibility in changing modules even after you arrive, which provided a sense of security knowing I had options once I settled in. The modules I took included: Big Data Methods for Econometrics, Gender Economics, Introduction to the Philosophy of Economics, Econometrics for Policy Analysts and Social Choice Theory. All were incredibly fulfilling and encouraged me to challenge myself.  

    Experience at the Host University:

    Once in Switzerland, UZH’s exchange office continued to provide support, hosting welcoming events that made the transition smoother. Additionally, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) played a significant role in fostering a sense of community, organizing events and city tours where I met some of my closest friends during the exchange. 

    UZH is truly a world-class institution, and this was evident from the moment I stepped onto the campus. The state-of-the-art facilities, coupled with the caliber of lectures and course content, initially felt intimidating. Coming from Stellenbosch, where my master’s class had around 30 students, the large class sizes at UZH were overwhelming at first. However, I soon realized that Stellenbosch had more than adequately prepared me academically for my exchange. It was affirmed that UZH was not only a place where I would survive, but I could also thrive.  

    One of the biggest challenges was adapting to a different educational system, particularly the grading scale, which operates on a 6-point system instead of percentages. My advice to future exchange students is to make an effort to connect with your classmates. Despite the Swiss reputation for being reserved, I found that everyone I approached was warm and welcoming. Contrary to what I had been told, most of my friends ended up being full-time UZH students rather than fellow exchange students.  

    Living with international students who were full-time at UZH also greatly enriched my experience. My flatmates quickly became like family, and together, we shared countless dinners, game nights, and even a memorable trip to a cabin in the Swiss mountains, where we hiked in the snow and bonded over home-cooked meals. Their openness and willingness to help me navigate my new environment made a world of difference. I lived in the housing suggested by UZH, the WOKO housing.  

    Nthatisi and her flatmates’ end of semester ‘fancy’ party

    It’s no secret that Switzerland is an expensive country, and this was something I had to manage carefully during my exchange. I was fortunate to receive the Henning Roelli Scholarship, which provided me with 4,000 Swiss Francs, a significant contribution towards my expenses. To access my scholarship, I had to open a Swiss Bank account. I did with UBS. The process was incredibly easy. However, there are a range of options available to students, with most banks offering student benefits.  

    The major costs I encountered included accommodation and travel. To make the most of my time in Switzerland and beyond, I invested in several travel passes that were invaluable. These included the GA Night Fare Card (which made travel between 7 PM and 7 AM free), the Half-Fare Card (which gave me a 50% discount on most travel outside Zurich), and the Zone 110 Card (covering all travel within Zurich). Although these cards required a steep initial investment, especially as someone under 25 who qualified for discounted rates, they were worth every franc. 

    During my exchange, I took the opportunity to travel to several countries outside of Switzerland, including Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Spain, and France. To manage costs effectively, I tried to adopt a strategic approach to travel. One of my key cost-cutting strategies was to stay with friends or family whenever possible, which significantly reduced my accommodation expenses. This not only allowed me to save money but also gave me the chance to reconnect with old friends and build new friendships. Additionally, I made it a point to book my flights or train tickets well in advance, ensuring I could take advantage of lower fares.  

    Return to Stellenbosch:

    As I write this blog, I’m on a flight back home, reflecting on the incredible journey I’ve just experienced. Although I haven’t yet had the chance to settle back into life in South Africa, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation. I’m eager to reunite with my family and friends, share stories of my adventures, and, of course, indulge in some much-missed biltong. While I know it will take some time to fully adjust back to my routines, I’m looking forward to bringing all the knowledge and experiences I gained in Zurich into my remaining SU journey.  

  • Chawanangwa Mhango at Lund University, Sweden

    Chawanangwa Mhango at Lund University, Sweden

     Chawanangwa Mhango

    M. Phil in Sustainable Development  

    Semester Exchange in the First Semester, 2024 at Lund University

     

    Pre-departure:

    Expressing the full extent of what I gained from this experience is challenging. It transcended academics, offering me the chance to immerse myself in a new culture, meet diverse people, and delve into subjects I have always been passionate about. Initially, the thought of going abroad during my master’s studies felt intimidating and like a potential deviation from my original plans. However, with strong encouragement from my family, friends, and lecturers, I decided to take the leap. Additionally, two friends who had previously attended Lund University for different programs shared only positive experiences, making it an obvious choice for me.  

    Chawanangwa at Malmo Central station

    As I prepared to attend Lund University, I was fortunate to connect with another student from Stellenbosch who was also in the program. This connection eased the lengthy and tedious process through constant communication and encouragement. I received invaluable support from various sources, including the international office, my department, my lecturer, my supervisor, and my family and friends. Although the process seemed overwhelming, I managed to complete everything on time and secure my visa and paperwork well ahead of my travel date. Arriving on schedule was a significant advantage, as there were people everywhere ready to assist, ensuring I never had to carry my heavy bags alone. With a friend’s help, I arranged my accommodation before departure, which was conveniently very close to the university.  

    Experience at Partner Institution:

    My time at Lund University was my first official undergraduate experience, as my previous education had been mostly unconventional. While I thoroughly enjoyed the courses and was thrilled with the knowledge I gained, the workload was significantly heavier than at Stellenbosch. There were always many activities available, but balancing fun and academics was crucial. 

    I arrived in winter, having been warned it would be much colder than South Africa. Luckily, the previous winter in South Africa was harsh, so I brought most of my winter clothing and bedding, which proved invaluable. I only needed to buy a few essentials to stay warm. The Swedish saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing,” was true, and I managed well in the snow. I felt fortunate to experience what locals said was the heaviest snowfall in 10 years—I couldn’t have traveled at a better time. 

    The first few months were challenging as I adjusted to the system, made friends, and learned my way around. I had a few moments of getting lost in the bitter cold. However, I grew to appreciate the Fika tradition, where tea and snacks are offered to students, especially in the cold weather. Once I made friends and became familiar with my surroundings, it started to feel like home. The exchange program allowed me to enjoy solo adventures, learn more about myself, and develop my character. 

    Chawanangwa in the Lundaloppet run with friends

    When it came to extracurricular activities, I had planned to go on a few hikes, but time flew by, and I only managed one. Still, I appreciated everyday experiences: taking walks at night, going to the always-open gym, and enjoying the safety that allowed me to feel free and do what I loved. Living with Swedish people throughout my stay allowed me to immerse myself in Swedish culture. I learned a bit of Swedish during orientation week, which was a great experience. I also volunteered at a public school, which allowed me to interact with younger Swedish citizens and learn more about their culture. I participated in the Lundaloppet, a fundraising run, which was exciting. Additionally, I joined a church and volunteered at the children’s church, enjoying being part of a community and contributing. I also had the chance to visit a friend in Germany, which was an adventure. Navigating different transportation services and enduring 12-hour bus rides wasn’t as bad as I anticipated. 

    One cultural aspect I thoroughly enjoyed was the sustainable way of living, with a majority of the population walking or cycling. It was refreshing to see fewer cars on the streets and more people. With my knowledge of sustainability, it was fascinating to see what sustainable living looks like and hear stories from the Swedish people. Though every country has its problems, I felt there was much I could learn from them. I learned to recycle things in different categories as part of household responsibilities. I was impressed by the number of elderly people staying active, taking walks, and even going to the gym. 

    There were days when I missed food from home, but I was prepared and had brought some ingredients from back home to make familiar dishes. Eating out is expensive, so honing your culinary skills before heading out is advisable. And if you really like food from back home, carry a few ingredients as you might not find them that side.  

    Academically, it was a wonderful experience to study courses I had long been interested in, such as political science. While some courses felt theoretical and less practical than I would have liked, I appreciated the different educational approaches in each course. If you plan to attend Lund University, be aware that it requires a lot of individual work, but the experience is worth it. Also, consider going when you’ve made significant progress with your thesis, as I struggled to find time for mine. The School of Economics and Management at Lund University held several career workshops and activities, which I was privileged to attend. They showcased how institutions like Lund work toward improving society, collaborating with the local community, and preparing students for the workforce. I also learned how our diverse experiences bring meaningful conversations to the classroom. In some instances, it reminded me of similar experiences at Stellenbosch, highlighting how our individual experiences shape our understanding and education. 

    I was fortunate to receive an Erasmus scholarship, which was sufficient for my stay in Sweden, and I managed to make it work. Since Sweden is more expensive than South Africa, it’s essential to take advantage of student discounts and find bargains where you can. When you assimilate into society and make friends, they often share helpful information about where to find the best deals. Consider getting a bike early in your exchange to save on transportation costs, as Uber prices are very high.

    It’s also a good idea to invest in comfortable walking shoes, as the streets are great for walking, even in winter. If you can afford it, save up to travel to other European countries, as it’s much cheaper to do so while you’re there. With the Scandinavian visa, you can travel to any of the Scandinavian countries. I had the opportunity to visit a friend in Germany, which was a great experience as I navigated planes, buses, and trains in a completely different setting. One important tip for students on the Erasmus scholarship is that you are only given a card for purchases, which does not allow for online payments. It’s wise to have additional funds for major purchases or be prepared to ask for assistance with online payments, as some important university fees need to be paid online.  

    Return to Stellenbosch:

    Returning to South Africa was both exciting and bittersweet. I was looking forward to coming home, but I realized that I’d be experiencing winter for an entire year, as I was returning just as winter was beginning in South Africa. It was a mixed emotion, having to leave behind the friends I had made and who had helped me during parts of my stay and as I returned.  

    Once back, I was delighted to reconnect with my friends and enjoy some dishes I had truly missed. It was interesting to readjust to the South African way of life after becoming accustomed to Sweden’s routines. Nonetheless, it was time to embrace the next chapter of my life and focus on my thesis. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would. The experience was incredibly enriching, and I am deeply grateful for the support and assistance I received throughout.