Semester abroad at WCU

Testimonial from Klara - Product Engineering student

About me

My name is Klara and I study WING PEB. I completed the semester abroad in the 7th semester to extend my study time. That's why I didn't have to worry when choosing courses about whether the courses at WCU can replace those at HFU, because the achievement is additionally credited.

Arrival and first impressions

Even before my arrival at the university, I was in constant contact with the international representative of WCU responsible and a local student who was responsible for me. Everything was well organised and the internationals were picked up at the airport or at the hotels where they spent a night and brought to the university. On the way to campus, we stopped at Walmart (supermarket) and bought the necessities for the first night, such as bedding, towels, etc. The next day, Orientation Week started, where events were planned every day and students could get to know each other. All the staff at WCU's International Center are very helpful and make you feel welcome. The campus is also very nice and well-maintained, which is why you quickly feel at home. There were no problems at all upon arrival - communication and procedures went smoothly.

[Translate to English:] Smoky Mountains
[Translate to English:] Smoky Mountains
[Translate to English:] Smoky Mountains

Help

Each international was assigned an "Ipal", i.e. a local student (comparable to the buddy programme at HFU). The Ipals and also the staff in the International Office were always available and very helpful. If you had any questions regarding course selection, visa, ID, etc., you could contact them at any time.

The professional support from the professors was also always given. There were office hours or you could talk to the lecturers before or after the lecture. Many were very interested in German culture, what the educational system in Germany is like, etc.. Also, all the professors were considerate when I didn't understand every word and when there was a comprehension problem, the situations were entertaining rather than unpleasant. Overall, there were hardly any language problems, which is why I didn't take an English course.

Accommodation

All internationals have to live in a dormitory on campus and cannot live in apartments outside. However, I also found it pleasant to live with other students in the dormitory directly on campus, because then you don't need a car to get to the campus, because everything is easily accessible on foot. You can also use the Cat-Tran, which is a small shuttle that runs around campus all day.

I lived in Robertson Residence Hall. This is where only internationals are housed on the second floor, so it is very easy to get to know other people. In the room there are 2 beds, 2 desks, a dining table and a kitchenette. The room including the bathroom is shared with one other person. The rooms are only equipped with the most necessary things, so you have to get bed linen, trash can, kitchen utensils, hangers etc. yourself. However, vacuum cleaners and floor mops can be borrowed and do not have to be bought separately.

You can "apply" for dorms in advance and then prioritise which one you would prefer to move into. If you already know someone you would like to live with, it is possible to specify that person as your preferred room-mate (same-sex only allowed).

[Translate to English:] Campus WCU
[Translate to English:] Robertson Residence Hall WCU

Costs

Most costs are for housing (varies by halls of residence) and meal plan All students must select a meal plan and can then use it in the dining halls and restaurants on campus.

In addition, expenses for field trips should be factored in. Weekends or in the winter semester fall break and Thanksgiving are great times for outings. I went on fall break with 7 other students to Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia.

I received support through the HAW.International scholarship from the DAAD and can recommend it to everyone to apply for a scholarship.

Contact with other students and free time

I mainly had contact with other internationals and less with local students. This was because I only lived with internationals in the dormitory and the excursions were also always with internationals. In our free time we went to sporting events - there are many volleyball, basketball, soccer and football games. There is a campus cinema, theme nights, student parties and many offers from the university. You can also use the gym for free and take fitness classes for $10 per semester. Even if you are not very flexible without a car, because the university is quite remote, you will not get bored. Contact with locals who have a car is also a good idea.

[Translate to English:] Kajak-Tour
[Translate to English:] College Football
[Translate to English:] College Football

General information

The university and the campus are well equipped. There are many food options (also for vegans), sports fields that you can always use when there is no team training, seating areas in the buildings and outside, and beautiful countryside around the whole campus.

Summary

The semester at WCU was by far the biggest highlight of my time as a student! I gained a lot of experience, was able to improve my English, got to know many new people and of course the American culture. I was thrilled by the openness and warmth of the local people and their interest in international students. Among my best experiences were Thanksgiving, which I got to spend with an American family, the road trip to Florida in fall break, and the everyday life in the halls, which never gets boring.

Interested in doing a semester abroad?