Exchange programme in Munich, Germany
Louis Kibathi from Kenya
Tell us more about your exchange programme?
I participated in an Erasmus exchange program at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) in Germany. The program lasted for one semester from June to August and involved courses and block seminars. Alltogether, I took four courses and earned a total of 15 ECTS.
Why did you choose to do an Erasmus exchange in Munich?
I was attracted to the Erasmus program in Germany by the thrill of adventure as well as the need to satisfy a lifelong curiosity about the renowned German education system. I was not disappointed on both accounts.
Tell us about an occasion that have been extra interesting?
I took a rather interesting Health Communications course that I will remember for a long time for its format and quite novel (to me) delivery. I really loved it! But a sobering visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site was, I think, the highlight of my stay in Germany.
What have been the most surprising or challenging?
The Germans in academia really love their titles, a sharp contrast to their more informal Swedish counterparts. I found the practice of using multiple prefixes such as Prof. Dr. or Dr. Dr. quite fascinating. Also, supermarkets are closed on Sunday in Germany!
Do you have any recommendations for other students that want to participate in this exchange programme?
Housing is a bit of a challenge in Munich and it would be advisable to start looking early if you are planning to go there.
Rashed Mohammad Mahfuzullah from Bangladesh
Tell us a bit more about your exchange programme?
The Erasmus Exchange program was for the LMU (The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich). It was for about 80-86 days and we were to compete 15 credits in total during the stay in Munich. For this we chose 3 courses of 3 ECTs each and one course of 6 ETC.
Why did you choose to do an Erasmus exchange in Munich?
I personally thought it would be a great adventure academics wise to explore a completely different country and it’s education system while studying in Uppsala University. The idea was not only to complete the required courses and credits but also to enhance the networking and being able to represent My own university, Uppsala University, outside Sweden.
Tell us about an occasion that have been extra interesting?
We had courses on Mapping and Geospatial methods which was new to us and very interesting to carry out. Moreover the Health Communication course was totally Hands-on and touched bases of all aspects related to the subject. We had a wide array of expertise and background in the classes which made it more interesting. I found LMU and Germany to be very multi cultural place and access to even our own cuisines and types of groceries was a bonus.
What have been the most surprising or challenging?
In some occasions we met people in public transports who did not want to speak in any language other than German. It was a bit challenging to grab the language and what they were conversing with us.
Do you have any recommendations for other students that want to participate in this exchange programme?
- Carry backup money.
- Carry medicines.
- Book tickets early.
- Look for housing early in every platform.
- Prepare for heat, rain and cold weather during your stay.
- Learn some basic German words and sentences.
- If you are with your spouse and kids In Sweden don’t forget to mention your child in the Erasmus application (you will get extra funds ) and don’t forget to take them to Munich.
- It’s almost the centre of Europe and in the middle of many countries. Do explore Germany as a whole and the neighbouring countries.