Nuertingen-Geislingen University Student Testimonials

David Ballew

Age (while abroad): 30

Degree(s): Business Management

Where did you go?:. Nürtingen, Germany

In what school did you study?: Nuertingen-Geislingen University (HfWU)

When did you go?: Fall 2018 (Germany’s winter semester)

What was your prior language knowledge (if applicable)?: Some German study (instruction was in English)

Have you studied abroad before?: No

Advice and perspective on studying in your host country:

I studied in Germany during the Winter semester and picked out my classes the previous Spring. You must understand that the available classes vary from semester to semester, so make sure the classes you choose are available during the semester you will be in Germany. Additionally, the classes are subject to change so be prepared to edit your classes last minute. Once you arrive, it would be smart to meet people quickly and feedback from other students on which classes to avoid and which are best suited for you.

At NGU, there is a student organization called USTA. This group organizes semester opening and closing parties, bar crawls, and many other events on and around campus. After making friends with a USTA organizer, I found many more events that others did not know of.

One of the most dramatic differences between my home university and that of NGU is the education system. As an American, I receive homework in every class every week. I attended five classes and spend three hours each week in each class. We have daily/weekly homework, mid-terms, and finals. In the NGU program I studied in, we had no more than two assignments each semester: one presentation and one final exam. The presentations should not be taken lightly, despite the few amount of points they seem to be worth. In the final, the professors took all the material from the entire semester and cram them into a handful of questions. The US spreads out our education and grading through the entire semester, while Germany tests you on all the content in one day. Study! Study! Study!

Advice and perspective on living in your host country:

I personally arrived in Germany with little knowledge of the German language. I believe I have done well here, but it was quite difficult in the beginning; especially when you can’t read signs or food labels. I would recommend some formal education in the German language, but you can get by with English and a translator app on your phone. If you are from the US, perhaps the largest shock will be your lifestyle on Sunday. I say that because almost nothing is open on Sunday. It is a day of rest and study. Buy your groceries on Saturday and always know when the German holidays are. Make some German friends and break out of the cultural groups you come from. Germany is extremely diverse, as is the exchange program, and you can learn so much about other cultures if you open your eyes.

Practical tips for future study abroad participants:

I think one of the many things a student can benefit from is hearing about travelling around Europe and Germany while they are here at NGU studying. First is travel. You have three options that I have explored: bus, train, or plane. Like most things, there is a cheap and expensive version. Travelling with DB allows you the Regional, IC, or ICE trains. The trains get faster and more expensive as you move from Regional to the ICE trains. FLIX also has buses and trains that you can travel with for even cheaper than the DB network. Something many of my friends did was purchase tickets on Ryanair.com weeks in advance. Some of them travelled to Rome and back for less than 40 Euros! Travel with groups large enough to fill up a room at a hostel and your accommodation will be practically free. Just don’t forget to study!

Final thoughts and advice:

When I decided to apply for study abroad, I did not even know if I could finance the trip. I did not know where the money was going to come from or if I would have to cancel it last moment. I received a Baden-Wuerttemberg from Germany, which made it possible for me to make that dream come true. I expected to come to Germany and learn some of the language while learning sides of business my home university does not teach. At the end of this trip, I have learned some German and indeed learned some business my home university does not teach; but, I am taking so much more home with me than just magnets and beer mugs. I have learned more culture in six months than I could learn after a lifetime of reading from books. At the end of my study, I will be able to say with confidence I have made friends for life residing all over the globe. At the end of my study, I am excited to get back to work, but look forward to the future and where my next level of education may be.