Improving Language Skills, Exploring Cultures & Breaking Stereotypes

Date 2025-01-17

Global perspectives unveiled: Our students' eye-opening semester abroad in Waukesha, Wisconsin

One of the most essential components of MCI study programs is their international orientation. This is reflected not only in the curriculum and assigned projects, but also in the opportunity to spend a semester abroad. We highly support our students to use this opportunity. It will allow you to develop highly-valued skills such as intercultural communication, foreign languages, adaptability, and problem-solving.

In the current 5th semester the two students, Marlies Neppl and Maren Franz have been to Waukesha, WI (USA). They give an interesting insight in their experience thus far in the interview below.

Can you share a specific academic project, course, or research opportunity that was a highlight of your exchange?

We mainly chose courses with a social and health-oriented focus, including Public Health, Philosophy, and a course on Social Movements and Activism. The latter left a strong impression on us. By exploring theoretical principles and tactics of social movements, we gained a comprehensive perspective, alongside our program, on the emergence and development of social issues in today's society, such as plastic waste or food insecurity.

When reflecting on your time abroad, what cultural experiences left a lasting impression on you?

When it comes to the university or college itself, we noticed significant differences compared to our habits. We particularly enjoyed the opportunities at the college, such as playing on sports teams and attending a weekly sports event of the university teams, whether it was American football, soccer, volleyball, or basketball. As depicted in typical American movies, there was also always a "tailgate" before football games on campus, meaning grilling in the parking lot starting at 9 a.m. with the players' families.

Every exchange experience comes with its challenges. Can you discuss the most significant challenge you faced during your time abroad and how you worked to overcome it?

A typical feature in the U.S. is that college students live on campus in dorms, which are usually shared by two people. For us, having already lived away from home for several years, it was definitely a challenge to live on a floor with first-year students who were away from home for the first time, sharing a bathroom, kitchen, etc. The standards in the U.S. are also different from what we are used to in Germany and Austria. In this regard, the age difference and independence compared to the local students were probably the biggest challenges, as we are at a completely different stage in life.

Given your unique journey, what advice would you give to future exchange students preparing for a similar experience?

Try to contact exchange students from previous semesters in advance, as that made things easier for us. However, in hindsight, we wish we had provided more information about the conditions at the university abroad, especially regarding housing, the course offerings, and costs—so be sure to ask detailed questions about these matters, as we faced unexpected circumstances. Also—if you're already in another country or even on a different continent, be open to new experiences, but don’t stress about feeling like you need to experience everything! The time abroad is unique, so travel, explore the country, and get to know the culture and people. Even if things don’t always go as planned, treat it as an experience. Often, you only realize the value of the experiences after the trip, so enjoy your time!

***********

"Managing the Public Interest" is the motto of the Social, Health & Public Management program. If you don't want to wait for things to change in our society, then be part of the change! We are always happy to receive applications from motivated people!”

<p>Marlies Neppl and Maren Franz at College Baseball ©Marlies Neppl, Maren Franz</p>

Marlies Neppl and Maren Franz at College Baseball ©Marlies Neppl, Maren Franz

<p><span style=Campus der Carroll University: Wisconsin’s Pioneer College ©Marlies Neppl, Maren Franz

">

Campus der Carroll University: Wisconsin’s Pioneer College ©Marlies Neppl, Maren Franz

<p>City Impressions ©Marlies Neppl, Maren Franz</p>

City Impressions ©Marlies Neppl, Maren Franz

<p><span sans-serif=College Football ©Marlies Neppl, Maren Franz

">

College Football ©Marlies Neppl, Maren Franz

<p>Marlies Neppl and Maren Franz at College Baseball ©Marlies Neppl, Maren Franz</p>
<p><span style=Campus der Carroll University: Wisconsin’s Pioneer College ©Marlies Neppl, Maren Franz

">
<p>City Impressions ©Marlies Neppl, Maren Franz</p>
<p><span sans-serif=College Football ©Marlies Neppl, Maren Franz

">
Improving Language Skills, Exploring Cultures & Breaking Stereotypes
Improving Language Skills, Exploring Cultures & Breaking Stereotypes
Global perspectives unveiled: Our students' eye-opening semester abroad in Waukesha, Wisconsin
Ideas Competition For Pupils
Ideas Competition For Pupils
Collaborating for Innovation: Inspiring the Society of Tomorrow
Students of Social, Health & Public Management Took Part in
Students of Social, Health & Public Management Took Part in "Mental Health First Aid" Course
Pro Mente Tirol organizes a seminar on mental health, mental illness, and first aid options for mental health crises