The Exchange Experience
Written by Liza Schlachtovsky, Dec 2024
We all want to make the best decision when it comes to our exchange program, but it can feel overwhelming. The Stand talked to some 3rd year students that are currently on exchange and asked them about their decision-making and application process, student life and culture shocks.
Nora goes to LSE, Olle to Sciences Po, Kinga to IE Madrid, Mani to UTRECHT, Lisa to Bard Berlin.
What aspects did you take into account when choosing university for exchange?
Nora: Location (I didn’t want to be so far away from home and remain within Europe), Degree (I applied to two universities which made the most sense to my major and degree, as well as interest), University itself
Olle: Quality and relevance of the education. Sciences Po does not have a lot of courses for the DSS program but plenty for the social science specializations in the program, you can get some method classes that count as a mandatory class. I wanted to do more sociology and since I’ve always liked French sociologists it felt like the right choice.
Mani: There were a few things. Firstly, since I’m only going for one semester, I didn’t want to face a massive culture shock. But still something new and exciting! Balance. Second, I wanted my exchange to be in a place that was more international and welcoming to foreign students than Austria. I wanted to be able to meet locals and make connections in English, without feeling like I was asking them to bend over backwards for me. Third, I was craving a bigger university experience. CEU has its perks—small, close-knit community, accessible professors, all very cozy. But fuck, sometimes it feels like High School Musical. I wanted to be meeting new people all the time. Weirdly, I craved being one of 500 in a lecture. Also, I did want to experience an old and established university—grand buildings, creaky wooden floors, the whole dark academia fantasy. Finally, I wanted a public university. In the way people say “I need to touch grass”. As in, students who weren’t all the offspring of diplomats or European aristocrats, who didn’t speak six languages and have six passports and six figures in their bank accounts.
Was the procedure of applying for exchange different from what you expected it to be?
Kinga: Not really, it was a bit more stressful than I thought.
Olle: Sciences Po has their own process in which they place students to different campuses. Sciences Po has seven campuses across France that you could theoretically be placed in. However, I don’t think any CEU students have been placed at other campuses than Paris so far (unless you ask for it), so I believe you won’t need to take it that seriously. It did still add an extra layer of the stress when they asked for a 1000 word motivation letter regarding which campus placement you’d like.
Lisa: Not really, it was pretty much as I expected. There were the usual requirements: application forms, motivation letters, and recommendations. I was also pleasantly surprised by the support provided by our academic advisors and professors throughout the process.
Was there something that immediately stood out as a major difference from what you are used to in your host university?
Kinga: it‘s a much bigger university but the teaching style is similar, the main difference would be he campus and the atmosphere and how many different clubs and activities are available
Nora: I am at LSE and it’s extremely career driven. That doesn’t necessarily have to be a good or bad thing, but you can feel that the atmosphere is very different and the student’s focus as well. LSE is also much bigger in size of course, which reflects on campus and in the amount of students running around.
Olle: Usually, one presentation for every class on one of the readings during the term. Professors can ramble more and have a lot looser class structures than those at CEU. There are no office hours. The relationship between professor and student is more hierarchical, even in the smaller classes. Professors will rarely do more than say hello to you. Sciences Po also carries a reputation in France of being elitist and this idea is reinforced by the people within the university. It’s hard to mark out specific examples, but it plays into a general atmosphere at the school.
Mani: One thing I immediately noticed (in the students, but especially in the faculty), is that they openly criticize the university. They feel comfortable and safe to do so. Isn’t it crazy when administrations don’t foster cultures of fear? Also, more generally, the ease with which people here express their right to freedom of speech—did you know that at other universities, when students protest for Palestine, it doesn’t elicit frantic emails of condemnation from the administration? Shocker, I know. Last but not least, I have been very impressed with participation in lectures and seminars. Despite there being no “participation mark” like at CEU (because come on, how old are we), students here come to classes, ask good questions, and take part in meaningful debate and discussion.
Lisa: One major difference that stood out at my host university was the variety and accessibility of artistic courses. They offer a wide range of hands-on workshops and interdisciplinary programs. This contrasts with my home university, where artistic courses are more limited.
Was there something that immediately stood out as a major difference from what you are used to in Vienna?
Nora: Public transport is very expensive in London, I take that for granted now. London itself is enormous; there are people everywhere, but you can quickly find a relatively quiet street. Most museums are free, which is a great privilege.
Olle: Paris is a much more hectic city than Vienna, there is always a lot going on during the day. It can be quite daunting at first to find your place, but I would recommend just walking a lot and trying a lot of things with the people you meet. The diversity of the city makes it very probable you will find areas and spots that you come to like. Everything is also more expensive in Paris than in Vienna. Especially Public transport, housing, food and drinks.
Mani: I have fully embraced the Dutch bike-centered lifestyle. I’m biking everywhere, rain or shine, and I LOVE IT. It feels like I’m interacting with the world in a completely different way, like I’m actually part of it. Also real bike infrastructure is awesome. Vienna’s slowly getting there though! I suppose I’ve become more of a direct person. This is also said to be typical of the Dutch. I notice it especially in my emails. Gone are the days of “I’m so sorry to bother you, I’m just writing because I was wondering if perhaps...” NO. Now I say exactly what I need, straight to the point. I’m getting my shit done.
Lisa: Yes, I got exactly what I was looking for! Berlin is much faster-paced, with everything happening everywhere all at once :) While Vienna feels more focused on art and history from the past, Berlin is all about the modern and the present.
What significant dis-/advantages of your home university were you able to realize once going for exchange?
Kinga: The quality of classes and discussions at CEU in general is higher and more is demanded from the students, so we also learn more (especially in terms of critical thinking and academic writing). Outside of classes there is much more going on at IE Madrid which means students have a more balanced, diverse and fun experience.
Nora: The lack of international relations (IR) courses offered at CEU, was the reason why I decided to apply to LSE and Science PO. At LSE I am taking 3 IR courses which are all going towards my major. It is absurd that I am not able to fulfill my requirements at my home institutions and therefore have to seek another university to fulfill those. Nevertheless, The IR department at LSE is world renown and I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to represent 1 of 3 CEU students here. A major advantage which CEU has, which I am already missing and have to get used to at LSE, is the small classrooms and personal relationships with professors. Here you sit in a lecture hall with up to 60 people and are in a smaller class with 15 other students only once a week. There is a limited amount of interaction with other students and the professors/teachers.
Olle: As mentioned, I think the non-hierarchical structure of CEU has large benefits in the case of doing coursework. At Sciences Po you are left more to do your own thing which can be harder when not being used to the system. Sciences Po does have the advantage of being a bigger institution and hence there are more things to do in terms of university activities but also a larger academic diversity. Free language classes and almost free sports classes is also a big advantage at Sciences Po.
How different is your experience in building social connections at your exchange university?
Kinga: Since the university is much bigger, there‘s more possibility to make connections and there‘s more events and clubs that help students socialize, but there‘s no feeling like everyone knows everyone like at CEU.
Olle: CEU kind of forces you to make friends in the beginning since you live with a lot of other students and the university is quite small. Sciences Po requires more initiative of your own to make friends. If you‘re in classes with the regular French students, it might be hard to make friends since they are all already quite close knit, however in the English classes with other exchange students people are more often open to socialize. I also met people through the Swedish group chat, which can be a tip if you want to meet people from your home country.
Lisa: It feels like being a first-year student again. I am starting from scratch, meeting new people, and finding my way around a new social environment. It is exciting and I love this a lot, but also a bit overwhelming compared to the more settled life I had in Vienna at this point after studying in CEU for 2 years.
What would you warn the person considering your uni for exchange about?
Kinga: The atmosphere and type of students at IE is very different from CEU, but I think everyone can find their place here, especially since there‘s hundreds of exchange students every semester.
Nora: Get ready to be surrounded by many finance bros. It is very much like the London version of WU. Also, get ready for an English teaching system. I mainly chose my institution for my major and interest, but do take other things into account! It is a major change in your life, which is exciting, but also quite overwhelming.
Mani: Don’t come to the Netherlands if you just wanna smoke a lot of weed.
