Ellen Thomas had always known that she wanted to think outside the box when it came to her studies. For the student of ‘Quality, Environment, Safety and Hygiene’ at the Faculty of Life Sciences in Kleve, this dream became a reality at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Her stay during the 2023/2024 academic year not only offered her new perspectives on her field of study, but also provided a deep insight into American university culture. CSUMB, founded in 1994 on the site of the former Fort Ord military base, is a comparatively young university within the Californian higher education system. “I wanted to experience how natural sciences are taught outside Germany and get to know a different learning culture,” she says. Once it became clear that she could go abroad without delaying her studies, she began making plans. Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences maintains an extensive network of over 50 partner universities worldwide, including several in America, with agreements in place for the recognition of academic credits.
On arriving in Monterey, she was quickly confronted with a very different university routine: whilst German universities expect a great deal of personal responsibility, US universities place greater emphasis on continuous assessment. Weekly quizzes, group projects and active participation were an integral part of her studies. “In Germany, you have to organise your own study schedule; here, there are constant tests – you can’t afford to fall behind,” she says. “It was stressful at first, but I enjoyed the challenge. And when the mid-terms came round, I realised just how much I’d learnt – without any last-minute cramming!”
Alongside her studies, Ellen immersed herself in American student life – a completely new experience compared to the rather pragmatic ‘classmates-and-then-home’ mentality in Kleve. “In Germany, you go to uni, do your modules and then you’re off again. Here, almost everyone lives on campus, and there’s always something going on!”
CSUMB offered a wide range of activities: from open days and information fairs for prospective students to sports events organised by the CSUMB Otters. Ellen was particularly impressed by the wealth of leisure activities on offer: Super Bowl viewing parties, Black History Month film screenings, roller-skating discos – social life took place much more at the university than in Germany. That’s why she decided to live on campus, so she could be right in the thick of it. “That was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I got to know so many new people.”
However, going abroad was not just an academic challenge, but also a bureaucratic feat. Applying for a visa, proving language proficiency, sorting out course recognition, resolving funding issues – every step had to be carefully planned. “You think you’ve sorted everything out, and then suddenly a form turns up that you’ve never heard of,” says Thomas. Students are advised to start planning at least twelve months in advance. According to a 2020 DAAD report, 78 per cent of German exchange students are funded by scholarships. Thomas also made use of funding from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) – yet financing remained a challenge. “Tuition fees, health insurance, the significantly higher cost of living in California – that was a major financial burden at the start.”
But her studies and the organisational challenges were only part of the experience. Ellen made the most of her time in California; at the weekends, she explored the Californian coastline, travelling to Big Sur, San Francisco and through the national parks of the West. “I made it my goal to see as much as possible – and these experiences were at least as valuable as my studies.” Her advice for anyone planning a semester in the US: start early, stay flexible and make the most of every opportunity. “Make use of the HSRW’s resources as early as possible. Go to the information session organised by the International Office,” she says with a smile. “And be flexible – things will turn out differently from what you planned anyway, but that’s what makes the experience so special.”
