Between campus and city lights: My semester abroad in New York

One semester at St. Francis College New York

Looking back on my semester abroad in New York, I honestly find it hard to put everything into words. The past few months were intense, challenging, beautiful, and formative all at once. It was a time in which so much happened, and I not only got to know a new city but also rediscovered myself in many ways.

Studying in the U.S. was a completely different experience compared to what I was used to in Germany. I found the learning format and the structure of the semester particularly interesting. Instead of a single major exam period at the end, the workload was spread throughout the semester. There were regular assignments, projects, and smaller tests, which kept you engaged consistently. For me, this approach fit the semester perfectly because it allowed me to truly experience life in New York, rather than constantly thinking from one exam period to the next. The interaction with classmates and professors was open and personal, which made learning feel approachable and engaging.

Equally formative as the academic experience was life in the city itself. New York is loud, fast, overwhelming, and at the same time incredibly inspiring. Every day feels a little different, and you constantly meet new people with unique stories. This diversity impressed me deeply. In such an intense period, you often get to know people quickly and honestly, and that’s how friendships formed—friendships for which I am extremely grateful. The fact that, immediately after returning to Germany, I have already met up with some of these people says it all about how special these connections have become.

Of course, not everything was easy from the start. The first few weeks felt unfamiliar. In such a big city, you first have to find your place, your people, your routines. But this very process helped me grow. Once everyday life settled in, New York increasingly felt like a temporary home. Looking back, I’m glad for this initial phase because it showed me that I can navigate new and challenging situations.

Today, I notice this development most clearly. I have become more open, independent, and confident in myself. The many encounters, conversations, and experiences shaped me and continue to accompany me back home. This semester abroad gave me an incredible amount—not just academically, but especially on a personal level.

I am very grateful for this experience and for the opportunity to have had it. New York will always remain a special chapter of my life, and I already know that I will never forget this time. Looking back, I can say that I would do it all exactly the same way again.

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