Exchange Semester at the University of Brighton

Final Report

My exchange semester at the University of Brighton was one of the best decisions I have made so far. Looking back, I can say that the time has passed much faster than I expected. Especially now, at the end of the semester, it is incredibly difficult for me to leave Brighton again.

My exchange semester has shown me that sometimes you simply have to take the leap and step out of your comfort zone. I am incredibly happy that I decided to take this step, as the past few months have helped me grow both personally and academically.

What I found particularly interesting were the differences between the British and German higher education systems. At the University of Brighton, the relationship between students and lecturers is much more relaxed and personal. Professors and lecturers engage with students on a more equal level and genuinely try to support everyone as much as possible. This creates a very positive atmosphere, and I quickly felt comfortable and welcomed.

I also made tremendous progress in my language skills during this time. Before my exchange semester, I was often unsure whether my English was good enough. Today, I can confidently say that I speak English with confidence, can communicate easily with people from all over the world, and no longer have any difficulties discussing academic topics. Two exams were particularly challenging for me, as I had to give presentations in English in front of several people without using any notes or additional aids. I was quite nervous before these presentations, which is why I am even more proud that I successfully overcame this challenge.

One of my biggest concerns before my exchange semester was not being able to make friends or find my place. Looking back, this fear was completely unfounded. I met so many wonderful people in Brighton and built friendships that I hope will last a lifetime. These are the people I will miss the most. There is a big difference between spending time together every single day and only staying in touch through messages or phone calls afterwards. Nevertheless, I am confident that we will find ways to stay connected.

What made Brighton so special for me was not only its location right by the sea or its proximity to London, but above all the atmosphere of the city itself. Brighton is colourful, open-minded, and truly unique. It is a small city where everyone is welcomed and can simply be themselves. This feeling is what made everyday life there so special for me.

Thanks to its location, I was also able to travel to Valencia, Dublin, and Paris easily and at a very affordable price. From Salzburg, this would have been much more difficult and expensive. These trips made my exchange semester even more unique and unforgettable.

I get to end my study abroad semester with a very special highlight: my family picked me up with our camper van, and we are now travelling through England and Scotland together. It is the perfect opportunity to end this chapter in a truly special way.

Throughout my entire stay, I always felt very well supported by World of Students. Whether it was organizational questions before the semester or smaller challenges during my time abroad, I always received quick and helpful support. I am very grateful for that.

I wouldn’t trade the opportunity to study abroad for anything, and I can truly recommend it to everyone. Unfortunately, time passes far too quickly, but every single second was absolutely worth it.