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author
francesco marotta
francesco
faculty
Faculty of Science
academic year of the stay
2024/2025
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author
francesco
faculty
Faculty of Science
academic year of the stay
2024/2025
traineeship
study stay
short-term mobility
other
Friedrich Alexander University
How does francesco rate their stay?
university
city
accommodation
financial demands
about university | organisation
What made your university special? What were the facilities where you studied and the university equipment like?
When I think of my "adoptive" university in Erlangen, the first thing that comes to my mind is the welcoming and friendly atmosphere of the research group I worked with during my three-month internship. The city itself was quiet and pleasant, which helped me focus and feel comfortable from the very beginning.
What made the experience unique was the strong sense of teamwork and support within the lab. My colleagues were always willing to help, share their expertise, and involve me in ongoing projects, which made me feel like a real part of the team.
The working spaces were modern and well-organized, with well-equipped laboratories and comfortable offices. The labs had advanced instruments and all the necessary equipment for conducting high-level research, which allowed me to learn and develop new technical skills in a professional environment.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your "adoptive" university? What made it special? What were the premises where you studied and the university facilities like?
During my internship, I felt that interns were truly valued as part of the team rather than just temporary visitors. I was given meaningful tasks and responsibilities, and my contributions were taken seriously.
The organization representatives and my colleagues approached me in a very supportive and friendly way from the beginning. They were always available to answer my questions, provide feedback, and help me integrate into the daily activities of the research group. This positive and open atmosphere made it easy to learn and grow both professionally and personally.
I would definitely recommend this place to other interns. It is a great environment to develop new skills, gain practical experience, and work alongside dedicated and passionate people in a welcoming setting.
What is student life like at university?
Life at the university is vibrant and active. There are many student associations that organize various events, workshops, and activities, making it easy to meet new people and feel part of the community.
There are also elective courses available that introduce students to the German language and culture, which are very helpful for international students who want to better understand the local context and integrate more easily.
In addition, the university organizes different leisure activities, such as cultural events, sports, and trips, which offer a great balance between academic life and free time.
Did you study in English or in the language of the host country? What language requirements does the university have?
I communicated in English, the language required in a research contest.
about the city
What was your impression of the city? How would you describe it? What is interesting to see here?
The city of Erlangen had a very positive impact on me. I would describe it as calm and student-oriented, which made it easy to feel at home and focus on my work and studies. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and you can really feel the strong presence of the university community throughout the city.
There are many interesting places to see in Erlangen, such as the beautiful botanical garden, the Schlossgarten, and the charming old town with its historic buildings and cozy cafés.
One of my favorite places was the Schlossgarten, where I enjoyed spending time outdoors, relaxing, or meeting with friends. I also liked exploring the small local restaurants and bakeries, which gave me a real taste of the local culture. Overall, the city offered a perfect balance between a peaceful environment and an active student life.
about finances
In your experience, how far does the scholarship go? What percentage of your expenses did it cover? What is your opinion on prices in the country in general?
Based on my experience, it is quite manageable to live in Erlangen with a scholarship. In general, prices in Germany are average, and I found that the cost of apartments and groceries is lower compared to Prague.
The scholarship helped me cover about 50% of my total expenses, which was a big support. With careful budgeting, it is possible to live comfortably, especially if you take advantage of student discounts and cook at home.
Overall, I think the prices in the country are reasonable, and with the help of the scholarship, it is definitely possible to enjoy the experience without too much financial stress.
Please advise your classmates on how to save money—Where to shop? What services can be used to save money?
My advice to classmates who want to save money is to shop at discount supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl, or Netto, where prices are generally lower and the quality is still good.
Cooking at home instead of eating out can also help save a lot of money. If possible, sharing an apartment (WG) is a great way to reduce rent costs and also meet new people.
For transportation, using a bicycle or taking advantage of student discounts on public transport can make a big difference. There are also many second-hand shops and online platforms (like eBay Kleinanzeigen) where you can buy affordable furniture or other items you might need during your stay.
Overall, planning your budget carefully and looking for student deals can really help you enjoy your time abroad without overspending.
about accommodation
What type of accommodation did you choose? Would you recommend it to others? If not, what type of accommodation do you think is best based on your experience (dormitory, private apartment, private dormitory, shared room, etc.)?
I stayed in a university house reserved for researchers, called Villa Jordan. It is a beautiful place where you can stay for up to one year.
I would definitely recommend it to others. The environment was quiet and comfortable, and it was a great opportunity to meet other researchers from different fields and countries. The location and atmosphere of Villa Jordan made my stay in Erlangen even more special and enjoyable.
about experiences
Did you use your stay to travel around the country/Europe? What are your best travel experiences? What would you not recommend?
Yes, I took advantage of my stay to travel around Germany. Thanks to the Deutschland Ticket, which costs only 58 euros per month, it was possible to travel all over Germany using public transportation such as buses, metros, trams, and regional trains.
It was a great opportunity to explore different cities and regions in an affordable and flexible way. Some of my best travel experiences included visiting Munich, Nuremberg, and smaller towns nearby, which gave me the chance to experience different aspects of German culture and landscapes.
I highly recommend using the Deutschland Ticket, as it makes traveling very convenient. I don’t have any negative experiences to mention, but I would suggest planning your trips in advance because regional trains can sometimes be crowded, especially on weekends.
Language and culture: what cultural differences did you notice? How did you cope with the national language? Was it also the language of your studies? Do you feel that your language skills improved during your stay?
During my stay, I didn’t notice major cultural differences that were difficult to adapt to. The environment was very international and open-minded, which made it easy to feel comfortable.
I didn’t interact in German much because I stayed only for three months, and most of my work and daily communication were in English. English was also the main language used in the lab and in my research activities.
Because of this, I didn’t make significant progress in German during my stay. However, I still appreciated being surrounded by the language and learning a few basic words and expressions.
about experiences
Did you use Erasmus stay to travel around your country/Europe? What are your best travel experiences? What would you not recommend?
Language and culture: what cultural differences did you notice? How did you cope with the national language? Was it also the language of your studies? Do you feel that your language skills improved during your stay?
Did you use Erasmus stay to travel around your country/Europe? What are your best travel experiences? What would you not recommend?
final rating
Why here? What makes this location special? Why would you send your friends to your country/city?
What makes the university and the location exceptional is the friendly, student-oriented atmosphere in Erlangen. It is a small city full of students, including many international ones, which creates a lively and welcoming community.
I would especially recommend coming in spring and summer, when the weather is pleasant and there are many opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and social events. One of the highlights is the traditional beer festival in June, which is a great way to experience local culture and meet new people.
Overall, the combination of a supportive university environment, an international community, and a charming, relaxed city makes it a perfect place for studying or doing an internship. I would definitely encourage my friends to choose this city and university!
live-saving tips
If I went again, I would definitely remember to pack...
Before leaving, I would like to know that...
What surprised me most was that...
The hardest thing for me was...
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