Juliana Oliveira, Business, Technology and Engineering the German Way Summer 2023
The Business, Technology, and Engineering: The German Way program was such an incredible experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. I think something that made the program so special and memorable was how close-knit our group of students from the University of Pittsburgh became very early on in the program. Only a handful of us had met before the program start, so most of us went into the experience as strangers; it was so heartwarming to have come out of this with not only more knowledge about German business and engineering, but also a group of newfound friends.
Therefore, my first piece of advice to any student planning to participate in the program is to make an effort early into the program to get to know everyone in the group. The first week of the program is virtual, so creating group chats beforehand is a great way to ease into meeting everyone. Then, once in Germany, travelling everywhere in a group both promotes safety but also allows for an opportunity for the group to bond over a meal or shared experiences. All fourteen of us would meet in the living complex lobby at 8:15 each morning, walk to the train station together, get coffee and breakfast, then walk to the school together.
One of my favorite bonding experiences with the group was when we went to a nearby park during our lunch break from classes and played soccer together with small children; it was such a wholesome moment. Another important piece of advice for the program is to make sure to add cash, adaptors, a reusable water bottle, and either a Visa or Mastercard credit card to the list of items to pack. I noticed that many of the establishments, especially restaurants, in Munich had a minimum for using a credit card or were strictly cash-only. Thankfully, since we always traveled in a big group, someone would always be there to lend some cash. However, some individuals in the group had to turn to an ATM to get some cash which led to hefty transaction and conversion fees. It is much easier to get Euros from a bank in the U.S. prior to travel to avoid these extra fees; around 400 Euros was a sufficient amount to pack.
Adaptors are also important so that computer, phone, and watch chargers, amongst other items, can plug safely into the European outlets. Bringing 2-3 is perfect so multiple items can be at use or charging at the same time. Furthermore, a reusable water bottle is helpful to pack because water usually comes with a charge in Munich; thankfully, the tap water is clean enough to drink thanks to the amazing environmental regulations that Germany has in place. This can be used to fill up water bottles for free and save money on purchasing water elsewhere. Lastly, it is important to note that the only commonly accepted credit cards in Munich are Visa and Mastercard.
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