Aljoscha Bär on his study visit to Lehigh University
Aljoscha Bär is a student of Industrial Engineering and Management. He applied for the Prof. Dr. Endriss Prize in order to receive financial support for a semester abroad at Legigh University. From August to December he studied at Lehigh University and talks about his experiences there in the interview.
1. Why did you want to study abroad and why at Lehigh University in particular?
I was born and grew up in Dresden and stayed in the city for another five years to complete my degree. In order to get out of the city, I had already planned a stay abroad at the beginning of my studies. It was clear to me that I wanted to go to the USA or Canada. On the one hand because it should be an English-speaking country, on the other hand because I am particularly fascinated by U.S. culture and economics research (my study focus) is particularly strong there. Lehigh University had the best economics program of all North American universities in the TUDworldwide program, is well located on the East Coast and has a positive local reputation.
2. What differences have you noticed between studying here at TUD and at Lehigh University?
Studying in the USA is very different from German universities. While at the TUD, especially in the first semesters, the entire Audimax is often full of students, at Lehigh there are usually only small classes. Instead of a lecture atmosphere, it often feels like a school class. This has both advantages (e.g. direct contact with professors) and disadvantages (e.g. less personal responsibility and independence). Another major difference is the university and campus culture. The fact that all students live on or right next to campus means that they identify with their own university in a completely different way and your fellow students are basically your neighbors. Not to mention the atmosphere that arises at a football game of your own university team.
3. With what experiences did you return to Dresden?
I took a lot with me. Personally, by getting to know many new people, as well as academically, through exciting lectures, some of which don't even exist at the TUD. But what I will remember most is the feeling that I now "understand" the USA a little better as a country. The cultural differences are not huge, but it surprised me how many aspects you realize over time (and how much these differences can explain).