What do you believe students should know or consider before studying abroad in Germany?
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Mannheim is a very international city. If you want to meet Germans specifically, you’re going to have to work for it. You will, however, meet tons of lovely international students. It’s also important to start looking at housing early. A lot of students had trouble finding housing in the Studentenwohnheime, or student dorms, because they have limited space on the online portal. I’d advise trying to get a spot, but if that doesn’t work searching through wg-gesucht.de is a great alternative!
Doing an exchange program is very different from faculty-led or third-party planned out programs. It’s important to know that you will basically be on your own once you get there. It’s a lovely experience, but it also requires more anxiety, responsibility, and a willingness to be both flexible and flustered simultaneously. I would wholeheartedly recommend it, despite the difficulties. You will come out of it with loads more confidence in your ability to navigate different situations!