When I arrived in Munich, I thought I knew what to expect: engineering classes, cultural tours, bratwurst, and bikes. What I didn’t expect was just how quickly I would fall in love with both the city and the Hochschule München (HM) community.
Our very first day set the tone for the rest of the trip. We had a warm welcome from the faculty and student buddies, followed by a traditional Bavarian breakfast that introduced us to both the delicious carbs and the deep sense of hospitality we’d experience throughout the trip. Later that afternoon, we got a full campus tour, and while the buildings themselves were bright and modern, what stood out most to me was the atmosphere. Compared to Pitt, the academic culture felt more focused on application and real-world connections. I especially enjoyed our Service Business Engineering and Entrepreneurship lectures, which were taught in a way that encouraged discussion, not just note-taking.
One of the biggest highlights was visiting BMW’s flagship dealership in Munich. Even though it wasn’t a production facility, the experience was still incredibly impressive. The scale of the space, the innovation on display, and the chance to talk with professionals gave me a new perspective on what’s possible in the automotive industry. As someone who would love to work in that field, it was both inspiring and motivating. It made me realize that this program wasn’t just a cool cultural experience but also a valuable professional stepping stone.
Outside the classroom, Munich itself felt like a dream. The city is clean, efficient, and somehow both calm and energetic. Public transit was shockingly reliable (coming from Pittsburgh, this was a revelation), and almost everyone bikes (they actually bike in business clothes and everything). I also appreciated the emphasis on calm, quiet evenings, even though my inner night owl had to adjust.
One of my favorite moments was watching the sunset from the top of Olympiapark with my classmates. Surrounded by a city that felt both new and strangely familiar, I thought about how much I would experience in two weeks, from innovative courses at HM to unexpected moments of connection across cultures. What stood out most wasn’t just the academics or the architecture, but the way Munich made me feel: curious, welcomed, and inspired. I left with more than just knowledge, I left with a sense of belonging in a place I never guessed would feel like home.
Swanson School of Engineering 