July 16, 2024
The United Kingdom is an important and long-standing partner of TUM. Brexit has changed the conditions for cooperation. However, despite limited options, the motivation to continue promoting student and staff exchanges and joint research collaborations in the best possible way remains strong. We met with British guest students and asked them why they decided to spend a semester abroad at TUM.
“A situation of upheaval always creates new opportunities for collaboration,” explains Bettina Burger, Senior International Strategist for European Partnerships at the TUM Global & Alumni Office. Sometimes, you just have to take a pragmatic approach. After all, the UK’s withdrawal from the EU meant, among other things, that there could no longer be any exchanges via the Erasmus+ program.
It was, therefore, necessary to find other ways and means of maintaining relations with partners in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Building bridges, as the English mathematician Sir Isaac Newton put it with his statement, “We build too many walls and not enough bridges.” At TUM, the TUMexchange program and school partnerships are among how this is achieved for student exchanges. By transferring to the TUMexchange program, we can offer accommodation to all students. There are also opportunities for financial support via the Turing Scheme.
In the summer semester of 2024, the TUM Global & Alumni Office arranged a meeting with students from British partner universities. In retrospect, the organization of the exchange turned out to be feasible despite the political circumstances. “I had imagined it would be more difficult than it ended up being,” says Samuel Mills, a mathematics student from Newcastle University. Chelsea Richards, an architecture student from Kingston University in London, recommends applying for a visa. “It's not a must, but I have noticed in several cases that the visa is enormously helpful.”
Why study abroad at TUM?
The students explained their motivation to apply for an exchange at TUM, which has a good reputation worldwide in research and teaching, and the attractiveness of Munich as a place with an international and high standard of living.
Sam got a visit from his parents and showed them sightseeing highlights such as Munich's Marienplatz with the famous Fischbrunnen (fish fountain). Image: Samuel Mills
Hang loves German bread and enjoys baking it herself with her German boyfriend. Image: Hang Tran
Chelsea went on many trips and explored various places including Austria. Image: Chelsea Richards
While at TUM, Matthew became a big fan of the "Café Nachhoelzer," a student initiative with access to the roof terrace of the TUM main building. Image: Matthew Davies
Architecture student Hang explains: “Germany is very interesting in terms of architecture and literature. I could choose a different focus at TUM, expand my basic technical knowledge, and thus complement my Bachelor’s degree.” She likes to spend her free time on the roof terrace of the Vorhoelzer Forum on the main campus, where she can enjoy a great view over Munich and the mountains over lunch. Samuel studies on the campus in Garching. He particularly appreciates the group work with students from the department, which contributes to a better, interactive understanding.
Management student Matthew Davies put the focus of his exchange on foreign language skills: “I have set myself the goal of living in Germany for at least a year, where I can practice my German language skills with native speakers.” Noemi, who is also studying architecture, is using her time at TUM to explore Bavaria and neighboring countries alongside her studies. In their free time, they all enjoy participating in the various student initiatives at TUM, particularly student council activities or events from TUM's International Campus Life program.
UK is one of the top destinations for TUM students
For TUM students, the United Kingdom is a very popular destination for a semester abroad. Outgoing Program Coordinator Andreas Mayer explains the great interest: “The partners in Great Britain and Northern Ireland have a great academic tradition, are very modern, and are among the top universities worldwide. The cultural and geographical proximity and the fact that English is the national language make them particularly attractive for our students.” TUM has many long-standing relationships throughout the UK and continues to fully support student mobility exchanges.
Matthew can only recommend an exchange experience to all fellow students: “We need to keep an open mind. I’ve learned so much in such a short time by stepping out of my comfort zone, thinking positively, and being willing to try new things.”
Hefan Xu is studying computer science at TUM. She spent a semester at Cardiff University through TUMexchange. Image: Hefan Xu / TUM
Whether England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland: the United Kingdom is very popular with TUM students as a destination for exchange stays. Image: Stefanie Dietz / TUM
Joint programs with Imperial College London
The focus of the cooperation between TUM and Imperial is on research collaboration and promoting young talent, as well as on teaching projects, and lifelong learning initiatives. In addition, globally relevant topics such as sustainability, diversity, and entrepreneurship are central to the exchange between the partners. The Practical Research Experience Program (TUM PREP) and International Research Opportunities Program (IROP) summer programs complement this approach by offering inspiring research opportunities for student exchanges.
- Semester abroad in the United Kingdom via TUMexchange
- Pathways to TUM for exchange students: TUMexchange, TUM PREP and School Partnerships
- Interview with TUM PREP participant Nereida Abad-Yang from Imperial College London
- Flagship partnership with Imperial College London
- International Campus Life
- ESN TUMi
- TUM Student Clubs