Twenty years after his Erasmus stay at Tampere University of Technology, TUM alumnus Felix Köbler wrote such an enthusiastic email to the TUM Global & Alumni Office that it felt like he had just returned from Finland. We invited him to share his experiences to inspire as many TUM students as possible to explore the incredible opportunities of a semester abroad with Erasmus+.
Felix Köbler began studying Information Systems at TUM in 2002 and graduated in 2008 with a master’s degree. In the winter semester of 2004/05, he participated in the Erasmus program for a semester abroad at Tampere University of Technology – since 2019, known as Tampere University – in Finland. An experience that left a lasting impact far beyond his studies.
Felix, first of all, thank you for reaching out to us! What motivated you to get in touch?
I believe it is incredibly important to share positive experiences and provide feedback. It takes very little time – like in this case, just five minutes for an email – and offers a wonderful opportunity to recognize the important work of the Global Office. The impressions and encounters from the 20-year Erasmus reunion still resonate with me and further inspired me to tell my story and encourage students in their decision-making process for a semester abroad.
The Erasmus program is, for me, one of the most significant and valuable opportunities a university education offers. It not only embodies the European spirit but also strengthens it sustainably and inspires a generation to actively shape Europe’s future. Especially in a time when collaboration and intercultural dialogue are more important than ever, it opens invaluable opportunities to build bridges between cultures and to embrace fundamental values like tolerance, diversity, and solidarity.
You went to Tampere in the 2004/2005 winter semester. Why did you want to spend a semester abroad during what was certainly not an unstressful course of study – and why in Finland?
Before starting my studies, I completed an internship in Mexico, which provided me with valuable intercultural experiences. Initially, I planned to do my exchange in Spain to improve my Spanish skills.
However, I spontaneously chose Finland because I wanted to experience a completely different culture. I knew Tampere by name because the mother of a childhood friend from kindergarten was born there. Interestingly, even my Erasmus peers from Spain and Italy still reflect today on why they chose Tampere in particular.
You ended up staying in Tampere longer than originally planned. How did that happen?
Originally, I had planned to stay for just one semester. However, the positive experiences during the first semester and the straightforward support from the Erasmus coordinators at TUM at the time motivated me to extend my stay to a full year. In the second semester, I even wrote my bachelor’s thesis, registered at TUM, while in Tampere – a remote setup that was anything but common back then and was encouraged by my supervisor at the time.
How did the experience shape you? Your email was genuinely inspiring – even after twenty years. That’s impressive.
My time in Tampere and the exchange with other Erasmus students had a profoundly positive impact on my personal development and turned me into a committed European. The friendships and relationships I built during that time have not only been maintained over the years but also deepened. I wouldn’t want to miss the intercultural exchange for anything. Even during my time at TUM as a research associate at the Chair of Information Systems, I was an enthusiastic mentor and hope I convinced many students of this program's unique opportunities.
You are now part of the leadership team of a software start-up. What influence has your Erasmus experience had on your professional life?
The experiences and relationships I gained in Tampere have significantly strengthened my soft skills, enabling me to work seamlessly in interdisciplinary and intercultural teams and manage them effectively and productively.
Impressions from Tampere
Entrance to the Tietotalo building of Tampere University (formerly TUT) in Hervanta (2024). Image: Felix Köbler / TUM
A visit to Santa Claus in Rovaniemi. Image: Felix Köbler / TUM
Tampere with lake view. Image: Felix Köbler / TUM
International frisbee match on a frozen lake. Image: Felix Köbler / TUM
Tampere in the pre-Christmas season. Image: Felix Köbler / TUM
Tampere in winter 2004/2005. Image: Felix Köbler / TUM
Tampere with a view of the main railway station in the foreground (2024). Image: Felix Köbler / TUM
Tammerkoski rapids in the center of Tampere (2024). Image: Felix Köbler / TUM
Not only during your time as a research associate at TUM were you essentially an Erasmus ambassador – your commitment continues to this day…
Exactly! About ten years ago, we organized our first reunion in Tampere, which brought together around 30 people from almost all EU countries. It felt like we were picking up right where we had, unfortunately, left off in 2005. A special highlight of the meeting was visiting an Erasmus party, where we, "the older generation," mingled with the students of that time.
Most recently, at the beginning of November, we returned to Tampere for an extended weekend to celebrate another reunion, marking 20 years! Once again, around 25 people answered the call. It was an emotional and somewhat nostalgic trip: being back on campus together, eating in the cafeteria, visiting the sauna and student dorms, and realizing that the relationships and the spirit of exchange were just as they had been back then.
Reuniting with old friends must have been a fantastic experience. But that wasn't all, was it? Tell us more!
On Thursday evening, we attended a student party – true to the motto, "You're only as old as you feel." While there, we noticed another international group celebrating at the club. To our surprise, it turned out they were having a party for their ten-year Erasmus anniversary!
And then it happened: two Spaniards from that group approached me directly and addressed me by name. I was completely taken aback, as I couldn't place their faces or names. They explained that we had met ten years ago at their Erasmus party, where I had shared some life tips from my own Erasmus experience, which they now quoted back to me verbatim. One of those tips was to always stay in touch and meet as often and as long as possible. This advice had inspired them to reunite after a decade.
This unbelievable coincidence was almost beyond comprehension for all of us – we now call it the “Erasmus Loop.”
What an incredible story. The world truly can feel like a small village where we come together in the most wonderful ways. Thank you so much, Felix, for sharing your experiences with us. You're sure to inspire many current students to explore international exchange opportunities!
Apply now for the next Erasmus+ stays!
You can still apply for stays abroad in the winter semester 2025/26 and summer semester 2026 until January 15, 2025. Find the full info on our Erasmus website.
Please note: If your school or subject area has set a different deadline in consultation with the TUM Global & Alumni Office, please submit your application by this deadline.
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