In October 2024, Aet Michelson from the Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) arrived at TUM for an almost two-month Erasmus staff exchange. As TalTech’s project manager for the EU-funded EuroTeQ Engineering University, Aet has been actively involved in the project since the start of the university cooperation in 2020. Her stay in Munich provided her with the opportunity to explore a new work environment and benefit from the established structures at TUM.
The start at TUM was both exciting and reassuring for Aet: Carla Albrecht-Hengerer, EuroTeQ project manager at TUM, and Marita Mau from the TUM Global & Alumni Office warmly welcomed her. Aet quickly found her place in the shared office and was able to dive directly into the daily routine of the EuroTeQ team.
The personal collaboration allowed for a more in-depth exchange, going beyond the usual virtual "secretariat meetings." In these weekly meetings, the project managers from the partner universities coordinate their work. "The openness of Carla and Marita and their willingness to share their experiences provided me with insights I wouldn't have gained otherwise. It truly felt like a team effort to improve the EuroTeQ project," explains Aet.
Collaboration and mutual learning
During her stay, Aet participated in various sessions on EuroTeQ work packages tailored to her time in Munich. The focus was on further developing the EuroTeQ course catalog, exploring innovative mobility formats, and motivating professors to create creative course offerings. "Many of the discussions inspired me to bring new ideas back to Tallinn," says Aet.
A special highlight was an excursion organized by TUM Junge Akademie to Munich's innovation centers, including TUM Entrepreneurship, the TUM Venture Labs, and the Munich Urban Collab. "These places are perfect examples of how collaboration and innovation can tackle real-world challenges," Aet says enthusiastically.
Experiences beyond work
In addition to the intensive professional exchange, Aet also discovered the cultural and scenic highlights of Bavaria. Her days often began with workout sessions at the gym, while she spent her evenings exploring Munich's restaurants, museums, and shops. Weekend trips took her to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Salzburg, and Starnberg – accompanied by her TUM colleagues Marita and Carla.
A joint visit to the Christmas market marked the perfect conclusion to her time in Munich before she returned to wintery Estonia.
This has been an invaluable experience – I've gained new insights, built lasting connections, and returned to TalTech with fresh energy to improve EuroTeQ."