Get a taste of international life during a semester abroad

Since mid-August, Simon Frischbach has been working in the International Office at Alanus University. Here, the native Frenchman is responsible for planning cultural events and, together with Ute Harres, works among other things on implementing the Erasmus program. To mark his start at Alanus, he answered a few questions.

Why did you choose Alanus University?

I chose Alanus University because I value the university’s educational approach. Holistic education takes center stage here, and that is very important for our society – especially in an international context. In addition, what I like about the International Office at a smaller university is the opportunity for personal exchange with students, which does not exist in the same way at large universities.

Have you ever done a semester abroad yourself?

Yes, I have already had the opportunity three times to live abroad through various Erasmus funding lines. For example, I spent one year in Spain with study mobility funding and one year in Berlin through internship mobility. In addition, I spent a year in Stuttgart with the European Voluntary Service.

What did you particularly like about it?

What I particularly liked was that, for the first time, I was able to live in an international environment. The experiences I gained there shaped me so much that I decided to make this my profession and move to Germany.

Why do you think Alanus students should do a semester abroad?

I would recommend a semester abroad to every Alanus student because it offers a wonderful opportunity to get to know new countries, new cultures – and also new forms of teaching and learning, as well as new people, but even more importantly, to discover more about yourself.

You have lived in Paris – home of the Mona Lisa and Notre Dame: What tip would you give students visiting there?

I would plan plenty of time for the Louvre, because beyond the Mona Lisa there is, of course, so much else exciting to see there. I would also recommend finding out about current cultural events, for example, there are always new and interesting exhibitions. Finally, Paris is wonderful for strolling, especially if you want to save some money. On every street corner, you can find impressive art and architecture, above all from the “Paris city planner” Baron Haussmann. Besides the Louvre, the Musée d’Histoire naturelle, the natural history museum, is actually my favorite museum.

Interested in a semester abroad? Feel free to get advice during the International Office’s office hours:

Tue./Thu. 2:00–4:30 p.m. Phone: 02222.9321-1980 / Email: international.office@alanus.edu