When talking about the target groups that will benefit from this document, there may be mainly potential students and former students (‘the network of older boys is the network of young boys’), parents as decision makers and financial donors, an institution named DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst or German Academic Exchange Service) and the Akademisches Auslandsamt (International Office/Office for Study Abroad) as administrative liaison pins; in addition, there is the Regensburg University Corps (which has been my home university) and the host at Vanderbilt University itself, which is located in Nashville, Tennessee/USA.

Basically I would like to summarize my findings which are based on personal experience in more detail. You should know that I always refer to my frame of reference, which was the University of Regensburg in Bavaria.

Those of you who have the firm intention of spending an academic year abroad, should be fully aware of the fact that investing heavily in the application process is mandatory, but absolutely worth it due to the obvious positive result. Therefore, useful investment for future prospects is guaranteed. This type of additional education will be etched in your heart and soul.

Applicants must have some understanding of their own background, as well as a solid understanding of the historical background, as they are representatives of their countries. You will definitely not be just another face in the crowd, that’s for sure. The trend towards status and recognition will be experienced and your shyness will grow exponentially.

Interested students must be motivated, open-minded and adapt to a new environment. They must be equipped with an inherent feeling of cross-cultural sensitivity that is part of those soft skills that are then urgently required on the job. The desire to learn and look further is to be expected. Your motto is called ‘The sky is the limit’.

Students need to make sure what kind of personal and academic goals they like to pursue. In case of focusing on achieving an academic degree, they must select the right courses and classes in advance in a very diligent and reasonable manner, in order to obtain the necessary credits that they need in the long run. In this way, the recognition of courses and classes is greatly facilitated.

Ambitious students should try to get in touch with their teachers and professors early on and on a regular basis, in order to build a strong relationship during their time at university, which will allow them to achieve goals more effectively. In the long run, you will benefit from an inherent ability based on conflict.

Exchange students from Germany should minimize meeting with other German students in order to fully benefit from the linguistic progress and dynamic process of the multinational group. Therefore, the proper choice of the right bedroom can be quite important.

Participating in as many events as possible should be the basic motto of an exchange student. This could range from an international coffee hour once a week to organized field trips or social events on and off campus. You must count on your distinctive behavior towards new things in life.

Students should take the opportunity to become involved in the host family concept, to become familiar with local habits and customs, as well as traditional family structures. In this way, they will gain a deeper understanding of the way of life and cultural environments, making you feel even more relaxed and building a flexible attitude.

Once they return to their home countries, students should try to register with an organization called Alumni, to get in touch with the foreign university and former students regarding future development and further career progress. Take advantage of your contacts – ‘The network of the old is the network of the young’. Eventually, your proven ability regarding team integration will be rewarded. In addition, you will benefit from valuable information on frequently asked questions for the job interview. Furthermore, you will be enriched with substantial ideas and suggestions to improve your CV let alone mention the MBTI Professional Personality Indicator.