Exchange at Penn From Aachen to America: First Steps and Fresh Perspectives at Penn

Bastian, one of the Exchange at Penn Correspondents, shares his experience at Penn during the Spring 2024 semester. Follow along with the group of correspondents on our blog and look out for their images on the @pennabroad Instagram feed.

Upon arriving at Penn, I was afraid that there would be some challenges settling in and connecting with others, but I didn’t expect the mix of excitement and growth that followed. Like most people, I’m usually more comfortable in familiar environments, so this felt like my biggest step outside of my comfort zone since I moved to Aachen for my first semester. The Orientation Week at Penn was packed with events, information, and new faces. Although it seemed a bit overwhelming and exhausting at some times, the experience was absolutely worth it to meet other exchange students that are in the same situation and share your first experiences. Getting to know so many people from different backgrounds, all feeling the same mix of nerves and excitement, has made adjusting much easier, and now they’re the people I spend most of my time with on campus. Now, two months into the semester and at the halfway point of my stay, I find it’s a good moment to reflect. 

One of the things that has struck me instantly is how different the courses are here. Back home, I’m used to more theory-based lectures, but at Penn, the focus is on real-world application. It’s refreshing and motivating to see concepts come to life in such practical ways. I think this hands-on approach will add so much to my education, and I’m already eager to see how it all connects to what I’ve learned before. 

Campus life itself is so convenient. Everything is close by – from dining options to study spots to sports facilities. It makes everyday life feel simpler, and I’ve quickly found favorite spots to unwind between classes. On top of that, sharing a room with a stranger was a new experience. Initially, I was unsure about it, considering I like my personal space and the last time I shared a room was with my sister 15 years ago. Luckily, my roommate, a full-time Political Science student from Pakistan, turned out to be a great fit. I’ve noticed that almost everyone here seems happy with their roommates—it really just takes a bit of mutual adjustment. Now, the shared space doesn’t feel strange anymore; in fact, it’s been a good chance to gain new perspectives and build a friendship I hadn’t anticipated. I genuinely  enjoy our talks (others might call it yapping) about the US, politics in our home countries and the more subtle things in life. 

One of the things on my bucket list prior to arriving at Philly definitely was to explore beyond campus. Philly is such a vibrant city with great food and a vibrant city center that I want to explore further. I've already had the opportunity to see games of the 76ers and Eagles, so only the Phillies and Flyers are missing to complete my goal of seeing all 4 major sports teams. Beyond Philly, I was able to travel to some iconic places – Washington D.C., New York City, and even Shenandoah National Park just to start with. Each trip has added a new layer to my experience, letting me see different parts of the U.S. and take in the culture, history, and incredible nature that this country has to offer. 

Settling in has come with its challenges, but each experience, both on and off-campus, has been a part of what’s making this journey unforgettable. Now, I’m looking forward to what’s next and am ready to continue making the most of this time here!