Actually I was not looking for Georgia Tech’s European Campus in detail but I was looking for an American university with an excellent reputation that offers a master’s degree within an exchange program. Fortunately Georgia Tech has such an agreement with my former Alma Matter “Technische Universität München”. It has been part of the program to spent one semester at GTL. Although I did not originally consider another European country I did have a great time in France: Refreshing my French language knowledge, joining a local bicycle racing club or just hanging out and discover the area.

Being of German origin GTL, especially the French location, did not introduce a new culture to me. However it provided me with the great opportunity to cooperate with groups of American as well as French colleagues and learn about their way of thinking and problem solving. It has been a valuable experience to slight differences in their behavior and will definitely sharpen my sense in interaction with other nationalities and maybe in leading or organization.

Today I am working towards my PHD in electrical engineering at TUM. The study program at GTL broadened my horizon and encouraged me to focus into medical devices and biotechnology. Because I do not plan to stay in academia, the very close contact to the professors at GTL and the entrepreneurial thinking of the American teaching staff took my fears away and showed me how technology can be brought to the market.