LMU Winter Studies

The LMU Winter Studies course has been a novel, unique and enriching experience which has provided me with invaluable cultural, social and historical knowledge. From the EU Winter school to German classes to exploring Europe with a small class of students from many different walks of life this journey has felt like a culturally immersive experience which exceeded my preconceived notions of how much I would learn as student and grow as a person by attending this short program.

This trip has provided me with a plethora of cultural knowledge. Starting the trip out in Germany, we were instantly hit with a cultural shock as the attendant at the Ice-skating rink asked us why we were all smiling, wearing a deadpan expression. That interaction underscored the daily exchanges we would have during out time in Munich when we were exploring the stores in the old town, buying our daily coffee from the café near our class and meeting locals at the numerous beer houses. What I learned quickly wasn’t that people in Munich were necessarily rude, but rather robotic and professional. This notion held strongly until you shared a drink with a local, then the colours of their personalities shone very brightly. I think one of the things I will miss most about Munich is the absolute dedication the city holds to art of baking pastries. No matter the shop, or the time of day, a buttered pretzel, Nutella croissant or apple strudel was never out of reach.

The architecture which we were exposed on a day-to-day basis in Vienna and Munich was simply breathtaking, even after a month of taking the same route to class I couldn’t help feeling astounded by the size, detail and beauty of the Baroque architecture in Bavaria. The Vienna city centre was without a doubt the astounding series of buildings I have ever seen in my life. Moreover, the weekly sightseeing and tourist activities wouldn’t have been possible without the excellent service of the transit services in both Vienna and Munich. In addition to trains, I found the transport infrastructure in both cities exceptional and extremely fitting for major cities supporting millions of workers and students, with a multitude of options meaning driving wasn’t necessary. Travelling by foot in both European cities also meant your lungs had to quickly become accustomed to the blistering cold and thick cigarette residue which culminated in a smog blanket covering both cities.

Overall, I found this course an enlightening experience which I will remember fondly, and I’m sure it will positively support my career growth.

Bardia Bagherli
Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Laws
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal