When choosing a university for my semester abroad, it was very important to me that I come to a place where the number of German and Russian-speaking people is very low, because improving my language skills was a very high priority for me. Another fact that influenced my decision was that I had a low score on the TOEFL test and that most universities were inaccessible to me. Since the U of W was new to MicroEDU ‘s program and didn’t require proof of proficiency, I decided it would be the right choice for me.
The application process with the support of MicroEDU can be described as simple. In most cases it is not even necessary to introduce yourself in person and for those who do not already know it is absolutely free. It should only be started early enough, as organizing a semester abroad is very time-consuming. All the BAföG Abroad Office insists on the complete documents three months before the start of the semester abroad. In my case there were no complications and the MicroEDU staff were always on hand to help me with every question, whether about the U of W or BAföG. But if you want to inquire directly at the U of W, I recommend contacting the International Student Services (International Office). Visit act-test-centers.com to get information about discover the best geography courses in the world.
For those who want to live on campus, there are three options: the two student dormitories Lions Manor and McFeetors Hall as well as University’s own Balmoral Houses. I lived in the McFeetors dorm, which was only completed in summer 2009. This dormitory offers non-mobilized apartments with kitchen and bathroom on the first two floors and is preferably given to families. In the corridors above there are very cozy and mobilized single and double dorms. Which I strongly advise against! There are numerous reasons for this, first of all there are the somewhat high rents because it is a new building and you don’t really feel free there, because the university takes care of their new “darling” with security cameras and securities and mothers the students with rules and RA (resident assistance). The biggest problem, however, is the meal plan to which you are obliged as a resident of the dorms, which is not only extremely expensive, but also spoils your appetite, as the food is really bad and with little variety. There are kitchens in the Double Dorms, but these are only equipped with microwaves and it is forbidden to buy a stove, as independent cooking is generally prohibited in the hallways of the Dorms! Another evil for the residents of the single dorms is the lack of a refrigerator and the ban on purchasing electrical kitchen appliances (officially, people don’t even have a kettle). As already mentioned, the food offered in the Meal Plan is bad, without variety and mandatory. It works as follows: at the beginning of the semester you pay at least $ 1600 and get a free $ 300 from the university. If you haven’t used the money by the end of the semester, you will lose it (there was a run at the end of the semester because everyone had $ 500 and up for the last three weeks). In the course of the semester, the students made some joint suggestions for improving the university cafeteria, so that the food offerings may improve in the following semesters. My very clear recommendation would be the inexpensive Lions Manor student residence with cooking facilities. In the course of the semester, the students made some joint suggestions for improving the university cafeteria, so that the food offerings may improve in the following semesters. My very clear recommendation would be the inexpensive Lions Manor student residence with cooking facilities. In the course of the semester, the students made some joint suggestions for improving the university cafeteria, so that the food offerings may improve in the following semesters. My very clear recommendation would be the inexpensive Lions Manor student residence with cooking facilities.
I took courses in the U of W Business (BWL) course from the fourth and last year and I have to say that I liked it very much. There were always ten to twenty students in all three courses, which created a “classroom atmosphere”. I also liked the structure of the courses, which did not make the grade dependent on the final exam. For example, there was a midterm (20%), an individual presentation (10%), group project (20%) and group presentation (10%), participation in discussions (10%) and final exams (30%). Although this division has led to more study effort during the semester, it ensures a relaxed final spurt, comparable to Germany. For students who have little language skills, the group projects give them the opportunity to spice up their grades, as the Canadian students prove to be very helpful. Outside of the events, the professors are always easily accessible and receptive and help as far as they can.
The general on-site support is good. University staff and students are very helpful. I was offered a buddy (a student from higher semesters who is personally available to answer my questions). I turned him down because he reported at the beginning of the semester that I had been in Winnipeg for 1-2 weeks and already knew everything about it. The university offered many opportunities to get used to the new place of residence. For example, there was an introductory event for international students that was connected to a city tour or the Housing Office organized barbecue parties so that the students could get closer.
The city of Winnipeg can be described as very beautiful, after my arrival at the beginning of September it stayed warm for four to five weeks with almost no rain and there were plenty of opportunities for summer activities. After the short autumn came the cold winter, the students who only stay for one semester (until the end of December) didn’t really notice. The real winter comes in January and February and reaches -55 ° (Note from MicroEDU : The winters in Winnipeg are definitely cold and -20 ° C or -30 ° C can happen especially at night. The stated -55 ° F are however the absolute lowest value from the year 1879 – so no cause for panic;-)). For night life there are plenty of small clubs, cafes and even casinos. Avid drinkers and smokers be warned.
Finally, I would like to say that the semester abroad was a good one and I recommend this university to everyone.
