International Week: "A stay abroad is a great benefit both professionally and personally"

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It's never too early to start looking into studying abroad. DuringInternational Week from October 28 to 31, 2025, students can learn everything they need to know about studying and interning abroad. In this interview, Harald David from the International Office explains what students can expect, who would particularly benefit from attending, and why gaining international experience during your studies is so worthwhile.

Mr. David, the former International Day has now become an entire International Week. What is behind the new format?

Harald David: We want to offer students flexibility. A week allows us to spread out appointments and offer different formats—online and on site in the atrium. This enables participants to specifically choose the events that interest them, while at the same time giving us the opportunity to engage in direct conversation with them.

What can students expect in terms of content?

We present our exchange programs—Erasmus and LMUexchange—and offer advice during online office hours on all questions that arise in the run-up to a stay abroad. The question of financial support is always particularly important. LMU's Career Service, the Center for Teacher Training, and our buddy program are also involved. There are overview presentations and country-specific sessions, each led by colleagues who are responsible for selecting students for these countries. The in-person fair in the atrium also features external institutions involved in study abroad programs, such as the Bavarian University Centers and intermediary organizations that support students with their applications.

Who in particular should attend?

Basically everyone, but especially first- and second-semester students. You should already be applying for an exchange program in your third semester. So, those who get informed early have the best chances. Master's students will also find offers from us, for example, for funding a master's thesis abroad.

What are currently the most popular destinations for LMU students?

In the Erasmus program, the traditional favorites are France, Spain, and Italy. Outside Europe, Japan is particularly popular, as are Canada and Singapore. Many applications are directed at top universities, but places there are naturally limited and highly competitive.

Why do you recommend that students go abroad?

A stay abroad is a great benefit, both professionally and personally. You significantly improve your language skills, gain new experiences, and learn to deal with other cultures. This intercultural competence also helps you to be more open to differences later on, here at home. Of course, there is also the academic component, which can vary greatly. For example, it can complement your studies or deepen your knowledge of a specific topic. I really advise everyone to take advantage of this opportunity—it won't be as easy later on as it is during your studies.

International Week at LMU Munich

When: October 28–31, 2025

Program:

October 28, 2025, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.: In-person fair in the atrium of the LMU main building with numerous partner universities, organizations, and LMU internal contact points

October 29–31, 2025: Online lectures and Q&A sessions with LMU speakers on the topic of studying abroad

More information and registration