Juan,
Environmental Engineering M.Sc.
I think trying to travel more sustainable sometimes pays off with dreamy landscapes and unique experiences.

#1 Arriving in Turin
Published: 6th October 2021
The moment I knew Europe was agreeing on using a common vaccination pass that permits to travel and move freely through the different countries I started to plan my trip to Turin, Italy. I started to look for tickets two months before the start of the semester in Italy, because I wanted to concentrate for my exams at TU Darmstadt and be with less things to do during the exam period. I decided not to take an airplane with the aim of having a less environmental impact and so my options were reduced to travelling by bus or train. Fortunately, I got a good deal by train and I booked my ticket from Frankfurt to Milan.
The route that the train followed was spectacular. Crossing Switzerland and the north of Italy took my breath in several occasions. The landscape was beautiful. But not only the landscape was inspiring, I also was interested in the engineering part of the construction of the route. Specially the part when we crossed the “Gotthard Tunnel” – world’s longest railway tunnel. I think trying to travel more sustainable sometimes pays off with dreamy landscapes and unique experiences.
Warm welcome and first hiking trip
After arriving in Milan I took a regional train to Turin where my new flatmates were kindly waiting for me with a traditional Italian pizza. I felt so welcomed and that made my first days in the new flat easier. For the first days I had to make some burocratic stuff, but that went really easy. I also started to know new people and with them I went hiking and started to explore Turin.
The Department of International Relations & Mobility
Studying abroad is a great opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills. With a network of more than 300 partner universities around the world, TU Darmstadt offers its students not only subject-specific but also intercultural education. The and the International Officers in your specific department support students in aspects of application and organization of their stay abroad. Information about the semester abroad and support programs are presented at information events. Field reports by returning students provide you with in-depth insights. department for International Relations & Mobility
Within the framework of an exchange semester at a partner university, no tuition fees are charged and the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) ensures that the study achievements are also credited at the TU Darmstadt. The Erasmus+ program allows students to spend up to 12 months abroad in Europe. For those who want to go further away, there is a wide range of tuition-free exchange places in Asia, America and Oceania. But also summer schools or winter schools or internships abroad are possible. At TU Darmstadt, students can also graduate with a double degree in various master's programs. They obtain two degrees simultaneously at a partner university and at TU Darmstadt.
#4 The art of drinking coffee in Italy
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Published: 25th January 2022
It is not unknown that in Italy, coffee is a big part of the culture. I was always curious to know how Italians drink their coffee. I am already three months here and I cannot tell. There are just so many options to choose. However, what I did learn is that there are some “rules” to follow. For example, a cappuccino is only drunk in the morning. It is weird here to order a cappuccino around four in the afternoon. They said to me, “it is like ordering a beer over breakfast, it is too heavy over afternoon…” Also, you want to be careful with how many “espressos” you drink over the day. I underestimated the power of caffeine and sometimes over the lecture I did not feel well. Even when it was a second coffee after lunch.