Posted in October 2014

Hi all!

My name is Alisa Silven, a bachelor student at the Delft University of Technology. My major is Technology, Policy and Management, but this semester I’m studying Civil Engineering at the University of Maryland. With blog posts I want to give you an insight into the life as an exchange student in the United States.

At August 26^th I flew into Washington Dulles International Airport and my abroad adventure started!

The first week all the exchange students had an orientation week. It started on campus; it was so huge! We’ve also visited D.C. and went to our first football game; I didn’t know these games were so long (we left after halftime, after a solid two hours!), but fortunately we won! It was an amazing experience; everyone wore red or something with the print of the Maryland state flag, there were fireworks after every touchdown and during halftime the marching band performed. I always heard everything in the United States was big, and it is true; even the marching band consists of 600 students!

I have planned trips with the group of seven international girls I met during orientation week.  We are often visiting D.C.; we have done the Capitol Tour, seen the Washington Monument and the White House, gone on a shopping trip and had a night with diner and drinks at the busy U-Street.

Last week we went to our first Baseball game: the Washington Nationals versus the Miami Marlins. Unfortunately we lost, but it was a great experience. Baseball is also a very long game, the game started at 7 and ended at 11 PM!

All these activities are a lot of fun, but I have to study too! The educational system differs a lot from that in the Netherlands. Each week I have a million deadlines, (homework) assignments, discussions, quizzes, midterms, projects and finals. Studying in the United States is hard work, but combined with the fun trips and activities, it has been an amazing experience!

I’ll keep you updated!