In this Q&A, we hear from junior Daisy Pflaum who recently participated in the program. Pflaum shares her insights, favorite experiences, and the personal and academic growth she achieved during her time in Würzburg. Her story highlights the unique benefits of studying at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) and why other Flagler students should be excited about this incredible exchange program.
What makes studying at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg an amazing opportunity for Flagler students?
Studying at JMU is a unique chance to experience studying at a large university. Due to the size of the university, there is a large number of international students who attend JMU. With an influx of different cultures, you have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and learn about them on an interpersonal level.
Also, there are countless classes offered in English as well as other languages. When I studied in Germany, I took German, English, and Spanish classes. The classes were interesting, and the professors were very accommodating. Würzburg, although foreign at first, became my home. I wish I could’ve spent more time there. It’s the perfect location to travel to other countries and towns. Germany also has excellent, cost-effective student options, and Würzburg has free public transit.
What was your favorite experience as a college student in Würzburg, and why should Flagler students be excited to go there?
My favorite experience as a college student in Würzburg was the time I spent on the weekends there. When I lived abroad, I traveled all over Europe to different countries. However, I also spent a lot of time in Würzburg learning the culture and the language. My favorite experience as a college student in Würzburg was one of my first weekends there in September. On a warmer day, some of my newfound friends and I found ourselves in this little town near Würzburg called Rottenbauer. We had a picnic and watched the sunset.
As the sun set, we swam in the river running through the city. The water was a bit cold, but it was something to remember. Afterward, we all went to a restaurant in Würzburg to get dinner and drinks. Würzburg has the most beautiful natural features; with vineyards you can walk through. Still, it also has many great food and drink options in the city.
How did the Würzburg exchange program help you grow personally and academically?
Going into the Würzburg exchange program, I had never been to Europe. I had no idea what to expect and was a bit scared. However, on my second day in Würzburg, I met with a JMU student who had studied abroad at Flagler College. She showed me the important things to know about the town, and how to use the public transport. Within the first month, I was surprised by how many familiar faces were at JMU. I found a great group of friends with people from all over the world. In Germany, I faced many struggles, but I learned how to overcome them on my own.
One of the biggest things I learned was the importance of communication. For so many of my friends, English was their second or third language. At first, there was a lot of room for miscommunication, but I quickly learned how to effectively communicate with people. Additionally, I learned German as quickly as I could. As someone who wants to become a teacher, this was an essential skill for me to learn as I now know the struggles of living in a place where the language spoken is not your first language. I can understand how learning a language you are not fluent in may feel.
It takes courage to learn a foreign language, and my friends showed me how amazing they truly are by their ability to continue pushing themselves in school. In my classes at Würzburg, I learned of the different cultural and systemic differences in the school system. I had the opportunity to take courses that I may not have had the option to take at Flagler College.
Why would you recommend the Würzburg Scholars Exchange Program to other Flagler students?
I recommend the Würzburg program to other Flagler students because of the practicality of the place. There are cafeterias called “mensas” on each campus, which allow for a space for community while eating. You just have to put money on your university card, and you can eat there. Public transit within Würzburg is free with your University ID card. Many kind people are willing to help you if you are confused or need assistance. There is campus housing, which also allows for community.
Würzburg is also in a great location, allowing you to take trips to neighboring countries. I went to Luxembourg, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Czechia, Scotland, Portugal, and Austria when I lived there. All my trips were affordable, and I went with friends I met at the university. I made lifelong friends at Würzburg and plan to return for a month over the summer. I also have friends I met in Würzburg who are coming from Korea and Turkey and will visit me here at Flagler College. I’m fortunate to have spent time in Würzburg, and I wish I could’ve lived there longer.
Ready to embark on an unforgettable journey? Discover the incredible opportunities that await you through the Wurzburg Scholars Exchange Program. Immerse yourself in a new culture, make lifelong friends, and enhance your academic experience at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg.
Don't miss out! The deadline to apply for the Fall 2025 program is Monday, March 31. Visit Flagler College's Center for Global Education website or email global@flagler.edu to learn more and start your application today.
