Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
How did you draw up your Learning Agreement?
Learning Agreement was made considering the number of ECTS credits I needed to get. I chose subjects ment for 7th semester and attended lectures ment for older semesters.
Every day we saw patients in clinical classes, however, all other classes and lectures were organised remotely.
How is the study process organized in the receiving university? What is different compared to RSU?
As the study process is quite dynamic, it requires for the student to be organised and independent.
Every morning students spend 4 hours in clinic and attend patients. During this time the students carry out manipulations needed for patient (fillings, dental prosthesis, periodontal work, etc.). In Latvia all these manipulations are divided by study courses and are performed on seperate times.
In Germany students are responsible for sterelization if instruments, and they buy many of the instruments, such as, boron and polishing brushes, themselves. In Latvia everything is already prepared for the students and they do not need to buy anything.
The remote classes and lectures are carried out over Moodle and Zoom, same as in Latvia. All lectures are recorded, which means that the student can rewatch them later and revise the information.
What were the living conditions?
I am very satisfied with the place I lived at. It took me about 20 minutes on a metro to get to the clinic. I lived in a student dormitory, and my room had a seperate bathroom and kitchen, which was especially important as it helped me limit contact with other students during this pandemic.
Did the Erasmus+ grant cover the living expenses?
The Erasmus+ grant was not sufficiant to cover the living expenses.
Your advice and recommendations for others choosing this city for their mobility
You must talk to local people in German and you should avoid using English; this is the only way to gain any progress in your language skills. I was the only Erasmus+ dentistry student in Munich this semester, which led me to having a lot of contact with local students and helped me overcome the language barrier.
You have to expect additional expences you could not predict, so you shouls have some additional savings. In Germany you will have to deal with documentation related not only to studies but also place of living. Do not stop and do not fear it!
I recommend attending different student events, organised by international students' organisations; this way you can get to know other cultures, mentality and widen your horizons.
The best memory or experience from Erasmus+ mobility
The best feeling is when a patient is visibly satisfied and expresses gratitude after the visit. One of my patients was very sad when I had to leave. He said he would love to for me to be his and his family's dentist.
It was very nice when another patient greeted me on Christmas and said that the best gift is a front teeth cavity filling done by me.
During my Erasmus+ I met many active students from different countries; together we made several trips to Bavarian mountains. Once the pandemic is over I would love to visit those students in their home countries and to welcome them to Latvia.
The most valuable realization or lesson you have learned
Sometimes even the impossible can become possible. You must surrender to adventures - this will give you experience you can use for the rest of your life!
