Faculty of Classics - University of Cambridge

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Cambridge-Munich Exchange  

The exchange between the Faculty of Classics at the University of Cambridge and the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich is one of the most successful and enjoyable events in the Faculty’s academic calendar. The exchange is open to both undergraduate and graduate students; no previous knowledge of German is required.

Students from Cambridge spend one week in Munich in December, after the end of term in Cambridge but still during the (longer) semester in Germany. Accommodation is provided by students at Munich University (usually in private flats or in their family homes), thus allowing the visitors from England to enjoy wonderful Bavarian hospitality as well as to experience firsthand the daily life of students in Munich. During the week, students from Cambridge are encouraged to attend regular lectures, classes and seminars in the university; in addition, there are always a number of additional events organised for the occasion of the exchange. Visits are also made to the museums containing Munich's exceptional collections of antiquities: the Glyptothek, which houses the outstanding collection of ancient sculpture (including the pedimental sculptures from the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina), and the Staatliche Antikensammlung with its large collection of Greek vases. The schedule includes a generous amount of free time, during which students from Cambridge have in the past visited some of Munich's other fine museums as well as the legendary Christmas Markets.

Towards the end of the Lent Term, a group of students from Munich embarks on the return visit to Cambridge. They stay for a week in guest rooms in different colleges and are free to attend lectures and specially-organised classes in the Classics Faculty. Those students from Cambridge who went to Munich the previous December traditionally organise a schedule of social events to introduce our guests to student life in England; in previous years, punting, curry nights, walking tours of Cambridge and Cindies have all proved popular options.

The exchange programme presents a fantastic opportunity to experience student life in another country, to visit one of the finest (and friendliest) cities in Europe, and to improve knowledge of both Classics and the German language. The best aspect of the exchange, however, is getting to know students from another country, and the success of the exchange is shown by the fact that numerous lasting friendships have been formed between the students of the two participating universities.

For more information, please contact the Faculty's exchange co-ordinator, Laura Viidebaum, lv261@cam.ac.uk

Munich-Exchange 2010

A roof with a view -  Cambridge from King's College.

Presentation of a paper by Julian Hollaender from Munich in the Graduate Interdisciplinary Seminar.

Tour of the Faculty of Classics Library by Stephen, Assistant Librarian.

Anastasia's tour of the Greek and Roman Galleries, Fitzwilliam Museum.

Farewell drinks in the Cast Gallery.