Museology Abroad – Two Erasmus Journeys in Würzburg

We are Habiba and Salma. We are Egyptian masters students who spent the summer semester 2025 studying Museology at the University of Würzburg as a part of the Erasmus Program between Helwan University in Cairo and the University of Würzburg.

Coming from abroad, we were both excited and curious about how Museology is taught here, how practice and theory come together, and what kind of new museological practices we can see and explore.

What made our semester particularly special was not only the welcoming academic environment in Würzburg, but also the chance to do internships at well-known museums in Germany. We each had different placements, and every experience was enriching in its own way.

Habiba’s Story: Internship at DASA – Arbeitswelt Ausstellung

Hi, my name is Habiba! and I am super excited to share one of the most fruitful parts of my learning journey in Germany.  I had the amazing opportunity to complete a one-month internship at the DASA Working World Exhibition in Dortmund. At the beginning I hadn’t imagined the full scale of the DASA, so my first impression was a mix of surprise and excitement at how big and interactive the museum is. I realized how much this place can offer me.

Being an intern at DASA didn’t just open my eyes to the dynamic, practical side of museums, but also showed me the detailed preparation for each new exhibition, the time and the effort that each person at DASA loves to give and most importantly how much teamwork always makes a difference. I have always believed that working in a museum means you love to give, and I think the DASA team truly does.

At DASA, visitors can touch, try, and experience exhibits while also having a very fun learning experience about the history of work, technology, along with safety, health, and human values across all professional fields of work. All of that together has made me think differently about how museums can communicate knowledge and get closer to their community. It also taught me how museums are not only about preserving objects but also about creating meaningful and unforgettable experiences.

By the end of my internship month, I left the DASA carrying with me many valuable lessons and amazing friends, and I was sure that it’s not just one of Germany's most interactive exhibitions, it’s an exhibition where children, adults, and elderly people can enjoy the time there.

Salma’s Story: Internships at Badisches Landesmuseum & Technoseum

Hello, I’m Salma! Happy to share a major highlight in my experience studying Museology at Uni Würzburg, the internship chapter, which gave me the unique opportunity to work at two of the biggest museums in Baden Württemberg!

As an intern in both museums, I had the unique chance to test what it’s like to work in the global cultural sector. The early days began with a warm welcome at the Badisches Landesmuseum, where I dove headfirst into the world of exhibitions, and it wasn't just a summer job; it was a chance to bring my textbook knowledge to life. I learned about many interesting topics and major events, like KAMUNA (Karlsruhe Museumsnacht), discussed the future of museums and sustainability, and even got a fascinating glimpse into how a museum can embrace diversity and inclusivity.

My time there also included unforgettable excursions to other cities in the region; it was incredible to see how each museum tells their stories differently, and how powerful the museums could be. And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, my journey to the Technoseum in Mannheim was just beginning!

There, the focus was completely different. It felt like a hub of activity while having inclusivity at its core. Families and individuals of all ages were learning and creating together, parents and kids sharing new experiences through engaging, hands-on activities. For me the Technoseum was about so much more than just professional experience; it was also about personal growth.

I will always cherish my time at both museums, as they weren’t just internships; it was the journey of a lifetime, and a reminder that the best lessons are usually learned far from home.

Our Shared Reflection

Studying Museology in Würzburg has strengthened our academic backgrounds, while our internships allowed us to connect theory with practice, which is something crucial in the field of museums.

What made it more special was not only the knowledge we gained, but also the professional confidence we built. We learned how museums engage with visitors, how exhibitions are developed, and how diverse and impactful the world of museums can be.

Being Erasmus students also meant that we got to live in the beautiful city of Würzburg, a city full of history and culture. We met people from different backgrounds, learned from our professors and colleagues, and grew both personally and professionally.

Closing Thoughts

Looking back on our semester in Würzburg, we can both say that this Erasmus exchange semester was a life-time experience that made us fall in love more with museums. And if you are considering studying abroad, we can only recommend Würzburg!! It is a city where history comes alive, and where students can truly connect their studies with real-world practice.