Hi there and thanks for chatting with us! First things first: What is your name? At which university do you normally study and how did you come to participate in the exchange program?
Hi! I am Fanny, and I come from Finland. I am studying for a degree in social services at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, and I completed my Exchange period at Alice Salomon Hochschule Berlin. I was interested in pursuing studies abroad from the start of my degree. Before the exchange period, I participated in a project partly held in Hildesheim, and this experience encouraged me to undertake studies in Germany. No regrets!
What subjects did you take at ASH Berlin, and how did they differ from your regular courses?
I was excited to pursue studies involving diversity, sociological, and political aspects and was fortunate to choose these for my curriculum. I enjoyed the conversations and was challenged to argue my point of view more effectively. Classes in English, I found, were super beneficial for further studies as well.
Can you tell us about your daily life? How is the atmosphere on campus compared to your home university?
I did have to allocate more time in the morning due to the unreliability of public transport. This, as indicated by the reviews of other Berliners, is part of the game. I tried to spend as much time on campus as possible because I liked the atmosphere there. I heard a lot of discussions and laughter in the lobby. The student lunch didn’t offer as much Variety and was a bit more expensive than in Finland, but the opportunity to eat at school is still great!
Were there any language challenges and how did you deal with them?
The proudest moment for me must have been getting my “Anmeldung” at Bürgeramt using German. I think one can manage fine with English, but it is more fun to use some basic German in everyday situations. I have a good attitude of not getting too frustrated if I don’t understand everything. A smile can get you far. Also, it’s useful to know how to say that you speak only a little German and are learning. People tend to be very helpful once you ask for a little help.
How has the exchange influenced your personal development? Are there specific skills or insights that you have gained from this experience?
This exchange has made me appreciate discussions in classes more. I have gained a lot of confidence in my English during classes, and I’m not afraid of mistakes as much anymore.
What advice would you give to other students who are thinking about participating in an exchange program? Is there anything you wish you had known before your exchange?
Learn and speak the national language(s) of your chosen exchange country. Don’t feel obligated to do and try everything a city has to offer – but don’t hesitate to try something new once in a while. Take classes that interest you and participate in discussions with any level of language you have. Be present in the moment in academic and personal environments.
The interview was conducted by Christiane Schwausch.
