Different places, different faces, same questions: Part 3 - Magdeburg

The third part of the interview series features Andreas, former BBU Cluj student of Transylvanian Saxon ethnicity, who spent several months in Magdeburg, Germany with the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (German Academic Exchange Service) programme.

How did you find out about this opportunity and what determined you to apply for it?

I first found out about the scholarship during my first year of study. This scholarship presented itself as a great opportunity to broaden my cultural horizons and deepen my knowledge about Political Science and the EU.  

Talking about cultural differences and the so-called “cultural shock”, what were the things that surprised you the most upon your arrival?

Taking into account that I already visited Germany several times before, the cultural shock was not that profound for me as it was for other colleagues who visited Germany for the first time. Even though Germany wasn’t a foreign country for me, visiting it a more mature age made me realize how different our two cultures were (Romanian and German).

Could you briefly present your experience in terms of courses, teachers, the exchange student network, the entertainment facilities?

My experience regarding courses was impressive because I haven’t encountered such professionalism in the Romanian educational system. In Germany, professors had not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical, as they had already practiced their profession (lawyers, politicians, EU political consultants, ministers, officials). Courses were also very well structured, prepared and had a main focus on interaction and debate. Regarding the exchange student network and entertainment facilities, these were very well prepared and trained in helping foreign students to feel at home. They also facilitated different activities with learning purposes.

Overally, how would you compare the student life in Magdeburg with the student life in Cluj?

The student life in Magdeburg was almost as exciting as it is in Cluj with the difference that life in Cluj was cheaper. Students with Erasmus scholarships had a harder time coping with prices in Germany.

Were there any negative parts of your experience?

This new level of professionalism mentioned earlier had also a backside: strictness for maintaining a high academic level and intolerance for mistakes.  Professors were very often inflexible.

Would you recommend this exchange program to other students?

Exchange programmes should be mandatory for all students regardless of their field of study, age or social background. In fact, any opportunity to visit a foreign country and a more evolved culture can only have a positive outcome on everybody.

Thanks for the interview!

Written by Aletta Kenyeres