What do you like most about studying at the university?
My degree program’s practical orientation enables me to directly put theoretical knowledge into practice in real-life situations. The diversity of the international student community broadens my global perspective and improves my intercultural skills. RheinMain University of Applied Sciences is well equipped, which enables state-of-the-art learning opportunities. The swift transition to online teaching during Corona was also a success.
Did you already speak German before you came to Germany?
When I came to Germany in 2016, I didn’t speak a word of German. I learned it in a language school - all the way from level A1 to C1.
In what ways is Germany or studying in Germany particularly different from your home country?
As far as the differences between Guatemala and Germany are concerned, I would have to think about where to even start... the countries are very different in many respects. In terms of studying, the first thing I would say is that in Guatemala you can already collect points for assignments and projects during the semester, so you can be a bit more “relaxed” when the written examinations come around. Overall, my impression is that the standards are higher in Germany, at least in my discipline.
How did you hear about the “Industrial Engineering and Management” program? What is so special about it?
I heard about RheinMain University of Applied Sciences from a friend from Guatemala, she studied Media Management here. At the time, I was in the middle of the application process for other universities in Bavaria, without success, unfortunately, due to the high number of applications there. She told me I should try applying at her university. At the time, I didn’t know that Industrial Engineering was also offered here.
You are about to graduate: how many semesters does your bachelor’s degree program take? What is your current situation as a student? Did you think when you started that things would go the way they did?
I am currently doing a required internship at a fragrance manufacturer, after which I will write my bachelor’s thesis and then complete my studies in the 10th semester.
At the beginning, I had a very different idea of what studying would be like. I first had to learn how to study properly and develop my time management skills. Self-discipline and independent learning are also very important here. Although I was able to speak German at C1 level, I found it very difficult to fully understand the lectures at the beginning. I also didn’t realize that I would have to give up a lot of my leisure time activities in order to have more time to study.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will probably do a master’s degree. I don’t know what exactly yet. After that, we’ll see.
Are there any other forms of support you would have liked to have received while you were studying?
I think the university provides a lot of support for international students, there is nothing more I would have wished for.
Thank you for answering our questions and all the best!
What do you like most about studying at the university? What advice would you give a friend, for example, who would like to come to Germany to study?
I have never felt under pressure here on campus. The freedom and open-mindedness at the university are what I personally like most. The most important piece of advice I would give to friends who want to come to Germany to study is to learn the German language well. That makes it easier to figure everything out. For me, immersing yourself in a new culture is the most important aspect of studying abroad.
What was it like for you when you started studying? Did you find it difficult to get used to life as a student?
When I started my studies, I found it difficult to deal with all the new systems at the new university, for example, registering for exams, registering for courses, and so on. But the introductory program at the beginning of the semester helped me to start by taking small steps as far as all these things were concerned and then, over time, it became clearer to me what I had to do when.
Had you already learnt German before you came to Germany?
I had already learned German just for fun in India and came to Germany after that. As I was able to speak German, it was easier for me to get used to life in Germany compared to most of my friends from India.
In what ways is Germany particularly different from your home country?
In Germany, everything is orderly and precise, and apart from Deutsche Bahn, everything is also very punctual. No, just kidding.
How did you hear about RheinMain University of Applied Sciences? Would you recommend it to others?
I came to the university through a refugee program. It was in March 2022, after the war broke out in Ukraine. The university administration has always been very helpful. First they offered me a language course, and after I had completed the course, I got a place at the university. I am very happy to be studying here.
How did you hear about the master’s degree program in Computer Science? What is so special about it?
Well, I did my first semester of my master’s degree in Ukraine, at the faculty of computer science. I’ve been fascinated by math and numbers since I was a child, so I decided to pursue a career in this field.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After I graduate, I see myself working as a computer scientist for an IT company. I also really want to get to know new cultures, so I would prefer to work in Germany, but I would also like to travel around Europe a bit.
Do you have any helpful tips for new international students to help them familiarize themselves with their new surroundings, the university and student life?
Be a bit open, especially at the beginning. Students should not isolate themselves. Our university offers many interesting programs such as the Buddy Program, World Café, etc., so that freshers can get to know the university. Join in and enjoy them!
What do you like most about studying at the university? What advice would you give a friend, for example, who would like to come to Germany to study?
I really like the learning system, especially the option to choose and organize your own learning program. For example, you can select the subjects you want to take in a semester and take as many of the exams as you like. I also like how practice-oriented this university is and the fact that the professors are very professional and have close links to practice.
What was it like for you when you started studying? Did you find it difficult to get used to life as a student?
I started studying during the pandemic and my first semester consisted of hybrid courses. This meant that I had very few opportunities to get to know people at first. Also, I didn’t live in an international dorm, so I didn’t have any language in common with my neighbors. But I took part in the buddy program and that’s how I got to know other international students.
Had you already learnt German before you came to Germany?
Before I moved to Germany, I passed my C1 exam and had a good command of the language. However, I have acquired a lot more theoretical knowledge during my stay here and I am continuing to improve it.
In what ways is Germany particularly different from your home country?
Germany has a completely different social system to Ukraine. The fact that everyone has to go through a certain procedure when moving to Germany really toughens up all the international students, forces them to organize themselves and makes them stronger. In the beginning, I found it hard to get used to all the new rules, but after a few years of living here, I have got the hang of it. For example, something as ordinary as buying furniture in Ukraine takes one hour, you go to the store, choose what you want to buy and in an hour you have it. In Germany, everything is much more complicated, you have to order the production, set a delivery date, confirm it, then wait for another call or email and only then do you receive the goods.
How did you hear about RheinMain University of Applied Sciences? How did you find out about the master’s degree program in Media Management? What is so special about it?
I discovered this educational establishment by doing internet research and this was the only place I could find with this unique specialization in Media Management. I chose Media Management because it is a combination of business, engineering, and design, which is ideal for me as I am a very creative person. The most interesting thing about this degree program is that it produces media managers who have comprehensive information about different media, their management techniques and all the technical details of content creation. I can definitely recommend this university and especially my degree program.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I would like to gain professional experience in an international media company in the field of marketing or personnel management. After the war, I would also like to try to set up my own company or project in Ukraine using the knowledge I have acquired in Europe.
As far as support for international students is concerned, is there anything else you would like to see?
The support system for international students is very good here, it provides a lot of different opportunities to meet new people, to learn more and for personal development. I would also like to have the opportunity to organize some cultural fairs or festivals at the university to be able to contribute something from my background.
Do you have any helpful tips for new international students to help them familiarize themselves with their new surroundings, the university and student life?
Improve your intercultural communication, explore new cultures, open up to people and they will open up to you. Don’t give up - and be yourself, no matter what.
Contact
International Office
International Students and Prospective Students
Katharina Kampe
Email: welcome(at)hs-rm.de
Telephone: +49 (0) 611-9495 1527