Mariami from Georgia

       

Interviewee: Mariami Danelia

·        What was the reason of choosing RheinAhrCampus from so many options which  Tbilisi State University gives to its students?

     One of the main reasons for choosing RheinAhrCampus was the country itself. This is already my second exchange program in Germany and I believe this shows how much of interest I have for this place. Germany has always been an ideal country for me to study in, with its rich and complex history, an invigorating culture, fun-loving people and something every student looks forward to in a new environment. Another reason that caught my attention was an academic internship. Not every student has the opportunity to experience studying and working in a German environment at the same time.

·       What were the main benefits you gained from spending a semester in    RheinAhrCampus?

     First and the biggest benefit from this exchange semester are my new friends from all over the world. What can be better when there are 10 people in a room and all come from different backgrounds? Getting to know their country, culture, language and traditions was a special moment for me. Other than that, being an exchange student gave me the chance to experience a high level of international education and granted me the opportunity to completely immerse myself in English and German languages. I believe that after this exchange program I became more mature and independent in terms of personal and professional aspects of my life.

·       Is this influence of studying abroad still helping you to lead your life in a better way?

     Currently, I am still studying and working at RheinAhrCampus but even now I can say for sure that this exchange semester has changed my life. This ability to succeed in an international environment, manage my own budget helped me to become a more independent person. I am not afraid to stand out from the crowd anymore. I have learned how to leave my comfort zone, how to discover my weaknesses and how to overcome them.

·        What are the top 5 things, which you miss from studying abroad?

      I will miss a group of international students who became my family in these 5 months, exploring new cities in different parts of Europe just within one day, studying and working at the university with its friendly and helpful staff, cooking with my international friends and sharing our national cuisine and last but not least German bratwurst and German beer. 😁 

·       What do you think, how studying in RheinAhrCampus will help you in your future  career/studies?

     With my experience of highly international standards in education and workplace gained through learning at RheinAhrCampus, I will be a predominated candidature among others for my employee. New skills and qualifications acquired in Germany, will become the first steps and a good basis for my future career and the certificates that I have gained during this period of time, such as TOEFL and DAAD language certificates will help me with this.

·      What are the things which you would change if you had the opportunity?

     I would definitely spend more time on travelling and exploring new places. Other than that, I think that I have enjoyed all the possible perks of this exchange semester.

·       What can you say about the differences between students’ life in Germany and  Georgia?

     My student life here in Germany and back to Georgia are like 2 different sides of the coin.

     The biggest difference is the method of teaching of the university. In my home country classes are all about gaining theoretical knowledge, while here we focused on practical experience more. Also, German students are really good at planning different activities. BBQ party in the backyard of the university, parties in Baracke, those are the things that Georgian student life experiences a lack of. 

·       What recommendations do you have for the students who have a willingness to  study in RheinAhrCampus?

     Don’t hesitate for even one second, grab your chance and have an experience of a lifetime. Enjoy every aspect of your exchange semester. Take as many courses as you can, be involved in every activity that RheinAhrCampus offers, travel through Europe, explore places, spend time with people from different cultural backgrounds and most importantly apply for an internship, use the chance to experience working and studying in German environment at the same time.