Bericht February - Anastasia Guskova
How did you prepare for your exams and how did it go?
Preparing for the exams was more difficult than I had anticipated. In Russia, the professors would give us a list of questions that would be on the exam. That’s not common here. During the lectures and seminars, the professors explain some exercises that might be on the exam, but you don't know 100% what the exam will look like. I passed 4 exams out of 6 because the situation with the COVID-19 affected my study and preparation process. All lectures were online and I didn’t always have a chance to ask the professors directly when some topics were difficult. Moreover, preparation in a group of students is much more effective, but I saw my classmates for the first time when we sat the exam. Therefore, I had to independently understand the educational material. I did my best to prepare for exams, so I passed the selected subjects, although after the exams themselves I thought that I did not pass two of them. The difficulties had arisen mainly due to the language, as sometimes I did not understand the point of the exercise.
Did you improve your German/English since living in Germany?
My German has improved significantly, as I found myself completely immersed in an environment where you can hear the language every day. For visiting the doctor, going shopping, documentation procedures and many other important and necessary matters, knowledge of the German language is required, so you have to start speaking. Also, new acquaintances and friends help to learn the language and correct your mistakes. In my case, all my studies are in German and there are no subjects in English, so it’s more difficult for me to speak English, since I listen to German speech every day. And without practice, the language is quickly forgotten. But FHWS offers English classes, so I will consider this option in the future, so as not to lose my English skills.
Do you miss your home country? How many times did you go back home or are you planning to go back home? Did your family come to visit you? What helps you when you miss your home country and/or your family?
I was homesick during the Christmas and New Year holiday period because I usually celebrate them with my family. After the examination period began, there was simply no time for feeling homesick. After the exams, the weather in Würzburg really improved, it was sunny and warm + 10-15 degrees. In Moscow it was snowing at the time and it was -20. As a "thermophilic" kind of person, I chose to stay in Germany. I plan to go home twice a year on holidays. During studies, this is problematic, since there are many lectures.
Would you like to stay in Germany or go back to your home country after graduation? Why?
After the first semester, this question is a little difficult to answer. I know for sure that a diploma from a German university is recognized all over the world and makes it possible to work for international companies. I also like the job market conditions in Germany.
What has been the biggest challenge in Germany and how did you overcome it?
For me it was to overcome the language barrier and to speak despite making mistakes. I can't say that I made the effort myself, but here you won't be able to communicate with people without speaking the language. Germans respect their language and don't really like to speak English. I had a couple of situations which confirm this. For example, I needed a larger size in a clothing store. I went to the consultant and started a dialogue with him in English, and he answered in German, although he understood my questions.
What has been your best impression of living in Germany so far?
It was the International New Year. I met interesting girls from Turkey and Spain and learned their holiday traditions. There were many delicious dishes, lots of fun cooking and an atmospheric evening. Now I keep in touch with them, perhaps during the summer holidays we will visit each other.
What would you recommend to a Russian-speaking student at the FHWS after staying here for five months?
Never give up! It will be difficult, especially in the beginning, sometimes you will want to go back home. But you just need to remember how much work you already put into being able to study in Germany. It's also important not to neglect studying, but focus on your studies, to analyse all new words and lectures straight away, and not to postpone it until the exam period. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help or ask questions. All employees at FHWS are friendly and will help you solve your problems.