Expectation vs. Reality Part 2
As the Nepalese students embarked on their study abroad journey at Jade University in Germany, they were filled with anticipation, curiosity and excitement. Now, as their semester comes to a close, we had the opportunity to catch up with these students and hear firsthand about their experiences, challenges and personal growth during their time in Germany.
Eva:
How did you find the academic environment at the Jade University?
“I found the academic environment at the Jade University to be surprisingly supportive and easygoing. The classrooms here are a lot more casual than back home, and the teachers create an encouraging space for students. One notable difference was that in Nepal, we mostly focus on theoretical and text-based learning. Here, we found the classes to be a lot more involved with our respective fields, which provided a more meaningful learning environment. There was a lot less pressure overall too, so I had a great time.”
Can you describe your interactions with local students and the international student community?
How did living in a different cultural setting impact your personal growth and understanding of the world?
“I always knew people could have tunnel vision when it came to cultures they were unfamiliar with, but I didn’t realize just how little I knew of Europe and European cultures until I lived here. I learnt firsthand how little media consumption had prepared me, and it taught me to always remain open and curious. Personally, I’ve learnt to rely on myself in ways I previously hadn’t, and I think I have gained a new perspective that will remain with me forever. Being in a cultural setting so different from my own made me realize that every corner of the world offers something entirely unique and incredible. It also made me appreciate my corner of the world – I know now that nowhere else could possibly be home.”
Did the reality of living and studying in Germany match your expectations?
“I don’t think I was expecting to learn quite as much as I did. I was not expecting to be bowled over by the sheer beauty of Germany and Europe in general – and I most certainly was not expecting to find so much joy in the most mundane things. Living and studying in Germany introduced me to a way of life I wasn’t familiar with and surpassed my expectations in every way possible.”
Kritika:
How would you describe your overall experience during your semester at Jade University in Germany?
“Amazing. I am extremely appreciative of the opportunity that I got to study for one semester at the Jade University, I personally have developed in every possible manner. Living alone without parental assistance, doing my own grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, and – most importantly – having to care for myself helped me become a little more self-reliant. This experience made me comprehend various cultures and value each of them. I had the chance to interact with a variety of people and learned to accept each of them for who they are. Most importantly, I had the privilege to study in a multicultural environment with people from all over the world. The feeling of having shared common ground made me realize a lot of things. These are just a few of the surreal encounters I’ve had. Others are indescribable. Overall, I learned, grow and develop within the period that I got to spend in Germany.”
What were some of the most memorable moments or experiences you had during your stay?
Did you face any challenges or difficulties during your time in Germany? How did you overcome them?
“Not particularly. However, many locals used to speak to me in German when I first arrived, but I started learning the language and was able to understand a few words. Also, everyone here was incredibly kind to me and helped me in any way they could.”
How did you find the academic environment at the Jade University?
“The teaching and learning methods were comparable to those at Kathmandu University, but the main distinction was the wide range of culturally diverse students I had the opportunity to study with. That really broadened my perspective. Also, the teachers were really supportive, friendly and helpful. I was able to express my opinions freely without any hesitation and this built my confidence a lot.”
Did you have the opportunity to travel and explore other parts of Germany or Europe? If so, what were some of your favorite destinations?
“I got to travel across western and eastern Germany. I also went to Amsterdam, Paris, and Italy. My favorite part of Europe was Venice and of course, Amsterdam. Overall, Europe was somehow similar yet so different from Nepal. I loved every aspect of it except the immense amount of cigarette butts on the ground.”
Deepali:
What were some of the most memorable moments or experiences you had during your stay?
“I had many memorable moments during my stay here. The one that I will always remember the most is going to Kassel. Lena, my friend, took us to her hometown in Kassel where I got to experience what it was like to live with a German family. Her family was very kind and loving. The second one was definitely the ABBA cover band concert that my friends and I went to a few days back at “Wochenende an der Jade”. These are my final days here so being with my German friends Lena, Hauke, Celina and many more hit me with a wave of mixed emotions.”
Did you face any challenges or difficulties during your time in Germany?
“The first challenge that I faced here was definitely regarding the language barrier. I had to do a lot of official paperwork here in Germany and translating it every time was exhausting. The second challenge was the cold here in the north. We arrived in March and the weather was not so good. I thought I would get sick every time I went outside but thankfully my body adjusted to the weather. The third challenge was dealing with the punctuality of Germans. I was not so punctual before so I always missed the buses.”
How did you find the academic environment at the Jade University?
“The academic environment at Jade University wasn’t overwhelming at all. I didn’t have to worry a lot because the students and teachers were always there to help. People here take their tasks very seriously and religiously keep track of everything. This is what differs from where I come from. People here plan a lot and everything is a step-by-step process. In Nepal, most of the time, the planning and implementing gets mixed and we still have a habit of doing things last minute.”
How did living in a different cultural setting impact your personal growth and understanding of the world?
Did you have the opportunity to travel and explore other parts of Germany or Europe?
“Yes, I travelled a lot here during my stay. I know now that I couldn’t travel like I said in my expectations. Looking back at my expectations and the amount of travelling that I thought I would do makes me realize that it was a little bit unrealistic. Apart from the cities in the north, I went to central Germany, the areas in and around Frankfurt and Mainz, and Berlin. I loved Mainz and Heidelberg because the area reminded me of Nepal. The hills, the Rhine and the Neckar River were so beautiful. Berlin and Hamburg had so much character and I loved the energy. Besides the cities in Germany, I also travelled to Paris and Amsterdam. Amsterdam was my dream destination and seeing it in real life felt magical. I went to the Anne Frank Haus which was one of my dream places to visit. I will be going to Copenhagen very soon.”
Shruti:
How would you describe your overall experience during your semester at the Jade University in Germany?
„It was awesome. I had so much fun with my friends, new teachers and a whole new culture.”
What were some of the most memorable moments or experiences you had during your stay?
“The most memorable experience was definitely getting to travel to so many different places. I went to Amsterdam, Paris and Italy as well as Western Germany and got to experience many new things. This will always be the highlight of my stay.”
Did you face any challenges or difficulties during your time in Germany?
“Yes, definitely. I had to face health issues a lot, especially due to the weather. But the fun part made everything worth it.”
Can you describe your interactions with local students and the international student community?
Looking back, how has this experience influenced your future plans and aspirations?
“I got to broaden my perspectives regarding many things including culture, stereotypes and just life. I learnt new things everyday while dealing with new people, adapting to cultural shocks, and a lot more. Regarding my future plans, I still have a lot to figure out but the experiences gained here have definitely made me a better person, intellectually, morally and emotionally as well.”
Krishma:
How would you describe your overall experience during your semester at the Jade University in Germany?
“My overall experience was really great. I experienced many new things for the first time during my semester at the Jade University. I had a lot of fun with my friends here.”
What were some of the most memorable moments or experiences you had during your stay?
“Going on a trip to Kassel with Lena, Celina and Deepali, talking with my flatmates about anything and everything and visiting the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam are some of the memorable moments I had during my stay.”
Can you describe your interactions with local students and the international student community?
“The students in my classes made me feel welcome and very included. I made a few very good friends, and we met outside of the classroom as well, hung out, and also went on some trips!”
Did you have the opportunity to travel and explore other parts of Germany or Europe?
“Yes, I travelled and explored Germany and some other countries in Europe as well. My favorite destinations were Berlin, Kassel and Paris.”
Looking back, how has this experience influenced your future plans and aspirations?
If you want to have a look at the journalistic work in both countries, make sure to check the article „Fighting the Fakes“
More Information about Exchange at the Jade Hochschule
Interview by Celina Stolte
Picture Editing by Neele Suckert
Celina Stolte
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