Boris is a Media Relations student at the University of Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovakia. He decided to study abroad during the Winter Semester of 2019/20 and spent it at Hochschule der Medien, where he chose to study in the Minor Program “Journalism and Communication Management”. Find out more about his time with us here.
Tell us a bit about your motivation behind studying abroad and the first impressions after arriving to Stuttgart.
I decided to study abroad because I wanted to experience something new. I chose Hochschule der Medien because I wanted to improve my German skills. When I arrived in Stuttgart, my buddy was waiting for me at the airport. It was nice, having someone picking me up and me not have to worry about being in a new city with two huge luggage’s and figuring out the way to the dormitory!
How would you describe your social life at Hochschule der Medien?
After getting to know the other internationals, who lived in the same dormitory as me, we got the chance to experience German life together. I loved the fact that we were living together, because it was easy for us to meet up, go on trips or parties together. Hochschule der Medien students were preparing lots of different activities and trips for us. I think that was great for students living in another foreign country, being shown the country and the culture in such a way.
What was you most unforgettable experience during your time in Stuttgart?
My favorite event was, when we went to the Stuttgart beer festival. I loved seeing the real uncensored German culture. Before visiting the place, I had no idea Germans are jumping on benches and considering it a national tradition. The size of the beer glasses was overwhelming for me, we were not allowed to order small ones. The atmosphere was awesome and honestly, I will never forget the fear I was feeling when I was jumping on the bench. I thought it would break but it did not.
Which learnings do you take home from your semester abroad?
After my experience in studying abroad, I can say, I truly got to know myself better. Before visiting Germany, I had never lived in a foreign country. I learnt how to be independent, more responsible and how to solve problems by myself. I had to manage time by myself and responsibilities with it. The exchange brought me also lots of new friends from all around the world. In six months, I was taught about multiple nationalities, lots of new recipes and ways of thinking.