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 participated 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 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 Hochschule RheinMain? How did you find out about the master’s degree program in Media Management? What is so special about it?

I discovered this university researching online 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.

Thank you for answering our questions and all the best!