Sebastian Rieks
Bachelor in Economics at the University of Hamburg ® Master in International Business at the Hult International Business School Boston, USA
“I really enjoy working practically and in a team. Unfortunately, both of these things were neglected during my bachelor's degree. I was also attracted by the cultural exchange, as well as the opportunity to improve my English. There is still a lot of room for improvement. ;)
Here in Boston, practice is paramount. For example, in the end I don't have to write a master's thesis, but rather carry out an action project in a team for a real operating company. In addition, the professors bring a lot of practical experience and let the students share it. Sometimes managers from business are also invited as guest lecturers who then report on their everyday work.
The internationality is impressive. The university's policy is: No more than 10 percent of the student body comes from one country. I work in a team with fellow students from the USA, Brazil, Colombia, India, China and Germany.
However, studying in the USA is also significantly more expensive than in Germany. In addition to the tuition fees of around USD 40,000, my costs are around USD 2,000 per month. I have a scholarship, but most of my stay is financed by my parents.
I found a connection here incredibly quickly. Ok, at the beginning you sit alone in your new apartment, without internet or TV, and think about home. However, the hospitality and openness of the people make it very easy.
What happens next for me after Boston? In mid-May to the next stop, Shanghai, and then to London to graduate.”
Jan Schröder
Bachelor in Information and Communication Technology at TU Dortmund ® Master in Engineering Management at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia
“The decision to do my master's abroad was made in March 2013. At that time, I took part in the World Business Dialogue, an international conference for students from over 60 countries. This experience showed me that the world out there has so many undiscovered, exciting things to offer.
My course is made up of over 80 percent international students. Afghanistan, Italy, Colombia, Mexico, Sweden and South Korea – almost all nationalities are represented here. The professors are incredibly open and accommodating (the “you” is completely normal) and place great value on independent work in a team. Each semester therefore includes several team projects that must be carried out independently. The biggest difference to the German university system: The students spend time at the university even on Friday evenings. Not because they are more ambitious, but because the university here is more than just a place to learn. There are rooms where students can sleep, kitchens available to everyone, and many comfortable study rooms. However, due to the high tuition fees – around 9,000 euros per semester – the university has enormous income and therefore significantly more opportunities.
My start in Sydney was a bit rocky - a night on a friend's couch, a night in a hostel and a few nights with an AirBnB host. Then I finally found a place in the student dormitory for which I pay around 1,000 euros in rent per month. This is only possible thanks to scholarships, including from the DAAD, and a student loan.
What do I associate with Sydney? Varied! A place for city dwellers and country bumpkins alike. But also friendliness. For example, it is normal here to thank the bus driver after getting off. I also have the feeling that people are more relaxed. But I haven't figured out yet whether it's the constant fresh sea breeze or the Fiji water. In any case, wearing flip-flops to university is absolute standard.
What else I plan to do during my master’s period is of course to travel around Australia and maybe apply for a summer school at Fudan University in Shanghai.”
Thanks to Bologna it is possible to study all over the world. We introduce you to two students who do exactly that.
