# my studies Anastasia

Why did you decide to go to Germany?
How long did you study the language? Were there any difficulties with the language during your studies?

During my 4 years of undergraduate studies at MGIMO, I learned German up to the C1 level. We had an intensive program, about 20 hours a week. At the same time, I studied the language at the Gette Institute. During my studies, I felt that my knowledge was quite sufficient, but I kept honing my language skills. About a year after I moved, I took the C2 certificate exam just for the sake of ticking off my German learning history.

How long did it take you to collect the application package? What were the difficulties in enrollment?

There wasn't much competition for my program as it is a very rare direction.

It took about three months to prepare the documents. The biggest expense was translations. But it also took a lot of time and resources to check and correct the motivation letter and CV.

How did and did your high school grades/grades on your diploma affect your admission?

I think in my case they didn't have any impact at all, even though they were good.

What major are you studying? What do you like/dislike about your studies?

I'm finishing my master's degree in business ethics. It's a cross between economics and philosophy. It's a rigorous academic approach to study. I have an ambivalent attitude towards it.

On the one hand:

• I got a really good base
• learned how to write scientific papers
• mastered different methods of analyzing huge amounts of information

On the other hand:

• I still don't fully understand where and how to put what I have learned into practice

How much money goes out per month to live?

About 800 euros for the basics. I live in Dresden, which is not the most expensive city to live in. Added to that amount are the unplanned expenses for self-love. That's another 200 euros. But it is still less than my expenses in Moscow.

Do you work alongside your studies?

Before the pandemic, I worked as a hostess and promoter through an agency. There they agreed with me in advance on convenient working hours and matched me with suitable vacancies. Then I worked as a barista in a coffee shop in the city center. I loved it everywhere and the income was just enough for my wants.

I don't have financial difficulties because I am still supported by my parents, which is kind of sad. But I am very grateful to them and I know that they are not burdened by it.

Have you found a comfortable social circle/friends in Germany?

Yes, I have fully integrated into local life. Now about 80% of my friends are Germans. Among the rest there are practically no guys from Russia, which I sometimes miss. This circle of socialization has developed because I met a young man who was born and grew up in Germany.

Do you regret the move and do you plan to return to Russia after your studies?

I don't regret the move at all, and I can definitely say that it has divided my life into before and after.

I plan to continue my European expierience in the near future. I don't want to go back. Dresden has become a second home for me, and I don't see my stay here as something temporary. In spring I will finish my master's thesis and look for a job in Germany.