# my studies Maria

Where are you from? Where did you study in Russia?

I grew up in the Moscow region. I completed my bachelor's degree at Gubkin Oil and Gas University.

Why did you choose Germany to continue your studies?

I never thought about studying in Europe, but three months before I finished my bachelor's degree, I got into a program at Clausthal University. I was very impressed by the course I took there, and then I decided to enroll in a master's program in Germany.

Was it hard to get the paperwork done?

I collected the documents in a hurry. We went to the program in March-April, and the documents had to be submitted in May. A lot of papers were required for admission. Including an international certificate confirming knowledge of English. That's a separate story.

Preparing translations, resumes, motivation letters, certificates confirming work experience, etc., but an even more difficult quest turned out to be the collection of a package of documents for obtaining a visa.

What were the language requirements when you enrolled? Are there any difficulties with the language now?

The university required a B2 level of English (IELTS 6.5), which in my opinion is quite a high level. Since I was never going to study abroad, I did not take any exams for international certificates. Of course I practiced English, I had a good basic level, but it was obviously not enough for admission.

I had a month to pass the exam, so I went into preparation for it. My personal life and university were forgotten, but I had three English tutors, as one tutor would not have been able to cope with such a workload) I am especially grateful to the teacher with whom I was preparing for IELTS. She was very demanding and clearly explained the structure and subtleties of the exam.

I signed up for two test dates to increase my chances of success. The first time the result was 6 points exactly, but the second time it was 6.25 and they rounded it up in my favor. It was thanks to this happy accident that I went to Germany!

At first it was difficult for me to learn English, I had to devote a lot of time to learning the language. But everything is real!

What is your major? What do you like/dislike about your studies?

I applied for two specialties, hoping that I would get into one of them. In the end, I passed all of them and chose petroleum engineering.

I absolutely love the fact that there is a rough study plan and you make your own schedule, decide when and what subjects to take. Another big plus is that most subjects are free to attend.

I also really like the fact that Germany has equal rights for everyone. It is impossible to imagine someone having to wait outside a professor's office for two days and hearing that they don't have time right now. There is a very high level of humanity and respect for everyone.

I was also surprised that at the end of each block of lectures, students are asked for their opinion about the course and can make suggestions on how to optimize the learning process.

How did and did the grades in the diploma affect admission? What was the NC (if any)?

Unfortunately, I can't tell you how my grades affected my admission. But I had a high grade point average.

How much money goes out per month to live?

It depends a lot on the location. I lived in Clausthal, it's a small college town. There are two shawarma shops and one bar. It costs 200-250 euros to rent a place. Plus insurance, internet and groceries.

In Hamburg, of course, it's much more expensive. I didn't even always go to zero during practice.

Do you work alongside your studies?

I did not work in parallel with my studies, mainly because of my poor knowledge of German, I can't imagine where they would have taken me with them. And there was no opportunity to learn it. At first, 90 percent of my time was taken up by my studies, and then I spent a semester in France on an exchange program.

I did an internship in my specialty, for which I had to move to Hamburg. The internship in an international company was entirely in English.

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

It's a very difficult question. I have a young man, and I usually spend my free time with him. Plus the pandemic, because of it, the number of contacts has been greatly reduced. Of course, I communicate with guys in Germany, but it's more of a buddy relationship. Most of them are also newcomers, they study and work here.

Do you regret the move and do you plan to return home or move out of Germany after your studies?

I don't regret the move one bit, no way!

I am grateful to the universe and the occasion that I have this opportunity.
As cliché as it may sound, moving to another country opens your eyes, makes you look at things in a new way, teaches you acceptance and that some things can work in a different, unfamiliar way. Moving forces you to be light on your feet.

If a person, like me, likes to learn new things, meet people, learn foreign languages - then it is definitely a recommendation. Before the crown, the bonus was a fun student life.

There is a big disadvantage: I miss my family and friends very much, but in pre-coronation times I managed to see them once every three months.

I don't know if I'll go back to Russia. As it happens. But I am sure that I could live in Germany, this country is close to my heart. I like the people. Of course, there are rude people everywhere, but usually everyone is very nice to me. They gladly switch to English themselves, help me carry a heavy suitcase to the fourth floor, and once a strange woman in McDonald's complimented my dress 🙂 I also really like that on Sunday.
everything is closed. At first it pissed me off beyond belief, but then I realized that this day can be fully devoted to myself and my loved ones, go to nature or just relax. No shopping, Ikea or anything else!