My name is Chantal, I am 25 years old and studying the master degree programme Business Ethics and CSR Management at IHI Zittau. As a peer, I would like to help you with your problems as an attentive listener and provider of support to the best of my ability. Since I am/was affected by a psychological impairment myself, I know that feeling all too well of not knowing if I can manage things alone. Therefore, I am happy to act a support base for my fellow students and to help them with their problems or uncertainties.

A testament to how good life can be (again). My name is Nadine and I was diagnosed with depression (much later than feeling the first effects), which accompanied my starting the degree programme mechanical engineering. Despite this, I managed four semesters until I couldn’t carry on and had to take a semester of leave. After a year-long break and with the help of therapy, I was able to go about my everyday life in a more relaxed way, to concentrate on getting healthy and to look for new paths forward. I am currently in the second semester of the Bachelor degree programme Social Pedagogy and am really happy that I had the courage to make the change. As a peer, I am characterised by my understanding and patience in communicating with others.

Hi, my name is Lucas and I’m 22 years old. I am currently in my tenth semester of mechanical engineering and have almost reached the end of my studies. I therefore have a lot of experience concerning the daily study routine and study organisation, and hope that I can impart this wisdom. As a result of my semester abroad in Korea, I not only learnt how different people can be, but also how diverse their worries and problems can be. No matter what insurmountable obstacle you are facing, we will find a solution together!

Hey! My name is Jeanette and I am studying teacher training (Gymnasium) in German and ethics. Because I have suffered with a mental illness during my studies and been “accompanied” by its symptoms throughout, I have already exceed the standard period of study by several years. My studies are therefore not following the normal path, which offers me a lot of space for my personal development. As a result, I do voluntary work for the prevention of mental health in schools.
As a peer, I would like to offer you a contact partner for problems and questions concerning your studies and accompany you on part of this journey.

My name is Andrea and I’m a biologist. Since autumn 2018, I have been studying at IHI Zittau and soon plan to graduate from the degree programme Ecosystem Services.
The transition from a country like Colombia to a different culture like Germany has enabled me to evaluate myself in many aspects of my life and to engage with and learn from other individuals, who are also from other cultures and have different ways of thinking.
This change involved many challenges, both of an academic and personal nature. In moments of uncertainty, I sought psychological help from qualified professionals, but the help of my friends and fellow students was the key to improving myself every single day. They have all witnessed first had what I have experienced and I can always rely on them for support and advice. In this way, I would now like to do the same and offer my support as a peer.