Andrés from Colombia
Andrés from Colombia has been living in Dresden for about a month now. Before that he has lived in Berlin for two months. He is an exchange student in electrical engineering.
- What is your favourite place in Dresden?
Many. I love the Elbe meadows and some parts of the Neustadt, mostly the area around Albertplatz. I also really like the area around Frauenkirche; there are so many beautiful buildings.
- What was especially difficult when you arrived?
Nothing much, everything worked as it should including public transport. People on the streets were also friendly and helpful and whenever I asked something, they gave good advice.
- What do you like about TU Dresden?
I really enjoy the lectures. Due to my limited vocabulary, I can't understand everything, yet but my lectures are pretty interesting. I also like the students here. They are very friendly and I have already met several fellow students from my subject.
I love the structure, how the degree programmes are organised here. In my degree programme - electrical engineering - there are five different areas of specialisation. In Colombia this is totally different. We don't have any specialisations.
- Living in Germany what is the biggest difference to your home country?
There are many. In Germany everything seems to work well (he laughs). Almost. Germans are more punctual; it is a very tidy country, everything is organised efficiently. In Colombia we need to improve on that. But I find people in Colombia friendlier and more helpful. People here in Germany are also friendly but in a different way, a bit stricter. In Colombia we are more open.
Additionally, we don't eat that much pork and potatoes in Colombia. Before coming to Germany, I didn't know "Haxe" for example, but I found it quite delicious actually.
- Any advice for other students living abroad for the first time?
Practise the language A LOT before going abroad. In general, be flexible and openminded about new things. That makes it easier to adapt to the new culture and to make new friends.
In regard to studying here, self-study is very important. There are many opportunities and tools to do so like on the internet, in the library, etc. It is vital to know how and where to find the information that you need.
(The interview was conducted by Krista Aguilar in German in the winter semester 2018/19.)