Antonio from Venezuela
Antonio is from Venezuela and has been living in Dresden for three years now. He attended the free German class for refugees at TU Dresden to start studying Media Computer Science.
- What do you like about TU Dresden?
That there are free German classes for refugees, I mean, the university helps people to be able to get a university education. I, too, fled three years ago and only started learning German here in Germany. Then I worked for a bit and now, I have the opportunity to start my studies.
- What is your favourite place in Dresden?
The Großer Garten (AN: big park in the centre of Dresden). In winter it's full of snow and in autumn it's something else completely. It feels like you could hide in it from city life. When I lived closer to it, I often went for a walk or jogged there.
- What did you find most difficult, when you arrived?
The German language. I didn't have any previous knowledge. I get a long with people here quite well and was able to communicate somehow, but my lacking language skills made it a bit more difficult. Of course, also my personal situation wasn't easy when I'd arrived since I had to start from scratch again.
- Living in Germany, what is the biggest difference to your home country?
The weather; I always have to think about what to wear, so that I am not going to be cold. In my home country, it's always warm.
On the other hand, here it's much safer than in Venezuela. In Venezuela you can't just stroll around in the streets at night. Even during the day, you have to be very careful because there are too many people that would kill you for something as simple as a mobile phone or a watch. Here in Dresden it's safe and I can lead a carefree life.
- What would you recommend to new students?
You should seize every opportunity to study abroad and then just try everything and enjoy it. Just step outside of your own comfort zone and learn new languages and get to know new people. I had completed my bachelor's in Venezuela then I graduated with a master's in Mexico and now I am here.
What's important as well is to respect other cultures and other people!
(This interview was conducted by Krista Aguilar in German in Wintersemester 2018/19.)