Fiorenza from Italy
Fiorenza from Italy has been in Dresden for two months. She is an exchange student at the Faculty of Linguistics, Literature and Cultural Studies.
- What do you like about Dresden?
Dresden is totally different from other cities in Germany. I have already lived in Heidelberg and in Beirut, but Dresden really is special. For example "Altstadt" (old city) and "Neustadt" feel like parts from completely different cities. Still the city is not chaotic and has a very comfortable size; it's neither too big nor too small.
- What do you like about TU Dresden?
My timetable; it's really well organised. I also like that I have 20 minutes to move around (between lectures). In Italy this is difficult. You have to organise everything in detail so that it works in the end. I also like the professors here. They are very open and helpful. Also the atmosphere at TU Dresden is very intimate.
- What was especially difficult when you arrived?
There was nothing very difficult in the beginning.
Of course, everything is different. There are many abbreviations within the university that you don't know in the beginning. But the Erasmus tutors helped us a lot. Everything is well organised, including public transport. You only need the ability to adapt to new things.
- Living in Germany what is the biggest difference to your home country?
The biggest difference is that while we have lectures in Italy, we do not have to do much at home. We have so called Sesiones, that last for 2 months and within this period, we also write our exams. Here, work is more spread out and we always have to do something. But alas, exams at the end are not that difficult. For one exam in Italy I have to attend three seminars for example. But I like the system here better. In Italy, a seminar for an exam might take place four times a week, here it's only once a week.
This gives me more time for myself during my everyday life, for doing things that I like. I have already visited many places. The Zwinger is really beautiful. Tomorrow I'll go to Leipzig. I have a lot of free time and I love it. If you want to have some fun, there's always something in Neustadt.
- Any advice for other students living abroad for the first time?
Don't be afraid, it's worth it! There might be problems in the beginning, but you can do it. The time is now to do things and to go abroad because later (what with work and everything), you might not have time again to do this. You have to enjoy it now.
(This interview was conducted by Krista Aguilar in winter semester 2018/19 in German.)