Testimonials
Reports from students who have already spent a semester abroad
A semester abroad is an unforgettable experience that broadens your horizons and opens up new perspectives. But what is it really like to study in a foreign country? Here, students share their personal experiences and give you authentic insights - from the challenges to the best moments and valuable tips. Let yourself be inspired and find out whether an adventure abroad is something for you! Immerse yourself in the diverse reports and discover the world through the eyes of your fellow students.
A summer semester on Gran Canaria
A short report by Henrike Schwindt
In the summer semester of 2024, I spent my semester abroad in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria as a free mover. The organisation was a challenge - from finding accommodation to coordinating my credit form and various scholarship applications, I had to arrange a lot of things myself. But the effort was worth it!
The consistently mild spring weather of around 20 degrees was simply perfect, and although Gran Canaria is an island, it never got boring. It's not called a "small continent" for nothing - the variety of climate zones and landscapes is impressive. I particularly enjoyed hiking through the different natural areas. Picking fresh oranges and lemons from the tree is quite something.
My tip for future students: Don't just take advantage of the typical Erasmus parties, but also explore what the local area has to offer. For example, I spent a lot of time at Café Despacio, a meeting place for political groups and local networking - a great way to socialise with locals.
Gran Canaria was an unforgettable experience for me and I can highly recommend a semester abroad!
Your former student Henrike Schwindt
One semester in Port Alfred/South Africa
Interview with Luisa Prüßmeier
Where and when was your stay abroad?
I did my internship abroad in Module 11 for six weeks during the semester break in February/March 2023 at the Plight Community Centre in Port Alfred, South Africa.
What did you particularly like?
The friendliness, joie de vivre and helpfulness of the local people. Although many residents have to make do with few possessions, they help each other. The openness of the people gave me a good insight into the culture.
What challenges did you face?
One challenge on site was the sometimes strong accents in the locals' English. As a result, I was only able to understand some people clearly after asking them frequently. Communication with the supervising social worker at the community centre was not good either before or during the internship. There were also problems with the organisation of my tasks, which I then had to solve myself.
Is there any other information you would like to share with interested students?
Doing an internship abroad is a great way to make new friends. You gain a better understanding of the local culture and its influence on social work and can apply working methods to your own perspectives. You should be very careful when choosing an internship location and make good/precise arrangements with your supervisor. Especially if you are travelling a long distance, it is important to know your areas of responsibility well and to agree on working hours.
One semester in Liverpool/England
Interview with Lena Keen
Where and when was your stay abroad?
I spent 4 months (15.09.22 - 13.01.23) in Liverpool, England.
What did you particularly like?
I got to know a lot of nice people from different countries, with whom I experienced a lot. For example, I went to several concerts and exhibitions, as Liverpool is known for its music and art scene. You can also go out to party, there are lots of cafés and restaurants and the Scousers are friendly and humorous. Liverpool is generally very lively and welcoming.
What challenges did you face?
At the beginning the Scouser accent was a challenge, but you learn to understand it quite quickly or the Scousers adapt to you when it's not possible.
Is there any other information you would like to share with interested students?
It's worth it! - You get to know really great people, improve your language and have the opportunity to travel around the country, as the timetable is not too full.
One semester in Joensuu/Finland
A short report by Max Heber - Karelia University summer semester 2022
It was a big change for me at the beginning. Firstly, I had to get used to the fact that there is hardly any daylight in Finland in the depths of winter, which is why it is important to take vitamin D every day. Of course, the winter here is also tough (down to -35 degrees), but with the right preparation you can cope with it. There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes! However, the mood is slowly improving, for one thing, many Covid restrictions have now been lifted and the days are also getting much longer, so you can do more again. The student union is actually organising a large number of leisure activities, which are now slowly starting up again.
Here is a picture from the local botanical butterfly garden, in winter there are of course not many plants to see outside, so this year "Snowhenge" was built.
One semester in Jönköping/Sweden
Interview with Jula Könecke
Where and when was your stay abroad?
I was in Jönköping, Sweden, in the winter semester 2021/2022.
What did you particularly like?
Meeting lots of new people and exploring a new country.
What challenges did you face?
I think everyone who goes abroad will face challenges. For me, for example, it was the first time living alone and having to look after myself. But these challenges only make you grow and you can actually cope with anything.
Is there any other information you would like to share with interested students?
If you fancy doing a semester abroad, definitely do it! Take the opportunity to travel, get to know new countries and cultures and make friends.
One semester in Jönköping/Sweden
Interview with Laura Windels
Where and when was your stay abroad?
I spent my semester abroad at Jönköping University in Sweden in the winter semester 2021/2022.
What did you particularly like?
The openness of the other students, the cultural exchange, the opportunity to get to know people of other nationalities. Above all, the kick-off, the numerous trips and the university's leisure activities to get to know other students.
What challenges did you face?
A small challenge was the application and the organisation, because I sometimes lacked the motivation. However, my biggest challenge was returning home and ending one of the best experiences of my life.
Is there any other information you would like to share with interested students?
The university in Sweden has lots of leisure activities for students where you can make friends for life. There is an organisation that offers trips for Erasmus students, which allowed me to travel to Lapland, Norway and Gotland! It's really worth it! Jönköping is a very beautiful student city, geographically located on a large lake and perfect for travelling around the surrounding area.
One semester in Aarhus/Denmark
Interview with Lina Sakalas
Where and when was your stay abroad?
I spent my semester abroad in Aarhus, Denmark, in the summer semester of 2021.
What did you particularly like?
Getting to know lots of great people from different countries and cultures and making friends in the process. The city itself also has a lot to offer, such as concerts, events for students and beautiful beaches and nature. The degree programme was also interesting and varied and very different from Ostfalia!
What challenges did you face?
The coronavirus conditions were the biggest challenge for me.
Is there any other information you would like to share with interested students?
Start informing yourself early enough. There are a few things to organise, but it's not a lot of effort - especially for the fact that you'll have an incredibly cool experience!
One semester in Aarhus/Denmark
Interview with Gianna Rahmani
Where and when did you complete your stay abroad?
In the 2018/2019 winter semester, I was in Aarhus (Denmark) from August to December.
What did you particularly like?
Aarhus is a very young, modern city that offers endless possibilities. Every day there is a cultural and/or student programme somewhere, one idea is more innovative than the next. It was almost impossible for me to find an excuse to stay at home and not go out and discover new things. People are incredibly open and interested, so new friendships are guaranteed.
Were there any challenges for you?
When you are abroad on your own for the first time, you naturally have to face new challenges. However, organising your own trips and activities and facing the language and cultural barrier makes you much more mature and self-confident!
Is there any other information you would like to share with interested students?
Don't make excuses as to why you can't go abroad. You will never get this opportunity again, studying abroad is unique. Don't let fear and uncertainty rob you of this opportunity!
One semester in Aarhus/Denmark
Interview with Jan Schwella
Where and when did you complete your stay abroad?
I completed my stay abroad in Aarhus (Denmark) from 27 January to 21 June.
What did you particularly like?
I particularly liked both the modern university and the way in which knowledge was taught: Theory, practice and reflection.
Were there any challenges for you?
I would say that a semester abroad involves a lot of effort: filling out documents, subletting an apartment/room, etc... If you start early enough, you can gradually work your way through each stage.
Is there any other information you would like to share with interested students?
Try your hand at containerising (saving food from the rubbish). It's also a great time to experience an alternative way of life for a fixed period of time: Few possessions, live cheaply, share the stress with other people. Among other things, this creates great friendships.
One semester in Jönköping/Sweden
Interview with Julia Allermann
Where and when did you complete your stay abroad?
In Jönköping in Sweden in summer semester 2019.
What did you particularly like?
I particularly liked the fact that I got to meet people from all over the world and made friends for life. I met great people from Mexico, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland and/or Austria and had an unforgettable time in Jönköping thanks to them. The interculturality in the seminars at the university offered a great exchange about social work all over the world. In addition, the location of Jönköping and the city itself were fantastic and super student-friendly. The university is international and therefore offers many activities and leisure programmes, so you always had the chance to meet new people and share great experiences.
Were there any challenges for you?
The only challenge was planning my stay. I had to motivate myself again and again, but once I was there, a new horizon opened up with great opportunities and gave me the best time of my life!
Is there any other information you would like to share with interested students?
If you are thinking about doing a semester abroad, go for it! You'll have the time of your life, make new friends, explore a new country in a completely different way and get to know yourself in a whole new way. In addition to your studies, you will have plenty of time to enjoy life to the full and without a care in the world.
One semester in Joensuu/Finland
Interview with Liza-Marie Hübner
Where and when did you complete your stay abroad?
I spent my stay abroad in Finland (Joensuu) from 09/08/2017 - 21/12/2017.
What did you particularly like?
The semester in Finland was a very special and exciting time for me. Studying in a different country, getting to know people from different countries/cultures and making close friends, improving my language skills and discovering interesting countries/cities are the things that I particularly remember.
Were there any challenges for you?
There were a few things, especially personal challenges, that I had to overcome, e.g. the last few days before departure, when you know you're leaving your familiar surroundings for a few months and are on your own for the time being.
Is there any other information you would like to share with interested students?
In Finland itself there were also a few small problems, especially at the beginning when everything was completely new, but I received support from teachers or my tutor. I can only say to anyone who can imagine studying abroad - take this chance, your chance!
One semester in Pondicherry/India
Interview with Diana Lindekugel
Where and when did you complete your stay abroad?
In Pondicherry (India) from July to December 2019.
What did you particularly like?
The diversity of the country. India has an incredible number of facets and has a lot to offer culturally. As a social worker in particular, you gain important impressions and an understanding of poverty, the simple rural life and yet the people here still have a zest for life.
Were there any challenges for you?
The Indian accent often makes it complicated, but you get used to it.
Is there any other information you would like to share with interested students?
You have the opportunity to take part in visits to various NGOs and hospitals or to do an internship. Outside of lectures, you can travel around the beautiful country. Everything is very simple in the university hostel (8 square metre room, washing by hand etc.), but even that is a very interesting experience.
Two semesters in Aarhus/Denmark and Sofia/Bulgaria
Interview with Felix Schubert
Where and when did you complete your stay abroad?
I completed two semesters abroad during my Bachelor's degree (Social Work). I spent the winter semester 15/16 in Aarhus, Denmark, and because I enjoyed it so much there, I decided to spend a second semester abroad in Sofia, Bulgaria, in the summer semester of 2017.
What did you particularly like?
Looking back, I can say that the semester abroad was the best time of my degree programme. I was able to combine my studies with my hobby of travelling. It gave me the opportunity to live in other countries, get to know different cultures and meet great people from all over the world.
Were there any challenges for you?
In the run-up to the semester abroad, important decisions had to be made (funding, exams, etc.) and documents had to be filled out - at the same time, there was a lot to organise and plan. However, the Ostfalia International Office was always there to help me with this - especially with regard to funding (keyword: scholarship).
Is there any other information you would like to share with interested students?
I can only recommend everyone to make the decision to go abroad for a longer period of time - if not now, then when? The semester abroad offers you unforgettable moments, friendships and experiences that will enrich your whole life. Make the most of this opportunity, be brave and take the plunge abroad - in a few years' time, you might be saying: "if only, but..." - Get out of your comfort zone and go abroad with you!
