INTERVIEW
with Jayadevan S.
(student, Iubh, Bad Honnef, Germany)
Can you please tell us something about yourself and your studies?
I am doing my Masters in Engineering Project Management. I have earlier completed my MBA in Marketing & Operations. I have got work experience in Sales and Projects. I want to focus my career in Projects. That is the reason why I am doing this course!
What would you recommend to other international students if they…
…feel homesick?
There would be a lot of people from your country in Germany. Meet them often so that you won’t miss your country much. And for the Indians, a journey to India is not very expensive. Working people use to go more than twice a year
…want to find friends in Germany?
There are lots of social groups and other activities in Germany where you can get to meet people from different nationalities and make friends! You can get to meet people who are interested in partying, sports, games or adventurous trips wherever you go in Germany. Make the best use of them. Also, there are travel agencies for students which conduct weekly weekend trips to different countries inside Europe. They are highly affordable, and you also get to meet a lot of students and youths.
People from different countries would be totally different from each other in terms of mannerisms and behavioural patterns. Never try to judge them and be open to any kind of nationality for making a good friendship.
…cannot find any connection to others in their university/ vocational school?
Be an active participant in all the social forums and group activities. Try to be a leader rather than a follower. You will definitely end up finding good connections!
…face problems with their teacher/ colleagues/ employer?
Depends on the problem. But always discuss with your peers and find a suitable solution!
…can’t communicate well in German?
Make some good German friends! Take German tuitions. Don’t bother speaking to Germans even if you are not fluent. Watch German movies and series. Pay attention to German conversations when you are outside. Make random conversations with strangers. Read every sign board and advertisements you see outside!
…want to save money?
Make sure that you always do a part time job or full-time job, be it working one day a week or more during studies and after. Live in cheap shared accommodations. Don’t buy groceries from expensive stores. Always carry food when you go to work or travel outside. Buy clothes only when there are good discounts. Use more public transport. Spend money wisely!
Also don’t lose focus on what you came here for by working too many hours and concentrating only on money.
Is there anything else that you would recommend to others?
Always keep in mind that people you see here have different paths and lifestyles. Never try to follow or imitate anyone. Choose your own path, make your own short term and long term plans, just follow them. Stay focussed and avoid too much of anything that would lead to any sort of deviations from reaching your goal.
Jayadevan S.
13/09/2021
Köln, Deutschland
