My Exchange Experience at Humboldt University
Having been back in China for nearly one week, everything which is familiar in Berlin is still realistic in my mind. But actually they are far away from me. To be honest, I miss Berlin and in the last week in Berlin I tried my best to feel and remember this city.
Humboldt University ranks among the top ten of German universities and it’s in the center of Berlin. Every student in Humboldt University can choose his or her own study plan every semester only if they can finish their required credits. In addition, students do not need to enroll for the lectures. As a result, there is no compulsory attendance and students attend the classes only according to personal responsibility which is very different in China. And to some degree, the examination system also has kind of freedom. It gives students option to choose to take one of two rounds exam. But exams are serious, even though the classes are relaxed. In the exam period, the library is full and it will take you a long time to find a seat if you went late.
The organization which gives help to international students is the International Office of School of Business and Economics. The whole procedure of my exchange study is relevant to the International Office such as application, activities and important reminders. This semester 112 exchange students from 30 different countries began their new semester in the faculty. It is really a good chance to make friends with students from another countries.
All professors in Humboldt University are very professional and nice. I chose three courses during the winter semester 2014/15 which are Asset Management, Introduction to Financial Accounting and Advanced Corporate Finance. Because of English teaching in WISE, I could understand well in class. And when I have some questions, I wrote e-mail to the professor and they are always very pleased to help students.
There are many challenges in Berlin as a foreigner. Language is the first change I met. Especially, shopping in the supermarket I should look up a word in the dictionary to make sure what it is. And to my surprise, a majority of person in Berlin out of the university could not speak English. This makes difficulties in household registration, banking business and so on which we must to do. Fortunately, Humboldt University provides free German Language Couse for foreign exchange students. It took me twice a week for the course. The teacher is very nice and there is relaxed classroom atmosphere. Besides, students in class also come from different countries and it is fun to study and make friends with them.
At weekends, I went to famous attractions in Berlin. Museums in Belin bring me to validate cultural change of Germany history. Jews Museum Berlin introduces the relationship of Jews and Germany history. Germans reflect on their past mistakes which caused harm to Jews. I really feel the sincere desire of Germans.
During my Christmas Vacation, I traveled to Span and Italy. Traveling help me broaden my horizons and learn things outside of my special areas. I booked my flight tickets, accommodations and all travel plans. It always took a long time but makes sense of achievement because you went to the place which you want to go. So it is very different with tour group which just take the bus and take photos in front of tourist attractions.
All in all, I think being an exchange student in Humboldt University is exactly a right decision of me. The exchange experience in Humboldt University is unforgettable and precious in my life. And I will never forget the five months in Berlin.
—— By Xinying He, student of 2013 WISE Master’s Program
