My Exchange Experience in Berlin
When I arrived to Xiamen after nearly 15 hours of flight, and when I saw the familiar smiles on my parents’ faces, I realized that my exchange life was all over. The experience in Berlin during the last semester could hardly be described in a few words. The life in Europe is one of the most unforgettable and precious memories I have ever had and I will revisit there in the future.
Having been back in China for one week, I kept asking myself what I got or learned from this exchange experience. I would say that I made my dream come true and I became a Better Me.
Study
The proverb says: “It’s not a shame not to know; it's a shame not to learn”. I completely agree with this statement and believe that learning, self-development is one of the most important things in life. That’s the reason why I want to study abroad: I want to develop in the new environment.
The Humboldt University of Berlin in which I stayed for five months is one of Berlin’s oldest universities. In 2012, the Humboldt University of Berlin was one of eleven German universities to win in the German Universities Excellence Initiative, a national competition for universities organized by the German Federal Government. The university has educated 29 Nobel Prize winners and is considered one of the most prestigious universities in Europe overallas well as one of the most prestigious universities worldwide for arts and humanities. I chose “Advanced Corporate Finance”, “Asset Management” and “Financial Statement Analysis”, which I think would of benefit to my future career. The university provides students a free study environment as there is no need for students to register for classes (with the exception of seminars). And there are no signing up and even no midterm exams.There are two examination periods in each semester. Students may choose to take any given exam in either the first or second period. But exams are serious, even though sometimes he classes are relaxed without compulsory homework. The library and study rooms are all full. Students here are so active in class and are willing to ask different kinds of questions.
Culture
Studying abroad is a great experience of immersion into a new culture, meeting new people and exploring new methods of teaching. I made some local friends and in this way I could better know the culture in Germany. I deepened my knowledge of this amazing country that’s such an important player in world economics. Let me show you some interesting facts of Germans or the culture.
Germans try to mind on their own business and usually do not interact with strangers. It makes them come off as very serious or unfriendly. It seems like a certain age of Germans like wearing outdoor clothing, Jack Wolfskin jackets. When winter comes, Berlin becomes a sea of identical jackets. However, they are crazy about any kind of celebrations, such as New Year Eve. And Germans really love football. The most passionate Germans I have ever seen are when they are talking about, thinking about, watching and playing football. I have been to the Berlin Olympic to watch football games. The Germans were crazy for their supported teams. Besides, Germans really like reading. Wherever you go, you can see people who are reading very carefully.
Traveling
Besides attending classes, I travelled to some countries near Germany. I experienced a lot that I can never imagine before. My roommates and I cooked a Chinese dinner for friends from Swiss. And I hosted a girl from England through Couchsurfing. We talked a lot at night and finally became good friends.
Travelingin Europe by train is a great experience. The dramatic scenery of Europe slowly unfolds from the windows of the train, along with landscapes featuring glistening lakes and pretty coastlines. Whereas when flying from country to country, the door to door travel experience is quick, going by rail takes things a little more leisurely, allowing me to relax and enjoy the passing scenery.
After my life in Europe, I became more independent and more confident. I have break out of my comfort zone and became a Better Me.
—— By Yumin Lin, student from 2013 WISE Master’s Program
