From Cassino/Italy to Koblenz

My experience as an Erasmus exchange student in Hochschule Koblenz was surprising. When I applied for the program as a Master student in Global Economics and Business, I prepared myself to be independent in both aspects: academic and social. I thought my days in Koblenz would be quite tedious and lonely. I am very happy that I was wrong.

Koblenz was described to me as a small city, of which you could get easily bored. However for me, who is from a small town in Kazakhstan, it was perfect: safe and nice. Koblenz is full of beautiful places to take a stroll, cultural places to visit and cute cafes to drink coffee in. And thanks to student ID perks, you take a bus to reach any part of the city for free. I lived in Katholisches Studentenwohnheim, which was a 20 minute walk from Hochschule Koblenz or a 10 minute ride by bus. Hochschule itself is an amazing place to be in. It has many places to take a break after your classes, a cafeteria with reasonable prices and a cafe to have a little treat. It may not be a critical aspect for others, but I was surprised how easy Hochschule makes it to be an environmentally responsible person, with Pfandautomats right near the cafeteria and vending machines. And of course, a library is the perfect place for study sessions.

Due to some circumstances, I could take only two courses: German language A1 and Brand Management in the Digital world. Both were very pleasant experiences. The German course was interactive and easy to follow. The study plan included everything you need for everyday life. I am definitely not fluent in German in any capacity, but it has lighted the spark for learning it. Unfortunately, I could not enjoy the Brand Management in the Digital world course to its fullest extent, I applied to it quite late and it was in German at the time I did. I am very grateful to Professor Schmidt that he still gave me an opportunity to be part of the course. He also gave me all the resources I needed and full support for my individual study. The course itself was crafted for both gaining theoretical knowledge and applying it in practice. I really enjoyed the materials and assignments, as they don’t only have value for final grade, but have quite creative and entertaining sides.

Talking about creativity and entertainment, I want to thank ESN Koblenz for all the events they organised. It gave me opportunities to learn more about German culture by having fun among peers. Trips to Berlin and to Amsterdam to meet all the people from ESN of other cities and even countries were highlights of my semester. All the support from my buddy to make my adaptation to Germany easier is very appreciated as well.

Overall, my exchange semester in Koblenz was one of the most exciting journeys I had in my life. I am grateful for all the new experiences, friendships and knowledge it gave me. I would like everyone to have such an opportunity in their life.

(Photo from city tour of Berlin, Berlin Trip with ESN Koblenz)