“Inspire and Get Inspired!”

Why did you decide to study in Germany?

Well, firstly, because the living expenses in Germany are relatively low compared to other countries. Even in comparison to Indonesia, which is a developing country. Secondly, because my sister also studied in Europe. She told me that Europe was a beautiful place with nice people and a great community. That’s why I decided to study in Germany.

After completing your bachelor's degree you decided to pursue a master's program in Mannheim.  How did that come about?

After I had completed my bachelor's degree in Bioinformatics, I worked for almost one year.  But then I realized: This is not what I want to do in the future. So, I decided to pursue a master's degree – in a field that I would actually enjoy. For me, that’s Data Science and AI. Why Mannheim? I actually have several reasons. First: the University of Mannheim is renowned as one of the best universities in the fields of business administration and economics. I didn’t have any prior knowledge in business administration and economics, but I wanted to challenge myself. Moving to Mannheim was a leap into the unknown. That’s exactly what helped me grow quickly. The second reason: the University of Mannheim has a research focus on Business Administration and Economics, so there are a lot of people from the fields of entrepreneurship and business. You can easily network, join their projects, meet new leaders, and work together with them – it’s a great experience. Another important aspect are the numerous partner universities of the University of Mannheim. I’m currently spending a semester in Seoul in Korea – at one of the country’s best universities. It’s really not easy to get a study place at this university. Many Koreans need to take the same exams over and over again for three years to even have the slightest chance of being admitted. The University of Mannheim has a partnership with this university, and when I saw that I thought: ‘That’s my chance!’ I’m grateful for being here now. All in all, Mannheim was a wonderful experience for me.

How was it to move from Berlin to Mannheim?  Berlin is a big city, whereas Mannheim is rather small in comparison.

I’ve lived in big cities my entire life, even before coming to Berlin. I grew up in the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta. I think I’m still not fully used to how much smaller Mannheim is. But there are also some positive aspects: for example, it only takes me ten minutes to walk to where my friends live. The university is also within walking distance.

Now you’re completing a semester abroad in South Korea.  How did you decide on that country and the university?

For multiple reasons: I’ve been in Europe for seven or eight years now and I wanted to experience something different – get back to my roots, back to Asian culture. After so many years in Europe, I wanted to see how Asia had changed. Another reason: I looked at the list of partner universities and tried to find out which universities have specialized in AI. The leading countries in this field are China and Korea. Korea is closer to where I grew up. So, I feel like I'm getting the best of both worlds here—I'm studying in one of the best countries as regards research and development in AI, and at the same time I'm close to home. It’s just one quick flight to Indonesia. It’s nice that I get to visit my family from time to time while studying here – at one of the best universities in Korea! That’s another reason why I’m here.

Do you have any tips you would like to share with other international students who are thinking about studying in Germany?

I think – not only with a view to international students, but in general – that it’s not merely about studying. Of course, a degree is important. But you shouldn’t be blind to where you’re studying and what that place has to offer. For example, I help to organize a club in Mannheim – the Google Developers Club. I decided to join the club because in Indonesia, unlike as in Germany, education is not standardized. One of my biggest goals is to make education more accessible. When I became a member of that club last year, it was totally new. Among other things, I was responsible for coordinating the projects and ensuring that our seminars benefited students at the University of Mannheim. So far, we have reached over 400 students. We taught them about programming, artificial intelligence, and similar things. It was an amazing experience. I think you should always take advantage of what a place has to offer – it’s really useful. You feel like you are contributing something. Don’t underestimate the possibilities you have at the University of Mannheim. As an international student, you may be thinking: ‘A semester abroad is not relevant for me – I’m already studying abroad.’ But I’m an international student myself and I’m still doing a semester abroad – the best decision I’ve ever made. The university really supports its students. I had no problems with my visa and can stay for six months. And I think that once you start working, you'll never again have the opportunity to live abroad for six months – while even receiving financial support. For example, I was awarded a scholarship, for which I am very grateful. Before coming to Mannheim, I wasn't a particularly ambitious person. But when you suddenly find yourself in an environment where everyone around you is highly motivated and driven, you can't help but become motivated yourself. I was inspired by these people – and now it's my turn to inspire others. That's a motto that really suits me: ‘Inspire and get inspired!’ That sums up my entire time in Mannheim.

Do you already have plans for the time after completing your master's degree?

I feel like I want to give something back to Germany. Not because I feel that Germany demands this of me, but because I feel that way myself. Germany has given me so many opportunities, and I would like to contribute my knowledge and skills and give something back. That's my plan right now: finding a job here and doing something for Germany.

Interview: Emma-Lena Sester / April 2025