“You can't know what's right for you unless you try it.”

Why did you decide to study at the University of Mannheim?

I started learning German in sixth grade. My first trip abroad – to Munich – left a lasting impression on me. Since then, I've had a very positive image of Germany and knew that I wanted to come here to study. Mannheim is ranked number one in Economics, and I thought to myself: “Let’s do this. This is my goal.” Fortunately, I was accepted – and I’m very happy with that decision.

How do you like your program of study?

It has been much more demanding than I initially expected. I'm studying Business Informatics, and especially the Informatics modules are very challenging. At the beginning of my studies, I even received my worst grade in one of those courses. It took me some time to understand how everything works here. Luckily, I found great friends early on, and we often study together. People are also much more open-minded than I expected. It feels like one big community, and that makes studying much easier.  I think that's really nice.

You’re originally from Romania. Have you noticed any differences between Romania and Germany in your degree program and everyday life?

Yes, definitely. One major difference I noticed is how questions are perceived. At school in Romania, it often felt like questions weren't particularly welcome. In Germany, I’ve experienced the exact opposite. At university, we are actively encouraged to ask questions, which I really appreciate. The overall approach to learning is different as well. The work ethic here is very strong, and I value that because I’m quite ambitious myself.

Are there any things you miss?

Of course, I miss my family and a few close friends. But overall, I feel that I've integrated very well here. Ninety percent of my friends are either German or other international, and I'm grateful every day to be here. Besides spending time with them, I’ve also integrated through my job and my involvement in student organizations.

What do you do for work?

I work as a student employee at Mercedes at the interface between business administration and informatics. My tasks focus largely on optimizing digital processes, which I really enjoy. Before that, I completed an internship at the consulting firm Deloitte. Through these experiences, my goal has always been to figure out what suits me best professionally. Something I often say is: You can't know what's right for you unless you try it. 

You are also involved in student organizations. Can you tell us more about that?

I have been an active member of the UNICEF Hochschulgruppe for about one year. In the past, I worked as a children’s entertainer, where I gained experience working with children. When I came to Mannheim, I wanted to continue contributing in a similar way. Especially in times like these, when so many children around the world are affected by war, I feel it’s important to make a contribution. I have also been involved with STADS for two years, the largest Data Science Initiative at the university. We organize workshops with companies and offer lectures on data science and its various fields of application.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy doing sports, and recently I’ve especially discovered my passion for running. I picked it up after my semester abroad and realized how much clearer I can think afterwards. Apart from that, I like going out for dinner with friends or simply having a beer together.

Where did you complete your semester abroad?

I spent a semester at Nova University in Lisbon. I wanted to try something new and a bit exotic, and it’s also a prestigious university. So I thought: this is a win-win situation – I’m going to do it. It turned out to be a great experience. I met lots of people, learned a great deal, and traveled extensively.

Do you have plans for the time after completing your degree?

In the medium term, I would definitely like to stay in Germany because I really enjoy living here. I also plan to pursue a master’s degree. Before that, however, I would like to take a gap semester – to see what happens, gain some more work experience, and then start my master’s degree either in Mannheim or elsewhere in Germany.

Do you have any advice for other international students who want to come to the University of Mannheim?

My main advice would be: interact with locals as much as possible. If you don’t speak German yet, it’s worth learning the language – it makes connecting with people much easier. Try to build friendships with German students and step outside your own bubble. I’m very grateful for my friends here. Some of them have supported me since my very first semester, and without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Getting involved in student organizations is another great way to meet new people. And finally: even if your studies feel demanding, keep pushing forward. The University of Mannheim can be more challenging than other places, but in the end, it will be worth it.

Interview: Emma-Lena Seester I February 2026