“The professors are always there for us”

Why did you decide to study in Germany?

I'm from Ecuador and attended a German school there. I also completed my Abitur there and learned German as a child. We were exposed to German culture as many of our teachers came from Germany and Switzerland. When I was 15, I went on an exchange to Bavaria, where I spent a few weeks at a school and learned a lot. It was then that it became clear to me: I want to study in Germany.

Was it difficult for you to start out in Germany, or did you manage to settle in well?

I got on well. But I didn't know that in Germany all stores are closed on Sundays. I also didn't know about the cold in winters, although they’re not as cold as in other countries. The cold was also one of the reasons why I went to Lisbon for my semester abroad.

Are there any resources at the university that have helped you, in particular?

The International Office helped me a lot, especially with the documentation for the residence permit. For example, I had to apply for a few things before I came to Germany. They explained to me how all the processes work and what I had to do. And even during my stay abroad, I had a lot of contact with them.

Why did you choose a master's degree in Mathematics in Business and Economics at the University of Mannheim?

Actually, in the first place, I wanted to study Economics. I did some research and spoke to a few people I knew who had already done something in the field of Economics. They told me that you need a lot of math when studying Economics. So, I came up with the idea of studying Economics with a focus on math and found the program in Mathematics in Business and Economics. I had a look at it and found it really interesting. Yet, I have to be honest: I didn't know how demanding math would be at university. I wasn't prepared for that. But in the end, I am very happy with my decision.

What makes studying at the University of Mannheim so special for you?

I can think of four things I didn't really value beforehand. I only realized how important they were during my studies.

First: There are lots of student organizations that you can take part in as a student. Especially as an international student, you quickly get to know people and make friends. Mannheim might not be the biggest city in Germany, but there are plenty of ways to fill your free time, meet new people and pick up some useful skills along the way.

Second: I think the University of Mannheim is a pretty international place, especially compared to other universities in Germany.

Third: A semester abroad is a great option, especially with the international academic calendar and the many partner universities. I spent a semester abroad in Lisbon and I think if I had been at a different university, I might not have been able to do it, or at least it would have been a bit more difficult to realize it.

And fourth: In Mannheim, you have very good contact with the professors. At my school, in particular, we are not that many students, which creates a good relationship between students and professors. There are plenty of consultation hours, and the professors are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You don't necessarily find that at other large universities.

What do you do in your free time? Are there any special places that you would recommend?

I often go to the Rhine to go for a walk or do sports at the river banks. I also really like the university sports program, as you can register flexibly for a day and don't feel obliged to attend lessons every week. I tried out a few sports, such as boxing, and also joined the Unileague with a team of students from Business Informatics. That was really fun.

What is your piece of advice for international students who think about coming to Mannheim?

On the one hand, I would advise them to take a look at the various student organizations to see if there is anything they would like to get involved in. I'd also suggest studying in the library, as you're more productive there, less distracted and you can also study with other students. Two heads think better than one.

Interview: Celine Gerger / January 2025