“Studying in Mannheim is the best thing that ever happened to me!”

Please tell me something about you: where did you grow up and what did you do before coming to Mannheim to pursue a master's degree? 

I grew up in Agropoli and always had a fascination for foreign languages. This is because my grandparents lived in Germany for 15 years and my grandma taught me some German words when I was little. The language has always fascinated me. This is why I decided to study at the University of Salerno and earn a bachelor's degree in Foreign Languages and Culture after school. So, I studied French and German. During this time, my passion for languages grew, especially for the German language. To further improve my foreign language skills, I decided to spend a semester abroad. My first choice was Hamburg, followed by Würzburg and Mannheim. When I was told that I had been accepted in Mannheim, I didn't know how to react at first. Looking back, it’s the best thing that ever happened to me. I had a very lovely time here. 

How did it come about that you then started studying the master’s program in Culture and Economy in Mannheim?

During my semester abroad, I met some girls who studied this program. I really liked to combination of foreign languages and economy. That’s why I decided to go come to Mannheim to pursue a master's degree here. Another reason for me was that students receive very good support at the university. Program managers and professors were always very helpful when I asked questions or needed advice. Already during my semester abroad, I noticed that the University of Mannheim really cares about its students. I think this makes the study experience even better: obviously, good subject-specific academic support is important, but general support also plays a major role. 

In what way is studying in Italy different from studying in Germany? 

In Italy, we studied a lot from books. I was used to read a lot, while making notes. When I came to Mannheim, I felt like I had come from the Middle Ages. In the lectures, each student had their laptop, and I was the only one with a pen and paper (laughs). Apart from that, the program here has a more personal feel than in Italy because we’re not so many students. I like that a lot. I’ve also realized that the focus is on teamwork here. At the university I attended in Italy, all students worked on their own. We learned at home and took the exams on our own. Here you often have the opportunity to work with others on a project. I think that’s very nice and I enjoy it. 

What else do you particularly like about the University of Mannheim? 

I think it’s great that the university offers many opportunities for international students to connect. One opportunity is the VISUM initiative. I’ve already taken part in the initiative's buddy program twice. It taught me a lot. Before coming here, I often read that the University of Mannheim is very international and that’s true. In Italy, I didn't have much contact with international students. 

What does a typical day in your student life look like? 

I’m now about to finish my studies and I don’t have any lectures anymore. This means that I spend a large part of my day working on my master's thesis. I’m examining how bilingual people with German as their mother tongue and English as their second language make decisions. I’ve already finished the experiment and will now approach the analysis. I’m planning on completing the thesis by the end of September. On the side, I work as a working student in in-house communications for SAP Product and Engineering. 

How and where do you most enjoy spending your summer days in Mannheim? 

In summer, I really enjoy spending time at the riverbanks of the Rhine.  I like to do picnics with friends there or go for a walk. I also enjoy going to the a bistro  called “Die kleine Metzgerei” in Schwetzingerstadt with my friends to drink an Aperol and have some snacks. I highly recommend it. 

What advice would you like to share with other international students? 

Even if you feel alone in the beginning, you’re not. I would recommend joining the activities organized by VISUM. If you’re shy, this may be a bit of a challenge. But getting out of your comfort zone is worth it. Courses at the university can also be challenging. Depending on which university you come from, the contents may be different from the courses at your home university. In this case, I recommend that you ask your professors or fellow students for advice. Often, it’s good to find a solution on your own but sometimes it’s just not possible. Then, it’s important that you ask for help. 

What are your plans after finishing your studies? 

After completing my degree, I would like to gain professional experience in Germany for some years. I can definitely see myself continuing to work in communications or marketing. Also, I would like to further improve my German language skills. My aim is to achieve level C2 language proficiency in German. 

Interview: Tamara Gminsky / June 2025