“Mannheim Was at the Top of My List”

Where are you from and what did you do before starting your degree program?

I grew up in Huye, a city in the south of Rwanda. After finishing school, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Law in Rwanda. Afterwards, I worked for a year at a commercial law firm there. Then I got married. At that time, my husband was already living in Germany, and I decided to move here to join him.

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

When my husband and I were planning to get married, I started looking into the opportunities available to me in Germany. I knew that I wanted to focus on business law because I had already gained some initial experience in that field. So I began searching for universities offering English-taught master’s programs in business law. When I found the Master of Comparative Business Law program at the University of Mannheim, it immediately caught my interest because it provides a comparative perspective on different legal systems. That put Mannheim at the top of my list. I applied for it and was fortunately accepted.

What do you particularly like about your program?

First of all, I appreciate that the program is not purely theoretical but strongly practice-oriented. Many of the professors have professional experience and actively connect the course content to the business world. This provides insight into real-life situations and illustrates how concepts are applied in practice. The program structure is also very flexible, allowing me to organize my time quite freely. In addition, the international nature of the program means that you study alongside people from many different countries, which offers the opportunity to meet new people and learn about different cultures.

What does a typical day in your life look like?

At the moment, I don’t really have a fixed daily routine because I’m working on my thesis. This is currently my main focus in my studies. At the same time, I’m actively looking for a working student position. In my free time, I often spend time with my family and friends and enjoy exploring new places. My favorite place in Mannheim is the Thalia bookstore. The reading corners there are perfect for studying or simply relaxing. 

What do you miss most about your home country?

I would say that what I miss most is the warmth—not only in terms of the weather, but also in terms of the people. I miss the feeling of belonging, the feeling of being at home. And I miss my family.

Do you already have an idea about what you want to do after graduation?

After graduating, I would like to work at an international law firm or in the legal department of an international company. I am interested in roles related to compliance or corporate law.

Finally, do you have any advice for other international students?

Be patient! When you come to a new country, you are full of hopes and dreams. You think, “Oh, I’d like to do this and I’d like to do that.” It’s easy to become rushed and feel like you are losing time. Take things one step at a time. Eventually, everything will fall into place—but it takes time.

Interview: Tamara Gminsky I March 2026