“I Didn't Expect to Learn So Much in Just One Year”

Denitsa, what made you interested in studying abroad at the University of Mannheim, when you graduated from high school?

I knew early on that I wanted to broaden my horizons after school and become more independent. My hometown of Pleven was too small for that. I also attended a multilingual secondary school, which is why Germany has always been a destination for me. I applied to the University of Mannheim because the degree program in Culture and Economy is so unique.

What makes the bachelor's degree in Culture and Business so desirable?

The combination of Media and Communication Studies and Business Studies unites two worlds that are increasingly intertwined in today’s world. In addition to the sociological tendencies of my studies, I currently like the management course best, as I would like to go in a similar direction in the future. But even today, my studies are already helping me, for example in my work at the Bai Ganyo e.V. student organization.

What is special about Bai Ganyo and what are your tasks?

Bai Ganyo is like a piece of home for me. The organization primarily aims to help international students in their first semester to integrate and at the same time celebrate Bulgarian culture. You don't have to be from Bulgaria to do this. I personally started the folk-dance group, and my management skills from university are a great help. I have been organizing and teaching the dance lessons for “Hora” for about four months now. You dance together with about 15 people in a circle or a row. This promotes cohesion, and it's almost magical, especially during performances.

You come from the small town of Pleven. Was it difficult for you to move to Mannheim?

There are definitely a few differences that surprised me at first. In Bulgaria, for example, we were not allowed to use calculators at school. That was new for me, which is why I had to study a lot for the first exams. The street network in the city center also confused me at first, but I quickly got used to it. Thanks to my strict and motivating German teacher, with whom I am still in contact today, the language was not a major barrier. That's why I was able to make good use of the orientation events offered by the departmental student committee to settle in.

Would you do it all over again if you could?

A very big “YES”! It goes without saying that I miss my family in Bulgaria. But I know that my family supports me and is happy for me because I now enjoy a higher standard of living – for example because of the Deutschland Scholarship that I receive. I can enjoy the cultural diversity here and meet many interesting people who inspire me. The city is definitely more dynamic than Pleven.

Do you have any tips for people who are also interested in studying abroad at the University of Mannheim?

You have to attend the lectures, even if attendance is not compulsory. In addition, you should remain open to new experiences and not give up, even if something doesn't go according to plan. In most cases, there is someone at university who can support and help you.

Finally: How would you summarize your studies here in one sentence?

It's a rollercoaster of emotions, but pride and satisfaction definitely prevail!

Interview: Alina Fröhlich / September 2024