Zhang: Study Experience at the University of Mannheim

I can still clearly recall the exciting moment when I found Letter of Acceptance from the University of Mannheim lying in my e-mail Inbox, tears came out immediately and afterwards a yell lasted so long... Nine months earlier began the study at my promised land, as a girl from a small town, magically I have never felt unfamiliar with anything or anybody but extremely curious and expectant about the following two years’ study and life.

Nevertheless, there occurred problems at the very beginning, I couldn’t concentrate on the contents taught in class while often furrow brows in daily life. It’s because of the financial pressure to pay my rent as high as 425 Euro monthly since my parents could only support me 670 Euro per month. I will always appreciate it that Angela helped me to apply for a scholarship of The Ekkehard Foundation and offered me the current apartment!

Then I could pay all my attention into my study, I have attended a variety of courses, learned and practiced German every weekend, sometimes participated in experiments held by professors, dipped myself in library not only preparing and reviewing the courses but also reading books and magazines.

I have to tell the truth that it was never easy for me to cope with the lectures, exercises and exams (which are of the most difficult part), at the end of last semester I had to attend 5 exams in 6 days, that was a significant challenge but finally I overcame it, even though the grades are not very well-pleasing. Learning from this experience, I planned my exams better and put them in two rounds this time, less workload improves my performance, I am sure that I will receive satisfactory grades which I deserve.

As for the plan of next term, I cannot wait to exchange in Finland with expectation of experiencing another special education system as well as Finnish culture, this journey must be as interesting as in Germany! Half a year later when I come back Mannheim, application of Seminar and Master Thesis will be put at the first place, then I would exhaust my best to integrate and apply knowledge learned to work out substantial papers. Apart from that, Internship is also a part of my plan because it can help me adjust myself into working phenomena and improve my professional abilities in practice at the same time. After my graduation, the best choice is to work in Germany to make contribution to the country where I benefit from both the University of Mannheim and the Ekkehard Foundation.

Only one page is further not able to describe my experience in detail, however all my perception of the study experience can be concluded into four words, enrichment, growth, hope and gratefulness.