Study Abroad Seminar on Higher Education Opportunities in Germany | A Report

Study Abroad Seminar on Higher Education Opportunities in Germany

By the Visiting German Faculty and Students, Hamburg

24th October 2024 | A Report

The Study Abroad Seminar conducted by the Office of International Programmes reached fruition on 24th October 2024, from 11.30 a. m to 1 p.m.

The meeting began with the College Prayer read out by Ms. Alphy Benny. Ms. Catherin Sabu was the Master of Ceremonies for the programme. She was ably assisted by Mr. Sabarinathan, Ms. Alphy Benny, Ms. Zibiah Merin and Ms. Lindsay Rose Jordy. Ms. Smriti Wilson coordinated the Q & A Session.

Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean of the International Programmes warmly welcomed the students and the resource persons for this Seminar, on behalf of the Principal and Madras Christian College. He also reminded the attendees of the functional webpage of Dean IP and whatsapp group for Study Abroad Opportunities. Then, Prof. J. Arun Kumar, the Associate Dean of International Programmes introduced the guests for the day.

The Study Abroad Seminar focused on the opportunities for Higher Studies in Germany. It was attended by seven imminent faculties from Germany, Dr. Michael Peter Watzlawik, Ms. Hannah Dorothea, Dr. Jan Sprinder, Dr. Kay Helge Wendler, Dr. Melanie Blaue, Dr. Maximillian Puls and Ms. Lena Stemman - each specializing in a different arena ranging from Religion to Business Psychology.

In his address to the gathering, Dr. Michael thanked the College and the students for the overwhelming response. About the culture and people of India, Dr. Michael quoted a friend from Karnataka, saying, "I was told to ‘expect the unexpected’ in India, and so far I’ve been so excited by the unexpected warmth and hospitality that I find in India." A small circulation group including Dr. Michael, Dr. Jan and Ms. Christianne have been always actively indulging in exchanges with English speakers for the past twelve years, he observed.

Ms. Melanie Blaue, in her response, expressed her eagerness to engage in further cultural interactions, as her own specialisation is in yoga and meditation.

Ms. Karen Hilary from Skillwise Consultancy too shared her experiences and said that it was a good time to understand the German culture as well as ours, and motivated the students to engage in conversations that would shape perspectives.

Dr. MaximiIIian Puls and Dr. Kay Helge Wendler then presented to the students the foundational factors to note in order to pursue Higher education in Germany. Germany has world-class education and top notch technology to keep up with it. From engineering to humanities, the country offers a wide variety of Majors in all Disciplines. The key ideas of the presentation being –

•The first key to success for the aspirants is to learn the German language. Mastering the language and earning a certification in it are equally essential while aspiring to pursue Higher education in Germany. They also suggested Goethe Institute as a good platform to secure a certification accepted in all the universities and workplaces across Germany.

•They also said that students should keep an eye on the scholarships available. The German education system provides free education for all. The only fee would be an amount at the beginning of the semester which would include multiple benefits and student concessions.

•Germany is also a prestigious host to a few top notch universities as the TUM Berlin, Hamburg University, University of Hildesheim and University of Applied Sciences. Hamburg offers students both academic theory and practical experience in the real world. It provides They offer strong academic programs, language to integration programs and buddy programs for the smooth sail of academics.

An amazing Q&A session that followed, moderated by Ms. Smrithi Wilson and Mr. Chris Immanuel, Global Student Ambassadors, opened the floor to the audience, to rectify the doubts and queries of our students.

• To the question asked by Mohit from I M.A Philosophy pertaining to the availability of affordable German learning platforms, Mr. Michael answered that their circulation group is discussing this issue and would soon come up with a solution. Ms. Karen and Mr. Chris suggested the use of digital platforms or even watching movies and dramas; and connecting with others, in the language to make the learning process easier.

•Mr. AIan Eben enquired about the availability of courses and other academic possibilities in Pipe organ which was his passion.

The faculty members responded that there are C, B and A levels of organ learning. It is also an integral part of the church music in Germany and each service would earn you 40-50 Euros, so anyone interested is greatly welcome.

•Yet another question that followed was whether to opt for a University located in metropolitan or rural Germany. The faculties responded that cities are preferable, however more than the location it is the connections you make with people, the match of your course with your goal is what truly matters. Germany however has a very lesser population. From Frankfurt to down south it is just a 11 hours’ journey, so it is easy to get connected to people and places as well.

•Regarding why one should prefer Germany over the U.S, they confidently answered that Germany provides free education and social health care facilities to all. Unlike the U.S, job opportunities is not a competitive market, and there are brilliant opportunities in bureaucracy, corporate world and many other arenas in Germany for highly educated people.

The Q & A session was followed by a few general questions about Germany and its culture. Before concluding, Mr. Kay reminded once again that it is important to connect to people who share the same vision and goals as you. The Indian Association of students present in many German universities, and common Facebook groups would be a great opportunity to initiate this. And at the end of the day, it is your passion that pays off, said Mr. Kay.

Mr. Chris Immanuel, Global Student Ambassador, thanked everyone who attended the Seminar, on behalf of Madras Christian College and the Seminar was highly beneficial for the participants.

Minutes by: Ms. Zibiah Merin Kuriakose

I M. A English