Students from abroad report
Valentina Bustamante Morales is a student at our partner university Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín, Colombia. She spent three semesters as an exchange student at the Faculty of Design. Here she talks about her experiences and about life in Germany and gives organizational tips for future incoming students.
What insights, courses and experiences did you take away with you at HAWK?
I had very similar courses as in Colombia. However, I learned a lot in graphic design and got more involved with digital programs. I also learned a lot about design in general at HAWK.
Where and how did you live in Hildesheim?
I lived in a shared apartment with three other roommates. All of them were from Germany and so I was able to learn a lot about the culture and the language. My sister had helped me find a flat share at the time.
What was the biggest challenge for you?
The language and making new contacts with the locals. Especially at the university, I had initial difficulties integrating because many of the students had already developed close group friendships.
I learned a lot about the culture and saw how people live in Germany and what their ways are like.
To what extent were you able to gain new experiences and develop further?
I learned a lot about the culture and saw how people live in Germany and what their ways are like. Everything is so different compared to Colombia. People in Germany are very direct and honest with each other. I also learned during that time to be open and direct to fellow students, friends. The winter weather in Germany was an equally new and exciting experience for me. In Colombia, we don't know snow.
What were your highlights?
I think the many travel options in Germany are great! It was so easy to quickly take a bus or train to another city or even another country.
What do you recommend to future incomings?
To get a mini-job in Germany as soon as possible and to have as much contact with the locals as possible to understand the culture and language.
