Exchange semester at HAWK – Interview

Valentina Bustamante Morales, student of our partner university Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín, Colombia spent three semesters as an exchange student at the Faculty of Design. In this interview, she talks about her experiences as an exchange student at HAWK and about the diverse lifestyle in Germany. She gives organizational tips for future incomings who are interested in a semester abroad in Germany.

I had very similar courses as in Colombia. However, I learned a lot in the area of graphic design and got more involved with digital applications. Futhermore I also learned a lot about design in general at HAWK Hildesheim.

I lived in a shared apartment with three other roommates. All of them were from Germany and therefore I was able to learn a lot about the culture and the language. My sister helped me to find the right flat.

The language was a big challenge for me, but also making new contacts with the locals. Especially at the HAWK it was not easy to integrate, because many of the students had developed close learning groups of friends.

I was able to gain so many new experiences in the culture, how the people in Germany live and what people they are. Everything is so different compared to Colombia. People in Germany are very direct and honest with each other. During this time I learned to be open and direct with my fellow students or friends. The winter weather in Germany was also a new and exciting experience for me. In Colombia we don't have snow or anything like that, and this experience was a lot of fun.

The many travel options in Germany were a big highlight for me! It was so easy to travel quickly by bus or train to another city or even another country.

I recommend every incoming to find a mini-job in Germany and make a lot of contact with the locals to understand the culture and language.