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Studying abroad for a semester - why not? Many exciting encounters and challenges await you. Tim Claußen reports on his stay abroad in the 2019/20 winter semester at the Chinese-German University College (CDHK) at Tongji University in Shanghai. He is currently about to complete his Master's degree in industrial engineering.
Why did you decide to spend a semester abroad?
After completing my Bachelor's degree, it was important for me to take advantage of this valuable opportunity and live abroad for a longer period of time as part of my studies. In line with the motto "If I'm going to go, I'm going to go", I wanted to go somewhere as far away from our latitudes as possible so that I could gain lots of new impressions. After the first individual consultation appointments with the Clausthal International Center (IZC), I decided on Tongji University in Shanghai. There are also many scholarship opportunities from both the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Chinese side.
How was your first time in China?
I already met two of my future fellow students on the 15-hour flight there. I got my first taste of the months ahead of me shortly after arriving: we took the fast maglev train from the airport towards the city center at over 400 km/h. The first week was dominated by formal events such as the welcome ceremony and campus tours. The first week was mainly taken up with formal events such as matriculation, welcome ceremonies and campus tours. I was particularly impressed by the size of the campus and the many different sports facilities on site. In the evenings, we used our time extensively to explore Shanghai and get our first taste of Chinese food culture. I had no choice but to bring my chopstick skills up to the level of a local in no time at all, as food is usually shared in Chinese restaurants. If you're not dexterous, you can go home hungry.
How did the semester go?
Looking back, the semester flew by. I attended both technical and business courses at the university, which were held either in English or even in German. Overall, the workload in many courses is already higher during the semester. I had to write several assignments and give presentations. The practical projects in cooperation with companies such as Bosch or Jungheinrich were particularly exciting. Every student also had to take part in a language and culture course. Even though these could not be credited in Germany, they were one of my highlights. I was able to learn so many new things about China's culture and people and gradually gain a better understanding of life around me. The CDHK also organized many exciting excursions, such as to the Huawei Group's research center.
How did you use your free time?
Of course, we also used our days and weekends off to see as much of this country as possible. I visited China's capital Beijing, coincidentally just as "70 years of the People's Republic" was being celebrated with a huge parade. I spent a few days hiking in Zhangjiajie National Park, was impressed by the world-famous Terracotta Army near Xian and watched baby pandas playing in Chengdu.
What do you particularly remember?
An exciting question. The first thing I often think of is digitalization there. In a city like Shanghai, nobody uses cash anymore. All payments are made by cell phone, even street vendors with their bicycle woks are paid by QR code. The same app is used to call cabs, rent e-bikes or make an appointment with the janitor. I found it impressive that young and old use this app as a matter of course.
What do you miss?
In addition to the many adventures, it was above all the people with whom I was able to spend my time in China. It didn't take long for us to form a super close-knit group that was welded together by many funny, emotional and enriching moments. For example, we spent Christmas Eve together with German traditions such as mulled wine and Secret Santa. How special these friendships are can still be seen over a year later. I am still in contact with many of my fellow students.
Last but not least: Do you have any tips for students who also want to spend a semester in China?
If you are generally interested in a semester abroad, you should contact the International Center (IZC) about a year before your intended stay. The advice there is very individual and reliable, so that your stay will definitely meet your expectations. For all those who actually decide to go to China, I recommend taking a first language course in advance. That way, you're not starting from scratch and can actually make rapid progress. I didn't do this back then and I'm still annoyed about it today, as I was so fascinated by the language on site that I'm still learning it today. Otherwise, my tip is to take everything in your stride and be open to people.
Are you now interested in a semester abroad? Then register for a consultation at the IZC. You can find more information here: www.izc.tu-clausthal.de/wege-ins-ausland/
For feedback or topic suggestions, you can send an email to blog@tu-clausthal.de at any time.
