How were you first connected with TU Berlin?
I was looking for work experience in a field where I could acquire business and marketing-related skills in order to complement my scientific background. At the same time, I wanted to work in a place with an international scope that could potentially bring me in contact with other cultures and collaboration overseas. I approached the team at TU Berlin, and they kindly invited me to build, launch, and expand their Summer, and now also Winter, University projects.
Colleagues from the TU Berlin Summer University (2017)
What does a typical day of work look like for you?
Everyday is different. From designing marketing strategies to scouting for lecturers, venues, and places—we are always on the go. I mostly enjoy crafting our cultural program and looking for new courses with top technologies to offer to our students and cooperation partners.
How do you use your academic background and experience in your current role?
Just like many of our students, I have a STEM education which has helped me understand current trends and forecast new technologies to be soon included in the syllabi of many universities. Complementary, I have lived and studied in nine different countries—experience which has helped me understand the needs of foreign students.
You are passionate about both science and art. How do you use this passion to improve the student experience at TU Berlin?
I am a big fan of offering interdisciplinary courses to our students, as well as including visits to unique exhibitions and venues in our Berlin cultural program.
Why do you think Berlin is a great place for international experience?
Berlin is the culture capital of Europe. From well known opera houses to techno parties and food specialties from around the world, the city has a vibrant pace and richness that can not be found anywhere else.
How do you help students get involved in the local community?
Several of our courses are already part of local initiatives in the fields of urban planning, gardening, immigration, engineering, art, etc. Also, our students get the chance to attend class and share their time and experiences with local TU Berlin undergrad and Masters students.
First TU Berlin Summer University (2016)
What is your best piece of advice for students considering studying abroad?
I would tell them that studying abroad is about the quality, rather than the quantity. Reading and getting informed in advance about the culture and history of the location is very important in order to comprehend and accept different traditions and ways of thinking.
How have your own international experiences impacted your life and your career?
It has helped me broaden my professional network, increase my self-awareness, and it has given me the chance to meet people and make friends from all around the world.
Why do you think TU Berlin is different from other international universities?
TU Berlin is different because of its Summer and Winter university programs that bring together a very strong combination of technology and culture. The international student experience has been well crafted towards the needs of foreign students and is matched with the local offer.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
My nice colleagues, the chance to meet students from all over the world, getting to know recent developments in science and engineering, and getting the chance to see what is new in Berlin.
What are some of the most important skills students take with them after their time at TU Berlin?
Students usually gain several soft skills on top of the academic content. For example, they learn to interact with other cultures, work in a team, improve their communication skills, manage their time better, and find their way around in a new city—just to mention a couple.
How much do German language skills play in to students' experience? Does TU Berlin actively encourage students to learn German and immerse in the culture in other ways?
Although German language skills are a plus when it comes to navigating in the city and attending to events, our program runs completely in English. This means that our students can focus on their subjects of interest while learning German slowly. We also offer German introductory courses that could be combined with other courses for students who have a stronger interest in learning the local language. Lastly, plenty of the events offered in Berlin are in English due to the extensive expat community.
