So German!
May 11, 2018 - Denis Oldenburger for SoGerman
A physical example of German-Canadian relations being built: the cooperation agreement between the Departments of Architecture of the German University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen (HAWK) and Vancouver’s British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) enters its fifth year. Within this framework, students from both universities can spend one or two semesters in Germany or Canada, as well as take part in binational competitions and seminars. In the following days, three HAWK students will tell us about their experiences on the far side of the big pond and show us their pictures over at our Instagram page, @germanyincanada.
Did the possibility to study abroad in Canada influence your choice of university?
Yes it did. But I’ll continue my studies at my home university in Hildesheim for personal reasons.
How did you like your time abroad?
My time abroad and studying in another language in general was great. It was an amazing experience to be able to get to know Canadian West Coast culture. Everyone who has been to Vancouver and its surroundings knows what I mean. It was also the right decision to stay abroad for two semesters because you need a bit of time to really settle down in a foreign country.
What did you like best about this exchange program?
I think it was the opportunity to study in a city as cultured and diverse as Vancouver. Japanese, Chinese, Italian, African, Mexican… If you like eating, you’ll probably eat out all the time. Don’t ask me how much I cooked while I was there, although I generally enjoy cooking. In terms of my study program I liked the Canadian way of thinking about and approaching architectural problems. In Canada, they analyze, question and design architecture.
Did you have any difficulties (with a new country, a new university…)?
At first I had difficulties with the language, but that went away after the first four weeks or so. Another difference between my university and BCIT is that the students work with different software programs. This was where I really fell short at first. I was mostly able to overcome this difficulty at the expense of a few sleepless nights, but I’m still working on it.
Would you recommend studying abroad within the framework of a cooperation agreement between universities, and if so, why?
Yes I would. Those agreements contain a framework that facilitates a lot of things – you might not have to pay tuition fees, or you receive a room in a dormitory. However I’d also recommend studying abroad without such an agreement. It might be more of an effort to organize everything, but this could also be the starting point for a new cooperation between your home and your host university.
In your opinion, what is the most important benefit in studying abroad?
For me the most valuable thing was to live in a foreign country and study in a foreign language. There were moments when I was left to my own devices, but those were also a chance to reflect on my experiences as a university student so far.
Did your year abroad have any influence on your motivation or your work habits?
No, my motivation or work habits haven’t changed much. However my stay abroad has strengthened my resolve to finish my architecture studies.
Did you have any difficulties adjusting to another academic system (a different curriculum, different requirements etc.)?
Adjusting to the way things are done in Canadian universities was not that difficult. Studying in Canada is pretty similar to studying in Germany, with the exception that Canada has compulsory attendance. Compulsory was a bit of an obstacle in the beginning because I felt like I was back in high school.
Do you have any advice for people who are trying to decide on a study program?
If you’re not sure yet what it is exactly that you want to do in life, it’s not such a big deal. Before I started studying architecture in Hildesheim, I studied business information systems in Göttingen for two semesters, which was rather boring.
How I ended up studying architecture then? My brother had graduated from civil engineering one year earlier, and he told me that architecture was a mix between structural engineering and design, which sounded interesting to me. Even if you don’t have any experience with drawing, or think you’re bad at it – everyone can learn it, and every drawing is a good drawing.
What advice can you give to people who want to study at a foreign university?
Research, research, and more research. And apart from that it’s important to ask lots of questions. Universities have very approachable and competent staff for people who are interested in studying there and are able to help and answer questions any time. In case you don’t want to contact the staff, you can also ask students directly, either through the huge number of social clubs or through the students’ council.
Does your stay abroad increase your employability?
I guess that my stay abroad will have positive effects on my future as a prospective employee. However with regards to the state the employment market for architects in Germany is in right now, it’s very likely that I’ll work abroad. But right now I’m still a happy student enjoying my remaining time at university, and I don’t want to think about work just yet.
