EDU
edukacja i wyjazdy
FAU – great to study, have fun & experience new things Interview with a fifth year student of Friedrich-Alexander University – Neonila Glukhodid What are the jobs possibilities during studies at FAU and after them? FAU is quite active in fostering student employment. The University runs an employment website that features job offers from the University as well as in the industry in Nuremberg metropolitan region. Students can get advice on creating the best portfolio and finding first job during and after graduation. FAU graduates enjoy wide employment opportunities and benefit from FAU’s excellent reputation for high standards of teaching and research.
Agata Blinkiewicz: What are you studying at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and why did you choose FAU? Neonila Glukhodid: It is my fifth year at FAU. After completing BA, I went on to pursue the MA degree in Political Science. My choice fell on FAU for primarily academic reasons – its Institute for Political Science is recognized as one of the most prominent political science departments with a renowned faculty.
Great science So how would you describe teaching methods and opportunities at FAU? Classes are usually not overfilled. There are many opportunities to contribute to discussions. Research opportunities here are also amazing: undergrads as well as graduate students can participate in cutting-edge research at the Uni and in collaboration with local business giants. Finally, FAU offers opportunities for extracurricular activities such as various soft-skills seminars and advice services to help you prepare for your future career start, various exchange programs with top universities in the world, and a multitude of cultural activities. And what do you think about the professors here? All of them are very knowledgeable in their fields. Student-professor ratio is excellent. I have always experienced FAU professors as forthcoming and ready to help; one just has to ask!
International atmosphere What do you like the most about FAU and Erlangen? I think FAU’s greatest benefit is its location in the heart of the booming economic region of Franconia. The economic power of the region attracts many investments and interesting people from all over the world. The intellectual life at the University, warm atmosphere of the city, abundance of extracurricular activities yield a fantastic place to study, have fun and experience new things. However, what I like the most about FAU is the support offered to international students – there are orientation courses, welcome events, alumni network and international office, all of which considerably ease the start of one’s studies in a foreign country. 62
The best thing about FAU is its support to international students
Can you feel the international atmosphere at FAU easily? Yes! I find the international atmosphere here very accepting and appealing. There are international students in probably almost every program at FAU. In my BA program, for instance, there was usually at least one seminar offered in English attended not only by regular students, but also by exchange students. I found the experience of debating people from culturally and academically diverse backgrounds truly rewarding.
Job opportunities Do you have any contacts with local people? I work at the University and have many friends among students and locals. Since Erlangen houses many international firms such as Siemens, the locals here are used to many new people in the city and are open and welcoming.
Bavarian pearl Can you say something more about life in Erlangen, region and in Germany? Germany is very dynamic, vibrant and diverse. Erlangen is a multicultural pearl within Bavaria. What I love about Erlangen is that it is not a very big city, but it still has a multitude of experiences to offer – sport, culture, food, you name it. There is something for everyone and all of it – within biking distance! What is worth seeing in the neighborhood? As a student, I can also explore the region of Franconia with my semester ticket. For instance, go on beer tour – the region is famous for having the highest brewery density in the world – or explore beautiful Fränkische Schweiz. Major tourist destinations of Nuremberg, Bamberg or Rothenburg ob der Tauber are all close by and are very easy to reach with public transportation.
Student life And what do you do in your free time? What are the possibilities at FAU? FAU itself offers a wide range of activities. The range of sport courses offered by the University is impressive and very affordable. In Erlangen, there are plenty of opportunities to go out – restaurants, cinemas, theaters, various options for a more active pastime. How about the costs of living in Erlangen? It depends on your preferences. I would estimate it starts somewhere around 500 €, depending on how expensive your apartment and living habits are. www.semestr.pl