Master stories
Master, 24 months - starting WS 2014-2015 at the University of Hohenheim
After applying for a Master study program Environmental Protection and Agricultural Food Production I was accepted for it and started my studies in the winter semester 2014/2015. The title of the program fully corresponds with its contents: the list of compulsory and semi-elective modules includes subjects from "environmental" field (e.g. Ecotoxicology, Spatial Data Analysis with GIS), as well as from food production field (e.g. Food Technology, Food Safety and Quality Chains).
I was satisfied with the provided variety of modules. As elective modules students are free to choose any of all study programs. Here I took an advantage of knowing the German language and have participated in two modules held in German, as both of them have no analogous modules in English.
During staying at Hohenheim I participated in a number of excursions: "Agricultural Organizations: From Global to Local" in Bonn/Rhineland, to a waste incineration plant, small-scale hydropower station, which might be relevant for my future career. During three whole semesters I completed 18 courses with total 90 ECTS, one additional course at the University of Stuttgart, 5 German courses and one French course. In the fourth semester I proceeded to write a master thesis "Urban Sector Analysis in Frankfurt/Main, Germany", and submitted it in October 2016.
Though studying methods at Hohenheim differ from those at MSU it was not very difficult to get used to a new system, because of the favorable environment (libraries, rooms for studying and group works and support of fellow students). Writing a seminar paper, preparing seminar talks and learning for exams without having a list of questions - those were the major challenges.
One of the most valuable acquisitions of my stay abroad is an acquaintance with Germans and their lifestyle. Germans are really accurate and strict. Their life is scheduled one year in advance, making an appointment is crucial in all cases. At the same time they know how to relax and spend free time and money. There are a number of big and local festivals, street markets and parades taking place all year round. Staying fit is another feature forcing people doing sports. From German's lifestyle I learned and liked hiking, cycling and jogging.
To conclude, my stay at Hohenheim during 24 months incredibly contributed to my personal and academic development. If I had a chance to apply for IAMONET again, I would immediately do this.
Remark: this story was posted to show how immense the improvemt of Russian language competense was during Ms Tessaro's stay and studies in Russia. The translation is provided by the University of Hohenheim.
Master, 6 months - WS 2015-2016 at Samara State Agricultural Academy
Время летит, и вдруг я закончила мою стажировку в России, в великолепном и известном поселке Усть-Кинельский.
Что сказать, с меланхолией оставлю эти места, этот снег (пока мне очень трудно поверить своим глазам, что у вас так много снега!), моих друзей, и даже вахтершу третьего общежития.
Освоиться здесь было не так легко. Наоборот, можно сказать что это было первым для меня настоящим вызовом. Я не первый раз живу далеко от дома, за границей, но Россия - это не Европа, и разница между ними очень сильно ощущается. А потом, когда начинаешь понимать то, что происходит вокруг тебя, становишься более раскрепощенной, удивляешься этому миру, и в то же время безвозвратно влюбляешься в него и в окружающих тебя людей.
Много всего я нашла интересного. Во первых (я уже знала, и просто уточнила), у вас такой язык, из-за которого даже самый умный человек можеть сойти с ума.
Тому, что у вас часы могут идти, когда лежат, и стоять, когда висят. У вас, возможно что когда сажусь в автобус-стою, и конечно у вас есть самый ясный и полный ответ, после которого бессомнения всегда точно знаю чего вы хотите: «да нет наверное».
Еще у меня была возможность попробовать русскую еду. В принципе, все понравилось...Но меня немного смутило то, что существует суп с квасом, и я пока удивлена тем, что почти в каждой еде найдешь майонез. И огурцы, просто так, на всякий случай.
Очень часто за рубежом говорят про русскую гостеприймность и дружелюбность, которые со стороны европейского человека - замечательные и необыкновенные качества. И так, помню такого водителя, с которым встретились в автобусе из Самары, еще в начале моего обмена. Уже смеркалось, и я спокойно ехала домой, читая новости в фейсбуке. Читая, я доехала до Кинеля, до самой последней остановки. Уже поздно было, автобусы уже перестали ходить, и я не знала как добраться домой. Я решила обратиться к водителю, и после того, как он понял что я иностранка, он решил мне помочь и провезти на автобусе к моей подруге, которая живет в Кинеле. Для начала ему нужно было ехать по делам, поэтому мы поехали снять деньги в банкомате, зашли в магазин, поехали на заправку. Около часа ехали, и в течение этого времени болтали, говорили про Италию, про Россию, про семьи, про жизнь, про свои мечты,и много о чем еще. Доехав, мы попрощались как лучшие друзья.
После этого я больше не читала сообщения в автобусе.
Самым страшным и в то же время волнуюшим событием было участие на концерте «Студосень», петь перед большой публикой. В начале я совсем не хотела выступать, но должна сказать, что никогда в жизни не чувствовала такую бурю эмоций и такой адреналин. Замечательно. Поэтому спасибо что заставили меня, СГСХА.
Про русскую зиму много смогла бы сказать...мороз вообще ужасен, но вид после снегопада прекрасен. Дух захватывает от всего блестящего белого, которое обнимает каждую дорогу, каждую крышу, каждое дерево.
И конечно экспериментировала с разными зимними видами спорта и развлечениями: кататься на коньках, и падать, кататься на санках, и падать, просто ходить по улице и падать.
Даже для того чтобы каждый человек мог нормально ходить, даже бабушки, они должны быть акробатами, сейчас действительно понимаю почему русский цирк - самый потрясающий и знаменитый на свете.
В конце хочу поблагодарить от души всех людей, которые мне помогали и поддерживали меня.
Спасибо всем моим друзьям, без которых мои месяцы здесь были бы бессмысленными.
Спасибо всем преподавателям и международному офису, за то, что помогали мне шаг за шагом.
Надеюсь вернуться еще в гости, до этого – берегите себя. Вы супер.
Ciao!
Time flies and suddenly I finished my internship in Russia in the magnificent and famous village Ust-Kinelsky.
What can I say, with a sad heart I will leave these places, this snow (till now it is very difficult to believe my own eyes that you have so much snow!), my friends and even the care-taker of the third dormitory.
It was not so easy to get used to being here. On the contrary, it can be said that this was the first real challenge for me. It's not the first time I've lived far away from home, abroad, but Russia is not Europe, and the difference between the two stood out a lot for me. But then, after you begin to understand what is happening around you, you become more relaxed. You are surprised about the way this world is, but at the same time you irretrievably fall in love with it and with the people around you.
A lot of things I found interesting. At first (I have already known it, and just clarified), you have such a language that can drive even the most intelligent person insane.
The fact that a watch can "go" when it is lying down and "stand" when it is hanging on the wall (Note: untranslatable wordplay). It is possible that when I "sit in a bus" - I actually stand there (Note: untranslatable wordplay). And of course you have the clearest and most complete answer and after hearing it I always know exactly without a doubt what you want: "yes no probably." (Note: this means "no" in Russian).
I also had the opportunity to try Russian food. In principle, I liked everything ... but I was a little embarrassed by the fact that there is soup with kvass (rye beer) and I'm still surprised that you can find mayonnaise in almost every meal. And cucumbers, just like that, just in case.
Very often abroad they talk about Russian hospitality and friendliness which are remarkable and extraordinary qualities for a European person. So I remember a driver whom I met on a bus from Samara at the beginning of my exchange. It was already getting dark and I calmly went home reading news in facebook. While reading I reached Kinel, the very last stop. It was already late, no busses available and I did not know how to get home. I decided to turn to the driver and after he realized that I was a foreigner he decided to help me and take me to my friend who lives in Kinel. First he had some things to get done, so we went to withdraw money from an ATM, went to a store, and to a gas station. We drove for about an hour and chatted during this time, talked about Italy, Russia, families, life, our dreams and a lot of other things. After we arrived to our destination, we said each other goodbye as best friends.
After that I no longer read messages on a bus.
The most frightening and at the same time exciting event was participating in the concert "Student autumn" and singing to the big public. At the beginning I didn't want to speak at all but I must say that I have never felt such a storm of different feelings and such adrenaline in my life. It was great. So thank you for forcing me to do this, SSAA.
A lot could be said about the Russian winter... the frost in general is terrible, but the view after a snowfall is beautiful. All the sparkling white which embraces every road, roof and tree takes your breath away.
And of course I experimented with different winter sports and entertainments: skate and fall down, sled, and fall down, just walk down a street and fall down.
Every person, even old ladies, should be an acrobat in order to even walk normally, now I really understand why the Russian circus is the most stunning and famous in the world.
At the end I want to thank from the bottom of my heart all people who helped me and supported me.
Thanks to all my friends, without which my months here would have been meaningless.
Thanks to all the teachers and the international office for helping me step by step.
I hope to return on a visit, but before that - take care. You are great.
Ciao!
Master, 24 months - starting WS 2014-2015 at Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
After being awarded with Erasmus Mundus scholarship for Master students I have started my studies in Autumn semester 2014/2015 in Czech University of Life Sciences on Faculty of Economics and Management under supervision of Jaromir Nemec who is a head of The International Relations Office in the university and who took care of all Erasmus Mundus students and helped me with all queries during whole Master Program.
I am very glad that I had such a great opportunity to be a part of Erasmus Mundus Program; it gave me a chance to study abroad where the approach to teaching is completely different, not to mention it was an incredible experience to study with people from all over the world, for example, Spain, USA and Nepal.
Studying in CZU was very engrossing, every semester we had group projects for all subjects and defended it to get credits. For example, it was a quite interesting project for Strategic Management where we explored brewing industry in the Czech Republic and did the research by survey with questionnaires. Also there was such a new thing for me as Study Block; Lecturer from another country arrives to teach a group of students for a certain subject during whole week whereas other lessons are cancelled. The most exciting for me was Economic Policy study block which was provided by Bill O`Brien from US where we learned how to achieve macro and microeconomic goals by Monetary policy model and economic model, we used special tools to see what will happen if, for example, government decides to increase indirect taxes. Besides of all in the first semester there was a team-building in Kostelec organized by our university for every group, we lived together in a castle whole week and had lessons as well as excursions around the city. At the end of the program I successfully passed state exams and defended my Diploma Thesis "Economic analysis of Apple Inc." where I did a technical and fundamental analysis of the company.
Student's life during this program was incredible. There were held different conferences where you can easily take part, special Czech language lessons for Erasmus students and moreover there was university club "Buddy Go" which arranges various events for students such as *Evening of Portuguese culture* or trips to sights around the Czech Republic. During vacations I with lots of other Erasmus students went to different Czech amazing places, one of them was Adršpach-Teplice Rocks, terrific nature with breath-taking views. Czech Republic is a country with its unique traditions and cuisine which I really did like and thanks to Erasmus Mundus Program I was lucky to discover not only one country but people and cultures of at least 20 countries from various continents. I am very grateful to Ing. Petr Procházka, MSc, Ph.D. who was my supervisor for Diploma Thesis for his professional guidance and recommendations, also all professors from Czech University of Life Science who taught me and did significant contribution to the improvement of my knowledge and whole IAMONET Project for my personal development. I am very happy that I was granted to be a part of Erasmus Mundus Program and very appreciate this opportunity. It was the most exciting time in my life! Thank you IAMONET!
Master, 6 months - WS 2014-2015 at Buryat State Academy of Agriculture
After I received the selection results I was really happy. I decided just to accept it and to start my mobility in October 2014. I thought about which type of transport I want to take. Later I found out that I can make a train journey from Moscow to my destination Ulan-Ude, Buryatia. I was going there by the typical Russian train on the famous Trans Siberian Railway. In the train I also had already some chance to practice my Russian. In 2009 I visited some Russian language course and in 2014 I did an intensive course for two weeks which helped me a lot to start a conversation. When I arrived at Buryatia, my roommate and one person from the International Office of the Buryat State Academy of Agriculture had already awaited me at the train station.
My dormitory was nearby the academy and was quite cheap. I had a double room together with one roommate. It costs about 30 € per month including the Internet and other facilities. Washing facilities were used by all people on the floor.
Besides my academic life I had time to do some sports at the academy and privately. I was sometimes playing volleyball with other exchange students and I went climbing. I also had a chance to go for two mountain trips with local mountaineers.
At the university I studied Russian and visited some lectures and seminars of my specialization. As I study Organic Agricultural Systems at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna I visited courses on this specification. Besides general courses on Organic Agriculture I also passed a course on "Ecology and Biology of Weeds" and "Animal Production in Organic Agriculture". For those courses I had to do some presentations about the topic which was agreed on with the lecturers.
Furthermore there was a chance to take part in a conference where different stakeholders in Siberian agriculture did presentations about the current situation in agriculture in Russia. This conference also included the possibility of visiting different livestock farms in Buryatia which gave some insight into the problems and possibilities of development of agriculture in this region.
The staff from the International Office also organized some events and excursions for me and other foreign students from China or Mongolia. Also a private farm visit was organized.
It was a good decision to take this chance to see another reality and a different life in another part of the world. Besides cultural exchange and improvement of my Russian language skills I also gained a lot of other soft and hard skills. I met a lot of good people and I was lucky not to have big problems. Also the managing processes at the host university were organized in a great way. Everybody helped me if some difficulties appeared. Thus I want to say also a big "Thank you" to the staff from the International Office of Buryat State Academy of Agriculture. I will always remember these 6 months in Russia.
I made a lot of friends from different cultural background. I also had a chance to travel around in Mongolia and Buryatia. All in all I can just recommend everybody to go for an exchange semester to Buryatia. But just don't expect the same life as in central Europe. Life is different in other parts of the world, if you are aware of this, go for it.
Master, 6 months - WS 2014-2015 at North-Eastern Federal University
During my exchange I have attended in 5 courses, which contained information from many fields such as logistics, management and regional development. The most interesting for me, due to my profession, was Regional Logistic. I got a lot of valuable information which I could use in my Master thesis. Most of courses were interesting and gave me a lot of practical knowledge and skills.
Exams at the university required hard work from me, and not just at the university directly but also beyond. I passed all exams and scores were excellent. During 6 months of my stay I also have attended Russian Language courses. After half a year of learning a completely new language, I passed the final exam on the level B1 achieving mark "B".
I noticed just a few differences between my home university (Warsaw University of Life Sciences) and host university (North-Eastern Federal University in Yakutsk). Firstly, NEFU's professors have more experience in real business; their examples contain real problems which have to be solved by managers in companies nowadays. Also at the host university I studied more after courses, because without working at home I couldn't get good marks.
Exchange in Yakutsk gave me an opportunity to increase my knowledge in many fields of studies and life. Living in the city, where average winter temperature approximates minus 40 degrees C, taught me a lot of practical skills. For example, first time in my life (I hope not last) I had a chance to fish on a frozen river while the outside temperature was minus 43 degrees C. That experience will stay in my mind forever, it was something amazing.
I also learnt knitting; it is really useful in places, where winter lasts more than half year. By one week I had an opportunity to teach English in one of the school around Yakutsk. During my stay I have experienced Yakutian culture, manners and food. All of these things have opened my mind and I have changed my opinion about Siberia.
If I will ever get an opportunity to participate in IAMONET-RU once again, I will do it. I think nothing could give me so many experiences as studying abroad, especially in such a beautiful place like Yakutsk. My exchange semester also changed my friends' and family's opinion about Siberia, because I wrote a blog about my life in Yakutsk where I posted information about the everyday life. Nobody assumed that life in Yakutsk could be that adventurous and developmental.
Master, 8 months - WS 2015-2016 at Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW
The application process had finally ended and after a few months I received a letter of selection. Later, full of happiness, I landed at the National Airport of Frederic Chopin, met with my so-called buddy (a person who follows you and tries to simplify student life) and soon officially became an exchange student at Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW.
Through exceptional, kind attitude and careful assistance of the university staff I overcame all bureaucratic obstacles. Special thanks to Ewelina Belkiewicz - coordinator from the host university - there is nothing impossible for her.
My learning agreement included such subjects as Public Speaking, Academic report and writing, Small and medium sized enterprises, Economic policy of the EU, International management, Military tourism and Industrial and technical objects. Apart from the subjects listed above, I decided to attend a few more courses, fortunately such opportunity exists at the university and the entire student community is free to choose some additional subjects like French language, Polish language and Social policy of the EU.
High level of education coupled with professional competence surprised me. Interesting materials, international atmosphere and discussions - they will undoubtedly remain in my memory for a long time. Daily student life, two, three and sometimes four lessons per day almost every day unavoidably increased my English language level and developed my professional skills.
Fully equipped university facilities including student dormitory on the campus territory, modern sports center with training hall and tennis courts, broad territory covered in green and plants, marvelous opportunity to spend free time outside with friends making barbeque together won't let you be bored and be lost in the capital of Poland. At the same time, you will face wonderful attitude of the Polish nation towards foreigners.
Despite the fact that my study obligations included 9 subjects, I easily found free time for other activities. I have an opportunity, provided by this report, to sincerely thank the organization called "ESN". A major part of cultural events is created with their close participation and assistance.
In terms of my type of mobility I was supposed to spend 2 months doing an internship in a company based in Poland. Since my specialization is connected to foreign economic relations I found it relevant to have work experience in an international company. "Ice Day Cream" kindly agreed to hire me for two months internship for the position of summer intern for interaction with foreign clients.
This company is well-known in Poland and across the Europe and has structural units in such countries as Belarus, Ukraine, Italy and France. IDC produces and distributes ice cream mixes since 1988 which makes it one of the oldest companies in the region. I am very grateful to have obtained work experience abroad and have no doubts that it will contribute to my career in Russia.
Amazing things happening to you have a tendency to end and unfortunately my international exchange student mobility was also coming to its coherent final. I haven't ever regretted that I'd choose this path to follow. This opportunity - to be, live and study in Poland - certainly has become one of the brightest moments of my life.
I was grateful to present my country abroad. I hope I succeeded in my intentions and the international educational community, represented here by the Warsaw University of Life Sciences and the University of Hohenheim, isn't disappointed in the choice it once did.
I would like to conclude my report as follows: don't be frightened, don't doubt. Contrariwise - be brave, be motivated. Go ahead!
Master, 6 months - SS 2016 at Novosibirsk State Agrarian University
During my exchange semester at the University of Novosibirsk I attended the following courses: Foreign Language, Environmental Geochemistry of Landscape, Biological Plant Protection, Landscape Science, Geography of Soils, Landscape Planning, Environmental Protection and Resource Management as well as Culturology. I missed the first one and a half months lecture in Novosibirsk based on the examination dates in Germany. Therefore, I wrote and passed the following exams: Foreign Language, Environmental Geochemistry of Landscape, Biological Plant Protection and Landscape Science. Further academic achievements are several assignments and a three-month internship at the Institute of Plant Breeding of the State of Novosibirsk. I completed my internship with a scientific report. Forthermore, I took part in a conference for young scientists in Barnaul with a presentation and an article published in their proceedings.
I actively participated in the academic life and gained interesting and essential experience during my stay. The universities are structured in a classes in contrast to the course system of German universities. A student identifies himself stronger with the group and experiences a better sense of team spirit and mutual support. The relationship between teachers and students is closer than in Germany. This motivates students to ask questions more often and increases participation in lectures. Lessons are read without any visual support like e.g. presentations. Thereby, students have to continiously think along and take notes. However, visual presentations can possitivly contribute to the learning effect.
During my studies I have found very few online learning materials for home studies. Also, the bureaucracy at the university still requires a lot of paper work, therefore it is time consuming and complicated. Practical hands-on courses and excursions are offered by the teachers during the vacations. This is great to give theoretical knowledge a practical background.
The direct and open contact to the teacher, the team spirit in the classroom and the helpful classmates made a very positive impression on me. If I had any problems in understanding of the teaching content or certain procedures, I could always consult my classmates or even the teacher. The contact between the colleagues and supervisors at the Institute of Plant Breeding was also very helpful and cooperative. I gained valuable insights into working methods at a Russian institute through this internship.