Erfahrungsberichte Austauschstudierende

„Mein Studienaufenthalt an der Universität Hildesheim stellte für mich eine außerordentlich bereichernde akademische und interkulturelle Erfahrung dar, die es mir ermöglichte, meine Deutschkenntnisse weiter zu vertiefen, neue wissenschaftliche Perspektiven zu entdecken und zugleich wertvolle internationale Begegnungen zu erleben.“

„My semester at the University of Hildesheim has been nothing short of transformative. When I first arrived, the International Office's support was immediate and pragmatic. They helped me arrange my accommodation before I even left home, and upon arriving, the guidance was seamless. The welcome activities were not just standard university information sessions; they were a true discovery of Hildesheim itself. The highlight was being paired with a student "buddy," an alumnus who gave me a personal tour of the city and the university. He even created a WhatsApp group for us, which instantly built a community where we could share experiences and support one another. This initiative, and the fact that the university offers this guidance, even from the arrival (airport, train station, etc.) free of charge, is something unique and incredibly valuable. The lecturers also play a strategic and proactive role in the university’s welcoming culture. Even before the semester officially began, I was offered engaging and dynamic introductory lectures free of charge, covering academic and professional life in Germany in general and in Hildesheim in particular. These sessions provided practical guidance on note-taking, revision strategies, and how to navigate academic and professional challenges as a student. I also had the opportunity to attend a highly practical lecture on business models and business plans, along with other excellent introductory sessions that helped me feel academically prepared from day one. This feeling of being supported never faded. The International Office's open-door policy and the weekly Friday consultation sessions are a testament to their commitment to student well-being. They are always available to address any problem, academic or personal. I particularly appreciated the event organized with the university police, which gave us clear, practical information about student safety in Hildesheim. It’s this proactive, caring approach that makes you feel like you are never alone here. My academic life has been equally enriching. I was overjoyed to have the opportunity to attend and receive support for two major conferences: the GAL-Jahrestagung 2025 conference right here at the university, and the Lexikonf 2025 conference abroad at the University of Budapest, in Hungary (the report of which has been submitted). I really enjoyed the GAL-Jahrestagung 2025 Conference and I learned a lot and even shared my experiences on my social networks. I will be happy to submit my contribution for the upcoming GAL-Jahrestagung 2026 Conference. This kind of encouragement for students to engage with the wider academic world is exceptional. The quality of teaching and the open-mindedness of the professors, especially in my home faculty, the Institute of Information Science and Language Technology, has been outstanding. This spirit of collaboration extends across the university; I have also received wonderful support from the faculties of Translation and Information Management, and Intercultural Communication, where staff members are always welcoming and ready to help with even small things like printing or photocopying. I also appreciated the many celebrations organised for Erasmus students, especially the Christmas events hosted by the International Office. Through these, I learned more about German Christmas traditions and their cultural significance. More than just an academic institution, the University of Hildesheim acts as a true mediator, fostering intercultural connections and building a strong network among students. Its mission is clearly defined and lived out daily. The staff and even fellow students are always pragmatic: if I had a worry about the Wi-Fi, a place, the Learnweb platform, or my semester ticket, someone was always ready to take action and help, not just offer words. This proactive, solution-oriented environment is a clear reflection of the university's deep-seated intercultural values. The staff at the University of Hildesheim are exceptionally kind, flexible, and understanding. Even without an appointment, they are quick to respond to urgent matters and are always ready to help, often anticipating needs before you even ask. They provide guidance on all aspects of student life, including enrollment, deregistration, and other administrative procedures. The technical support team is equally helpful, ensuring that any issues are resolved efficiently and smoothly. In short, my time here has been an unforgettable experience defined by support at every level. I still have a lot to say after this first semester (Winter Semester). I imagine if I were given the opportunity to pursue my PhD at the University of Hildesheim or to at least pursue the second semester here. The environment is truly appropriate for studies. Thank you again for this opportunity to share my story.“