Motivation
There were two motivations for me to participate in this IGET experience. Firstly, I wanted to understand the how European Union works, and investigate the history, future and challenges the European Union is currently facing, and would like to delve into its political and social dynamics. Secondly, I wanted to explore the cultural richness of Europe by visiting Munich and Vienna, two beautiful cities known for their history, art, and vibrant atmospheres.
Personal Development
I learned the following skills and capabilities:
1. The ability to navigate unfamiliar situations independently and make informed decisions
2. Improved capacity to think on my feet and respond efficiently to unexpected challenges.
3. Enhanced interpersonal and communication abilities, fostering better connections with others.
4. The practice of preparing for challenges by reading required materials beforehand, contributing to better problem-solving.
Academic Development
This experience significantly enhanced my interpersonal skills as I engaged with a diverse academic community. During my experience, I learned effective ways to communicate with people in Germany. One key aspect was recognizing the importance of formalities, especially in professional or academic settings. Germans often appreciate clear and direct communication, so I tried to convey and communicate my ideas succinctly while ensuring clarity.
Funding
For budgeting during my experience, I implemented a maximum spending limit, and divided them into daily spending limit.
A breakdown of my expenses includes accommodation, transportation, and food as the primary categories, as shown below:
The accommodation accounted for 800 Euros, while monthly transportation costs in Germany were 49 Euros per month (Deutschland Ticket). The meal in the cafeteria costs about 5 Euros. To manage unforeseen expenses, I prepared approximately 250 Euros in cash since some places in Germany only accepted cash.
In terms of overall spending, I adhered to my set limit and found it to be a reasonable approach. My advice to future students would be to plan for potential overspending by setting a realistic budget and having some cash on hand, especially in places that may not accept cards. It's crucial to strike a balance between frugality and enjoying the experience.
Advice/Top Tips
1. Learn to be adaptive and open to cultural diversity.
2.Build connections and make new friends.
3. Plan your finance effectively
4.Stay safe, and follow local guideline, seek support when needed.
