Mobility during normal and pandemic circumstances
A third-year student of German language and literature of the Philology faculty of the UoM, Sanja Dubljevic shared her exchange programme experience at the Saarland University (Universität des Saarlandes).
The student says that the mobility brought her easier and safer continuing education at home faculty, richer CV, unforgettable experiences and many certificates of language proficiency.
“What motivated me to participate in the programme was, first of all, a great desire to improve my knowledge of German language, to get familiar with the culture and lifestyle of Germany, as well as to gain new experiences and friends,” the student said.
Erasmus alumni say that with the start of the exchange programme she gained an opportunity to study and attend language courses.
When it comes to the University Saarland campus, Sanja says that exterior and capacities of the campus attract special attention and describes it as an isolated town where everything students need is on the reach. “I remember my first impression… It was October of 2019, and Saarbrücken, as well as the whole University campus, was covered in leaves. The charm of the colourfulness, that gave a special delight to my happiness, made my overall impression of that period unforgettable,” she described.
The beginning was hard for her, especially when she saw a practically empty apartment upon entering dormitory. But all difficulties including registration in the municipality and opening a bank account were just little things comparing to the joyful side of the stay that awaited her.
She says that she was lucky to stay in the best dormitory in Saarbrücken: “The advantage of Woldhuis dormitory is a relatively small distance from the faculty and the city centre. It is surrounded by forest, with sports grounds in front of the campus.”
When it comes to cultural characteristics of Germans, she got adjusted to the new surroundings pretty fast. “I liked their organisation, punctuality and preparedness to always be of help to international students,” she said.
The University of Saarland, as she explains, has a rich choice of subjects throughout the semester, even from the higher levels of studies. “As far my personal experience is concerned, one subject I studied was from Master’s studies, while the other one was the course of conversation for PhD students,” she explained.
As an example of good practice, Sanja highlights constant communication in a foreign language, access to the rich library and materials for studying and writing seminar papers. She also added that dedication of professors and lectors of the German language and literature programme of the UoM helped and eased her studying in a foreign language.
Alumni says that upon the winter semester, she gained the approval to spend summer semester at the same University, however, considering the pandemic situation, restriction of flights, closing of the EU borders, that semester started with online classes. “I simultaneously attended online classes of the University of Montenegro and University of Saarland, which wasn’t easy but the optimistic thought that in a few months I will be able to go to Saarbrücken and take exams at the Saarland University was stronger,” she said. At the end of July, she managed to say goodbye to her international friends, who contributed to her exchange programme experience.
The student emphasizes that it is very important to have a certain hobby, relaxation, or physical activity besides education responsibilities. The University of Saarland with ZIS and ISA programme (International Student Center) organizes events, such as international students’ acquaintance party, picnics, excursions to some parts of Saarland region, dance courses, ice skating, and swimming. Also, she adds that they organized welcome parties at the beginning of the semester.
Sanja says that she had time to travel due to well organization. She visited Rainbow Festival Nancy INTERNATIONAL DANCE in France, Metz, Strasburg, Luxemburg, Belgium, as well as the great tourist attraction of Saarland region - Baumwipfelpfad Saarschleife. Moreover, she visited many places during the summer when it was the best time for tourist travelling.
She sincerely recommends to all students to apply for ERASMUS+ Programme and experience unforgettable life adventure: “Be ready, I’m sure that someone of you, just like myself, will want to stay longer than planned. Nothing is impossible, and persistence always wins.”