08.04.2005
Selen from Turkey reports on studying in Baden-Württemberg: Degrees for the future!

Studying for my Master’s here brought me many advantages. Due to the schedule of my degree I learned about both technical energy concepts and management and, moreover, I had a large variety of elective courses hosted by well-known people from industry. In Turkey, we have a good technical and theoretical education but I think the strong point of the German education system is the co-operation between universities, institutions and especially companies. Of course, Baden-Württemberg was ideal for me as there is so much industry here in the area. The scientific project in the second semester and Master thesis in the 4th semester gave me a chance to have some work experience in Germany and also in Europe.
 
As it is an international programme, I met many people from all around the world, I widened my perspective of looking at different cases. I also learned an immense amount about geography, cultures, food and languages. Moreover I now have more knowledge about how to communicate and how to behave in different environments and situations. This was a unique experience for me.
I studied in Offenburg, which is a small city, but very well located. It only takes 30 minutes to reach the French city of Strasbourg and takes less than 2 hours to get to Switzerland. Offenburg is a nice place for nature-lovers and sporty types and an ideal starting point if you like travelling as it is situated in the middle of Europe. I also think that Baden-Württemberg is the best state in Germany to live: Living standards are high, the surrounding countryside is beautiful and people are very friendly and open.

I still believe that there are so many things to do with German-Turkish relations, from the both sides. Turkish people should work more to introduce themselves to German people and adapt to the society, and German people should work on overcoming their prejudices. This will happen in time and the student-exchange between two countries will be an effective means to serve this purpose. This is the way to a united community. This is the future.