Siwei

Time flies by, it's been six months since I started studying in Germany. When I look back, I have a mixed feeling because of the excitement and also the difficult times. In any case, it has become an unforgettable memory.

Before I came to Germany, I was just a kid who had a monotonous life between home and school. Although I felt wanderlust, I stayed in my comfort zone for a long time and didn't have the courage to make the change.

But then I came into contact with GEP! They offered me the opportunity to study abroad at EBS, one of the best business schools in Germany. Not only was I excited about this rare chance to change my life, but I was also upset because I didn't know if I could adapt to life there. Since then, my pace of life has changed. The university where I studied - EBS - is one of the best business schools in Germany. It is located in Rheingau, where the sun always shines and the landscape is beautiful.

I benefited a lot from the EBS teaching system during my studies. Firstly, thanks to the English courses and the highly internationalized environment, my language skills have improved significantly, which has significantly improved my oral English. The language was the first problem I had to face in my studies. My English wasn't bad in China, but I could only read and write well. However, my language skills were not fluent enough for everyday communication. That's why I avoided talking to foreigners in case they should make fun of my terrible English.

Things changed when I started living here. People patiently listened to me and gave me the correct directions when I was stuck. After a semester my oral English got better and I also develop a lot more self-confidence! With the ability to speak English fluently now, I began to learn more about different cultures and customs of different countries through conversations with other students at the university.

Second, the active class atmosphere had a very positive impact on me. Compared to the very strenuous preparation courses in China, active discussion in class plays an important role in Western education. Students and professors interact a lot in class. Students would never hesitate to ask, professors also ask questions directly to students and there are often case studies for class discussion. Here I feel the clash of different cultures and the joy of free thinking.

Thirdly, EBS offers a German course. Lack of knowledge of German complicates daily life. The German language is a necessary skill. It can ensure effective communication in the German company. Therefore, the university also offers courses for students who are looking for a job in Germany. For those students who want to stay in Germany, the German Track is the right choice. Thanks to the intensive language courses in three semesters, the German language skills of the students can reach level B2. These courses are very helpful for my German language skills and I have gained more confidence to integrate into the local community.

Fourth is the importance of teamwork. Group work is very common among EBS students. This work requires a high level of communication and coordination skills on the part of the students. I didn't do this type of work very well at first. After actually getting used to working alone, I felt difficult to take part in the group discussion. But the classmates in my group were always enthusiastic about helping me. Gradually, I learned to express my opinion in the discussion and to communicate effectively with other members. Being able to complete the assignment successfully and get good grades made me realize how important teamwork is and how much I enjoyed working together.

I am grateful to have GEP who have given me a range of directions and help. You solved my countless questions about applying for both the university and the visa. I was once unable to get my visa before the start of the semester and they helped me contact the university to get confirmation of the late admission. With their help, I even found a room near the university for a fair price. After I arrived in Germany, they prepared all sorts of things for me, such as a bank card and SIM card, so that I could concentrate on my studies. We are still in contact and they are always there for me as if they were another family in Germany.