Studying at HdM has been an interesting experience, especially because the university focuses strongly on media, communication and creative industries. Many of my courses have been connected to my own field, such as social media, content production and media-related projects.
Compared to Finland, studying in Germany has felt a bit more structured and formal in some situations. For example, course registrations, modules and official emails have required careful attention. At the same time, the courses have included practical elements, group work and discussions, which have made it easier to meet other students and understand different perspectives.
One thing I have learned during the exchange is that studying abroad is not only about the course content. It is also about learning how another academic system works and how to communicate in a new environment.
Outside school, I have tried to experience normal everyday life in Germany as much as possible. Stuttgart has been a nice city for an exchange because it is big enough to have many things to do, but still quite easy to move around in. Public transport has become a big part of my daily life, and I have also spent time exploring different areas of the city.
In my free time, I have been doing sports, meeting new people and exploring different German cities. I have also travelled to nearby countries, because the train connections in Central Europe are so good. That has been one of the best parts of the exchange: it is easy to see new places and experience different cultures even during a short trip.
The biggest difference between studying in Germany and Finland has been the structure. In Finland, I am used to a fairly flexible way of studying, and communication often feels quite relaxed. In Germany, some processes have felt more official and carefully organized. At first this was sometimes confusing, but after a while I started to understand the logic behind it.
I also noticed that the module system can be different from what I am used to in Finland. Some courses are connected to bigger study modules, so it is important to understand the full structure before making changes to courses or registrations.
In both countries, students are expected to be independent, but in slightly different ways. In Finland, independence often means flexibility and managing your own schedule. In Germany, it has felt more like following the correct process, being on time and making sure everything is officially in order.
Overall, my exchange in Germany has been a really valuable experience. I have learned more about my own field, improved my ability to work in an international environment and gained a better understanding of how culture affects studying, communication and everyday life.
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