Vinod Krishna Selpol, Manufacturing Engineering Master programme
Exchange semester at Technical University of Dortmund, Germany
How did you find this internship placement?
It was notified by the departmental coordinator to everyone in the class asking interested students to take a chance to go for abroad studies in Germany. I was very interested from the beginning and then I approached Mohit Gupta, who was our departmental coordinator. He gave a well round information about the exchange studies, about the life style, and education system in Germany. He spoke very highly about the Erasmus exchange program which made me more curious and inquisitive to take this opportunity to go for abroad studies.
How would you describe your experience at TU Dortmund?
The Erasmus experience made me feel like a global citizen. It has not only opened my mind but allowed me to take responsibility of my capacity. I developed an understand of how to work with people from different cultures and backgrounds. The Erasmus experience gave me new perspectives and a sense of belonging to a global community. I became more mature and confident as a result of the semester aboard experience.
What is your best memory of your internship exchange?
I had a plenty of memories in my exchange period in Germany. I had made quite number of friends from different nationalities. But one of my best memories has to be the visit to the Signal iduna park, which is the biggest football stadium in Europe. I event attended few games and got a chance to see Messi live.
What was your biggest surprise going to Germany?
One of the biggest surprises I faced after going to Germany has to be the with money transactions. In Sweden, I never carried any cash when going to any stores. All the transactions were made with card. But in Germany, it was actually reverse, cash is the king there. Most of the stores don’t accept cards and life becomes very difficult without cash. I faced very difficulties at the beginning and then got used to the lifestyle there over time.
What have been your greatest challenges?
One of greatest challenged I experienced in Germany is communicating with the native German people. Most of the people don’t understand or speak English. It makes it difficult to get basic things done without German language skills. But at the same time, Erasmus exchange program gave me an opportunity to deepen my German language skills and I have completed 2 levels during my abroad stay at the university.
What do you miss about your exchange period?
I miss all the wonderful friends I have made over there. And I will also miss the street food in the Christmas market