INTERVIEW TO MY FRIEND JADE

Today I’m interviewing my friend Jade. She lives in Olympiadorf as well as me so we met a week later I arrived to Munich, and since then we’ve been inseparables. This interview consists of asking about her Erasmus in Munich, because I know what it’s like, of course, but it’s always better seeing it from another point of view.

Firstly, tell as some brief info about you. Like where are you from, how old are you…

First of all, thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my experience! I’m French, almost 21 years old, born and raised in a small town near Paris. Oh and I love painting when I have spare time.

What made you choose to continue your Law studies in Munich?

Different things, including learning a new language. Studying in such a good university was also a very important point for my decision, I think Munich is a very potential city in many aspects. I also wanted to experience the ‘global essence’ of Germany that I had been told about, and compare it with Paris. I think that anyone that has the opportunity, is an experience that can’t be ignored.

What are you enjoying the most about studying in LMU?

When I was preparing my Erasmus exchange it was the opportunity of discovering the German methods and viewpoints that I looked forward to. LMU, with its numerous international students and teachers, went beyond my expectations. We are encouraged here to state our point of view, even to disagree with the teacher and to express it. This, along with the different form of exercises (essays are much shorter here than what I was used to producing, which doesn’t mean at all easier) was something that required the most adaptability.

What’s it like your experience in Munich so far?

Studying in Munich is great – sorry, nothing original here, I believe it is hard to find someone who thinks differently. It’s full of interesting things to see and do. What I would like to emphasise though is the social aspect of university here. There’s events organised by a department, like trips and trips as an opportunity of meeting new people. It allows you to meet people from very diverse backgrounds, and to experience a lot of different activities, from gastronomy to dancing or whatever.

Have you travelled as an intern?

Yes, I’ve been to Salzburg and Vienna (well, both of us have, together). I think it’s the perfect moment for travelling and going on short trips.

What do you consider are the most important aspects of your experience?

I learned a lot about myself, beside the traditional knowledge acquired through university. It really helped me to reconsider my objectives in a more distant way, like who the people are who really matter to me at home or becoming more independent. An experience like that encourages you to review things you may have considered unchangeable and this is very healthy and valuable, especially refreshing when you meet people from different countries that change your vision of the world.

What top 3 tips would you give to future students thinking of coming to study at LMU?

Firstly, like I said, studying in Munich is great, but it is expensive, and money issues need to be considered in advance. I highly recommend to really bare that in mind and and getting a job if necessary (before your exchange or during). Nothing is worse than to miss an opportunity by just not having the money you need. Secondly, buy a Ubhan ticket! People think they aren’t going to be caught, but you will someday… there’s the semester card for LMU that is really worth buying. Finally, the best thing to do is to ‘go for it’. Being slightly anxious about all these changes and all the things to do, the issues to deal with, the perspective of leaving home, changing environment … should not prevent anyone from going for the adventure, because it is really worth it. Some times are harder than others of course, but the worst thing would be to not try at all.