From Kyiv to Germany: a journalism student’s journey through two educational worlds

Daryna Honcharuk, a Ukrainian student, completed her bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2022. After a two-year break, she began her master’s studies in Germany at a Hochschule, shifting slightly away from journalism but still within the media field. From her second year of university, she had been planning to study abroad, with Germany as her top priority. However, she decided to complete her undergraduate degree in Ukraine before making the move. Unfortunately, she did not arrive in Germany solely as a student but initially as a refugee when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Yulia Adamiuk: Why did you choose to study journalism?

Daryna Honcharuk: When I was finishing school, I wasn’t entirely sure what career path I wanted to take. After a lot of reflection and exploring different interests, I decided to study journalism at the Institute of Journalism.

Y.A : In your opinion, what are the biggest differences between media education in Ukraine and Germany?

D.H : The differences are quite significant, and it’s hard not to notice them. If I had to compare, I’d say that the teaching approach in Germany is much more modern. One of the main reasons for this is that professors here are not just academics but also active professionals with hands-on experience in their fields. Another major difference is how students are treated. In Ukraine, there’s still a hierarchical structure where professors hold authority over students, whereas in Germany, there’s a much more equal and open relationship. There is no sense of superiority in communication. One of the biggest structural differences is how participation is evaluated. In Ukraine, students are required to speak up in seminars because participation often accounts for around 60% of the final grade, with the remaining 40% coming from a final paper or exam. In Germany, no one forces you to answer if you don’t want to, and an incorrect response doesn’t negatively impact your grade. Here, the final grade is primarily based on a final exam or project rather than continuous assessment.

Y.A : What opportunities for internships and practical experience exist in both countries?

D.H : In Ukraine, my university had a mandatory journalism internship, often at a publishing house or media organization. However, the system was quite flawed. Firstly, the internship was very short—only three weeks—which is not enough to gain real experience. Secondly, students had to find an internship on their own, which was often challenging since not every organization was willing to take in and train students. At my Hochschule in Germany, there is currently no mandatory internship requirement, but there are significantly more opportunities to find one. The university website is filled with job and internship offers in various media fields, making it easier for students to gain practical experience.

Y.A : Do universities in Ukraine and Germany approach freedom of speech differently?

D.H: I think so. I wouldn’t say that in Ukraine we were restricted in expressing our opinions, but certain topics are less commonly discussed in our society. Here in Germany, I was quite shocked at how openly professors and students can talk about almost anything. I have a specific example—one of our assignments required us to present a personal story. Some students shared experiences with drug addiction, while others discussed topics related to mental health and even suicide. The professor accepted these discussions without judgment, treating them as part of the students’ personal experiences. This level of openness was something I had never encountered in Ukraine.

Y.A : How much do modern media trends influence the curriculum in both countries?

D.H : In Ukraine, we did use technology in our studies, but to a much lesser extent than in Germany. Here, both professors and students integrate technology into learning in a much more advanced way. From high-quality multimedia presentations to interactive tools like Kahoot, technology is an essential part of education. I also noticed that students in Germany use technology much more efficiently. When I studied in Ukraine, we only used digital tools for specific assignments and occasionally for presentations. Here, they are embedded in the learning process in a much more systematic way.

Y.A : In terms of journalism and media studies, did you feel a major difference in teaching methods between the two countries?

D.H : Absolutely. I would say that journalism education in Ukraine feels somewhat outdated, likely because many professors don’t actively follow industry trends. In Germany, the approach is much more contemporary and aligned with the current media landscape.

Y.A : What advice would you give to Ukrainian students who want to study in Germany?

D.H : Be open-minded, and don’t be afraid. You can always ask for help or talk to your professors to clarify anything that’s unclear. German universities encourage dialogue, and professors are usually very approachable. Just take the initiative, and you’ll find your way.