Winter Blues? International Students and Seasonal Affective Disorder
Student life . WeatherReported By Chia-jui Yang and Jing-wen Lo As the seasons change, leaves turn yellow and fall, while Munich’s sky remains cloaked in thick gray clouds, casting a somber mood over its residents. Often referred to as the “winter blues,” Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a clinical condition characterized by depressive symptoms associated with seasonal changes,
The reality of studying abroad: highs and lows
Authors . City life . Culture . Germany . Opinion pieceby Hannah Borbely-Kubina Erasmus or any exchange opportunity is something most of us dream about during our school years, partly due to media representation and largely because we fantasize that another town, country, or continent will fulfill all our desires and dreams. While some of these notions are fantastical, the experience of studying abroad certainly
New birth and challenges: How young students inject vitality into Sino-German cultural exchange
Culture . Germany . Society . Student lifeBy Cunyu Liu & Huan Lin What comes to mind when you think of cultural exchange? Perhaps dazzling international expos, high-profile art exhibitions, or grand cultural festivals. These large-scale events undoubtedly showcase the richness and diversity of Chinese culture. However, the true charm of cultural exchange often lies in smaller, more personal stories. This is
Protecting the next generation: Australia’s bold social media ban for minors
Culture . Health . Media . Opinion piece . Politics . SocietySocial media have become an integral part of daily life, especially among young people.But what happens when access to these platforms begins to deeply influence our self-perception?Australia has decided to tackle this issue head-on by banning the use of social media for those under 16. This measure raises crucial questions about the mental health of
Closing the Gender Gap in STEM is No Longer Optional
Opinion piece . SocietyDigital assistants like Siri are used in most of our daily lives. But their design often mirrors unsettling biases. Until 2019, the female-voiced Siri, when users directed offensive comments like “You’re a slut” at the female-voiced assistant, it would respond, “I’d blush if I could.” The algorithm was subsequently adjusted, but the problem persists: even as
Valencia’s Flood Tragedy: A Failure in Prevention and Planning
Climate Change . Opinion pieceThe devastating floods in Valencia, triggered by a DANA weather system, have exposed significant failures in government preparedness and response. The disaster, which brought over 500 millimetres of rain in just hours, claimed more than 220 lives and caused billions in damages, devastating communities and infrastructures. While extreme weather is unpredictable, the scale of destruction
Ibiza to Munich: An Erasmus Journey
AuthorsHello everyone! My name is Adriana, but feel free to call me Adri. I am from the beautiful island of Ibiza in Spain, though I currently study in Madrid, where I am pursuing a double degree in Journalism and Audiovisual Communication. This semester, however, I wanted to explore something new, so I am in Munich
The Transformative Power of Exchange Programs: A Personal Perspective
Opinion pieceExchange programs are not just about studying abroad; they are life-altering experiences that shape perspectives, foster personal growth and bridge cultural divides. As someone embarking on an exchange program in Munich, Germany, I view this opportunity as much more than an academic endeavor. It is a chance to connect with the world profoundly, and I
The Odyssea of Personal Style
Opinion pieceWith the undeniable influence of social media on people’s personal style, and even it’s perception, it’s hard to know how much of what we wear is truly a reflection of our own tastes versus simply following mainstream trends. This raises an important question: Are we cultivating our unique tastes, or simply mirroring the people on
The exclusion of un(der)paid internships
Opinion piece . PoliticsPicture: Flickr Internships have traditionally provided college students to gain experience in a specific field or offered students a chance to pivot in their careers. However, the significant rise in un(der)paid internships within the EU in recent decades has sparked ongoing debate about the risk of excluding economically marginalized individuals from accessing and benefiting from