If you want to study abroad, you should be proactive and open-minded. Katharina Mauz explains why she wouldn't want to miss out on international experience. She spent a semester in Uganda.
Mexico, Colombia, Norway, Uganda, Ecuador - Katharina Mauz travelled a lot around the world during her studies. Probably the most intensive experience was four months in Uganda last year: from August 2018, the 28-year-old completed a two-month internship in the Nakivale refugee camp in the south-west of the country, after which she spent two months studying at the university in Mbarara, the fourth largest city in Uganda. "I am very grateful that my Master's programme gave me the opportunity to come to Africa and get to know a new culture there," says Katharina.
Her subject is the "European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations", or EMMIR for short - an intercultural degree programme funded by the EU and offered jointly by four European and three African universities. "I was impressed by the content of the concept," says Katharina, who completed her Bachelor's degree in Latin American Studies and Economics at the University of Cologne. She then worked for two years, including for a human rights organisation in Colombia. "After this practical experience, I wanted to go back to university and do a Master's degree in migration," she says.
Practical work on site
During the first two semesters at EMMIR, students learn the theoretical foundations of migration studies, while the third semester includes a visit to a partner university and practical work in the field. There are 31 students from 22 countries in Katharina's year group and the courses are taught in English. After the first semester in Oldenburg, they all transferred to the partner university in Stavanger, Norway. "The conditions at EMMIR are super good," says Katharina happily. Because the stay in Stavanger is part of the degree programme, for example, the students don't need to apply to the university separately and their achievements are automatically recognised. A local coordinator is available to answer questions - just like in Mbarara. For example, Katharina found a room in a hall of residence there through their mediation.
"Of course, a lot of initiative is also required. Planning the trips, organising rooms at the various study locations, vaccinations and visas - that's up to you," she says. The large EMMIR alumni network, where current students can get tips, is helpful with practical questions. Katharina also received support in Oldenburg: she was able to apply for a DAAD Promos scholarship for her stay in Uganda through the university's International Student Office. She was successful: she received a travel allowance and monthly support for the duration of her internship.
Even though the work in the Nakivale refugee camp in particular was not always easy, Katharina would not want to miss any of her experiences abroad: "I find it very enriching to get to know other cultures and languages." Immersing herself in foreign cultures helps her to constantly readjust her own perspective. Her advice to anyone interested in studying abroad: "Just do it, you won't regret it!"
