A semester in Spain: foundation for the international career a time in sunny Spain to live and still learn something - of which many dream. The former business student Philip Mannheim has been expressed this wish and spent two semesters at the University of Seville. What impact did his stay abroad for his career and his private life, he says in the interview.
Why did you decide just to Spain? What were your reasons for a semester abroad in the Iberian Peninsula? Early in my studies, it was clear to me that I want to study abroad for a while. Since Spain I have always been fascinated with its climate, landscape, culture and language, I was especially after the International Office local universities and existing partnerships with the University of Mannheim, University asked my home. So I came across the University in Seville and I have applied there.
Besides my language skills, which I wanted to improve all costs has also interests me, as my study of economics is taught in another country, what priorities are? How is studying there? Besides studying, I am of course looking forward also to the sun and the party life, friendships with Spaniards and people from other countries.
As designed, the organization of your stay abroad? summarize it in one word: Uncomplicated. As already mentioned was the International Office at my university and my first contact there, you helped me indeed. I have received information not only on English universities but also help in putting together my resume. Moreover, one has explained to me that I must present academic achievements in Spain and which credits are recognized me in Mannheim, when I get back. This is particularly important in a well regulated Degree. Through the ERASMUS program I was also still funding (more in this blog post
).
How was that with your English skills? On what Level has moved it? Before my stay abroad my English was rather modest. Accordingly, it was difficult at the beginning for me to come along with the lectures. Fortunately, things have become longer with each week in Spain improved my comprehension and I was able to follow lectures and discussions more easily. Also, I've also have expected even more in the foreign language. After two semesters, my English was pretty good then. In order to achieve this level at home in Germany, I would have to invest much more time in English courses.
How has the time in Spain influenced your future career and personal life? Looking back, I can say that I have learned my stay in many respects very much. First, my horizon has expanded enormously, has become more international. In addition to new curriculum and better language skills, I have met many people and expand my network of contacts. From one of these contacts has, for example, an internship in Austria shows I've been following the debate on my studies.
I believe that my study abroad was a first and important step to go international, and my career has prepared me for a job abroad. Even privately, this period was of enormous importance for me. I met my wife in Seville. Together we live and work today in her hometown of New York.
What advice can you give students who are planning a trip abroad? I would encourage anyone to look yourself in advance of a English tandem partner - ideally coming from the city, in which you want to study. This way you can polish up his language skills in advance a little and has a contact person for all issues that revolve around Spain's customs, habits, quirks, bureaucracy and to practical matters. In addition, you can get in advance some insider information - for example, I was already in Mannheim my favorite tapas bar later recommended.
Thank you for your time!
D he University of Seville (English: Universidad de Sevilla) has 73 350 students, five institutes and a total of 122 departments, one of the largest public universities in Spain and is based in the city of Seville in Andalusia.
The beginnings of the University of Seville go to a convent school of the Jesuit order from the late 15th Century. 1505 was obtained by a papal bull of Julius II, the right to confer degrees in theology, philosophy, law, medicine and fine arts. 1551 was Seville City Council a so-called general study center (Estudio General) set up and declared the establishment of the university.
more information: http://www.us.es
Image: University of Seville, Source: Wikipedia