This article is written by Ricarda Zahn, an undergraduate from Germany who is spending this term on exchange in the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries through Erasmus, studying on the BA (Hons) Journalism course.
What impression had Portsmouth on you?
From the very first day I moved here, I have felt incredibly comfortable in this beautiful city by the sea. I really appreciate the openness of the locals and I am very happy that I chose to gain international study experience at the University of Portsmouth.
What were your main goals when coming here?
When I took the decision to study abroad, my main goals were to improve my English, to expand my knowledge in the subject and to meet people from all over the world.
Even though it is a challenge to submit my assessments in a foreign language, it’s exciting to learn about journalism from an English point of view.
How did you find about us?
The institution in my hometown, Stuttgart Media University, and the University of Portsmouth have had an international partnership for over a year now. This enables students like me to spend a semester here and students from Portsmouth to come to Stuttgart.
Therefore, if you are studying a degree in the field of media or journalism, and you would like to spend a semester abroad, too, the Journalism and Communication Management programme at the Stuttgart Media University is the perfect match for you. Stuttgart is great to experience as it’s well-known for pretzels, good wine, festivals and fast cars, being the home of Mercedes Benz and Porsche.
You don’t have to worry, though, because the teaching is in English. The University of Portsmouth offers the opportunity to go and study in many other places all over the world, besides Stuttgart.
Is it worth spending a semester abroad?
I think it’s really worth going out of your comfort zone, because no matter which university you choose, you will meet locals, develop a deeper understanding of a different culture and expand your skills. There are so many new experiences which make a semester abroad valuable whilst getting supported financially.