'SoMu was a remarkable experience'

The first SoMu generation is already about to finish their studies. They are working on their MA thesis and making plans for the future. During this intense time, two SoMus, Frederik Bissinger and Maren Gockel, found some time to share their opinions about SoMu.

What did you expect from SoMu before entering it? How has it fulfilled your expectations?

Maren: SoMu sounded like an interesting and international programme with interesting courses. I expected to learn a lot about different Baltic and Nordic languages and cultures. Furthermore, because of the internationality of the programme, I thought I would meet people from different countries and cultures. My expectations about the programme have been definitely fulfilled. I've learned a lot more about the Baltic countries than I expected. I wish we would have focused a little bit more on the Nordic countries because they have been in a pioneer position in regard to migrant languages, language education, and multilingualism and we could have learned a lot about this. But in general, I am very satisfied with the programme. I've learned a lot, met fantastic new people, and became more cosmopolitan.

Frederik: I expected to experience two years of interesting studies in three different countries and to meet nice people. My expectations have been fulfilled and I am very happy for having chosen to study SoMu.

You have studied at three different countries and three universities. Is it possible to compare them? What major differences have you noticed?

Maren: It was really interesting to experience three different universities and three different countries in such a short time. The staff of all three universities was incredibly helpful and always looked out for us. They were trying to make us feel welcome and succeeded in it. While Kaunas was small compared to Mainz and Stockholm, it was still a great university, and all courses were interesting and helpful. Life outside the university was very different in Kaunas from Mainz and Stockholm. It was difficult to communicate with people because I do not speak Lithuanian or Russian. However, our Lithuanian students helped us a lot, so that was really great. Mainz was my home university, so I felt the most connected with this university and the city. It was fun to show the others around, and the study trip to Brussels was great. Stockholm University was the biggest university I attended. The library and the internet resources were great, and the city was stunning. As for university or the courses, I did not notice major differences because while the universities were different, the departments were not. They all cared about us and had our best interest in mind. Of course, the cities were different. While Kaunas and Mainz were comparable in size, Stockholm, as a beautiful capital, was in another league. I loved living and studying in Stockholm. Not only the city was simply beautiful, but you also felt quite welcome because everyone could speak English. In Kaunas it was sometimes difficult to communicate in shops or in cafes because of the language barrier and this did not happen in Stockholm because of the great English skills of the Swedes.

Frederik: I studied in Kaunas, Mainz, and Stockholm. Comparing the universities, I really notice some differences. From my point of view, VMU is more festive (starting with the semester opening with a huge cake). The evaluation structure also differs (being evaluated for participation, assignments, midterms and final examinations at VMU and mainly evaluated for the final examinations at JGU and SU). However, despite these differences, the courses at all universities were interesting and I enjoyed them.

During your studies or free time, you had some intercultural experiences. Describe the most memorable one.

Maren: I do not have a specific memorable intercultural experience. The SoMu experience as a whole will be a great intercultural memory. I learned a lot about the language and the culture of my fellow students, and we became great friends. Also, living in three different countries taught me a lot about the people and the culture there.

Frederik: The entire programme was an intercultural experience. Studying in different countries together with students and lecturers with different backgrounds was a good experience. However, there were also situations outside the university. I remember the very first day when I arrived in Vilnius, I wanted to go by train from the airport to the central station, and could not communicate with the conductor because he only spoke Lithuanian and Russian and I didn’t speak any of these languages at this point. This was a remarkable experience for me.

Describe SoMu in three words.

Maren: Cosmopolitan, worthwhile, fun.

Frederik: Open, enriching, fun.

Soon you will have your MA diploma in your hands. What’s next?

Maren: I do not really know what’s next. I am writing my master thesis right now and I am quite busy with it. However, at the end of May I will start the job hunt and hope to find a job in a foundation or other NGO which focuses on integration by education.

Frederik: After my graduation, I'm planing to stay in the academic sector. At the moment, I’m thinking about applying for a PhD program.

The best of luck with your MA thesis and your future plans, first-generation SoMus!