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Uni Jena international

Uni Jena international
Author: FSU Jena
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The podcast provides answers to the most important questions that (not only) international students ask themselves. Together with students, alumni, mentors, staff and guests, we discuss exciting topics related to studying at Friedrich Schiller University Jena. We give tips on how to apply, how to start your studies, inform you about support services and leisure activities, show you alternative study options and ways to best prepare for your studies.
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This podcast aims to show international students that studying psychology in Germany – especially in Jena – is challenging but possible, and that with curiosity, preparation, and openness, you can not only adapt but grow – both academically and personally.
Uni ambassador Solomiya talks about this with her Professor.
Host: Solomiya Strelbytska studies Psychology at Jena University. In her blog an on Instagram she reports about her experiences as an international student in Jena. Guest: Prof. Dr. Neyer is Professor of Personality Psychology and Psychological Assessment at the Institute of Psychology at the university of Jena.
Timestamps: 01:30 What is your perspective on Germany and Jena to study Psychology? 03:10 What are the differences to other cities? 04:30 Why is Jena so diverse culturally? 05:35 What is your personal connection to Jena? 08:30 Which spaces can you recommend? 10:20 What ist he KOMPASS research project? How does going abroad affact your personality? 12:10 How does the Psychology studies go for international students? 13:40 Is the german language a big factor when studying Psychology? 15:00 How do scientific and colloquial language relate to each other? 17:05 What is the significance oft he english language? 18:30 What ist he scientifiy approach to/in Psychology in Germany? 20:27 What are your Tipps for the preparation before studying in Germany? 22:50 Is the special perspective of international students a opportunity in the field of Psychology? 14:15 What are the support offer at univeristy of Jena? 26:05 How many (international) students are there? 26:40 What are your experiences with international students?
Shownotes: • Study Psychology in Jena: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/6990/b-a-min-psychology • The different departments at the Institute of Psychology: https://www.fsv.uni-jena.de/en/22714/departments • Famous alumni of Jena University: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/109868/famous-university-teachers-and-students-from-the-history-of-the-university-of-jena-selection • Schiller‘s garden house: https://www.gartenhaus.uni-jena.de/en • History of the University of Jena: https://www.uni-jena.de/2425/geschichte • Cafeterias in Jena: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/mensen/einrichtungen.html • Uni Sports: https://www.hochschulsport.uni-jena.de/en • Research project „„KOMPASS – Mobilität und Identität“ https://www.perpsy.uni-jena.de/en/80/kompass • Support Offers:o Campus Couch: https://www.uni-jena.de/119570/campuscouch o Psychosocial Counselling: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/counselling/psycho-social-counselling/ o Mental Health First Aid programme: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/58751/first-aid-with-mental-health-problems-mhfa • Solomiyas online blog (German): https://www.uni-jena.de/309958/jubos-solomiya
Life doesn't always follow the textbook. But if you read between the lines, you'll learn a lot - that's what university ambassador Solomiya experienced when she started her studies in Jena.
Guest: Solomiya Strelbytska studies psychology at the University of Jena. She reports on her experiences as an international student in her blog and on Instagram.
Timestamps:
01:00 Why did you choose Germany to study here? 02:20 What were your expectations about Germany? 03:40 How did you experience the reality in contrast to your expectations? 05:40 Which strategies helped you dealing with all challanges in the beginning? 07:15 How did you find friends? What helped you to feel like you belong? 10:40 How did you build an everyday life and set routines? 12:24 What are your recommendations for people who are thinking about studying in Germany? 15:35 How would you describe your experiences of the first semester in one sentence? 16:35 What is your favorite place in Jena? 17:20 What is your favorite library? 18:10 What is your favorite Mensa?
Shownotes:
• Solomiya’s online blog: https://www.uni-jena.de/309958/jubos-solomiya • Information on the beginning of your studies for international students: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/start-studying-international • Life and free time in Jena – with some advice for the search for an accomodation: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/jena-living-international • Welcome Buddy programme: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/welcomebuddyinternational o Podcast episode on the Mentoring/Welcome Buddy programme: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/podcast-uni-jena-international#Mentoring • International Centre („Haus auf der Mauer“): https://www.haus-auf-der-mauer.de/ • WelcomeDays: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/welcomedays • International Café: https://www.instagram.com/cafe.international.jena/ • ESN Jena: https://jena.esn-germany.de/ • Orientation Days: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/34738/orientation-days • Discover Jena (360° tour): https://www.360.uni-jena.de/?lang=en • University libraries in Jena: https://www.thulb.uni-jena.de/en/home o Solomiya‘s favorite library „Thulb“: https://www.thulb.uni-jena.de/en/thulb/standorte/arts-and-humanitieso Rent a study rooms: https://www.thulb.uni-jena.de/en/services/how-to-use-the-library/study-space/study-rooms • Dining halls ("Mensa") in Jena: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/dining-halls/facilities.html o Solomiyas‘s favorite canteen „Philomensa“: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/dining-halls/jena/mensa-philosophenweg.html• Contact the International Office: incoming@uni-jena.de
What does a diversity office do? - That's what this episode is about. We will find out talking to one of the university's diversity officers.
Guest:Prof. Dr. David J. Green is our university's Diversity Officer since 2009. He comes from England, is a mathematician and and holds a professorship at the University of Jena since 2005.
Timestamps:
01:20 What does „diversity“ mean? 02:05 What does „discrimination“ mean? 02:25 Is there discrimination at the unviersity? 02:55 Why is there a diversity office? 03:20 What are your tasks? What excactly are you doing in the diversity office? 03:45 What does „counselling“ mean for you? 04:35 Who can come to you to get counselling? 05:05 Are there any limits of your responsibility and options? 06:45 What is your advice for people who are unsure if something was discriminating and do not know if they should contact you? 07:52 How is the procedure of the counselling? 09:25 In which languages is the counselling offered? And does it cost anything? 09:55 What can you do when someone experiences discrimination? 10:40 Whats is does the university do to promote diversity? 11:50 What would you say can each one of us do to strengthen a diverse and tolerant community at our university?
Shownotes: • Website Diversity Office Uni Jena: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/29195/diversity-office • The legal basic (Thüringer Hochschulgesetz von 2018): https://www.diversitaet-in-thueringen.de/rechtliche-grundlagen • Events of the diversity office: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/61523/events • Studierendenwerk Thüringen: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/ • Anti-Discrimination office of the City of Jena: https://antidiskriminierung.jena.de/en • Office of the Vice-President for University Community and Engagement: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/285406/office-of-the-vice-president-for-university-community-and-engagement • Contact options of the Diversity Office: o Email: diversitaet@uni-jena.de o Phone: +49 3641 9-400970o Anonymous reporting form: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/68893/reporting-form
It is not easy to get a place to study in the subjects with nationwide admission restrictions (medicine, pharmacy, dentistry). But even without a NC subject, you can pursue your career goals and become happy. University ambassador Soyee tells us how she succeeded.
Guest
Soyee Chan comes from Hong Kong and is studying Chemistry in her first semester at the University of Jena in the winter semester 2024/25. She is also a university ambassador and reports on her experiences as an international student in her blog (only German).
Timestamps
02:45 Was chemistry always your desired subject? 04:23 What does „admission restriction“ mean? 05:30 How many study places for international students are offeres for subjects with restricted admission? 06:42 For which subjects did you apply for? 07:15 Was is hard to find an alternative way for you? 08:10 Did expectations and pressure play a role in this decission? 09:12 How did it come that you chose to study Chemistry? 10:22 Why are you interested in Pharmacy? 13:21 Would you say that Chemistry is a good alternative (to Pharmacy)? 16:04 Did you end your dream about a pharmaceutical career? 18:08 Are you satisfied with your programme – even if this is not your desired subject?
Shownotes
University Ambassador Scolarship (German): https://www.uni-jena.de/196636/jubos
Soyees Blog (German): https://www.uni-jena.de/277794/jubos-soyee
Uni Jena on Social Media: @unijena
Study Orientation (What does NC mean?): https://www.uni-jena.de/en/69421/study-orientation
Podcast episode on HZB (university entrance qualifcation): https://www.uni-jena.de/en/podcast-uni-jena-international#HZB
Database subjects: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/3860/degree-programmes
(Unfortunately not all programmes and informations are available in English yet. A complete list can be found here: https://www.uni-jena.de/unijenamedia/21505/studiengangsliste.pdf)
Chemistry (Bachelor of Science): https://www.uni-jena.de/en/7185/b-sc-chemistry
Pharmacy (State Examination): https://www.uni-jena.de/en/7790/s-e-pharmacy
Open Campus at Jena University: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/30750/open-campus-in-student-paradise
Subject/Acadmic advisory service: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/320/academic-advisory-service (The contact of the advisors can be find in the programme descriptions in the programme database. In case that you cannot find your programme please try the German version of the website.)
Contact the International Office
In this episode, we take apart the long and complicated German word “Hochschulzugangsberechtigung” (university entrance qualification). - It determines whether you can study in Germany.
Guest
Laura Kaden works in the International Office at the University of Jena. She advises prospective international students, checks applications and carries out the admission process for subjects with nationwide admission restrictions. She normally hosts this podcast. In this episode she is alone without a guest.
Timestamps
00:56 What does „Hochschulzugangsberechtitung“ (university entrance qualification) mean? 02:01 What is a direct admission? 02:14 What is a subject related admission? 02:33 What are the options if the schopol leaving certificate does not give you direct or subject related admission? 03:38 When does one needs to visit the preparaty college? 04:23 When is the International Pathway Programme an option? 05:16 What happens if someone already finished a Bachelors degree? 05:39 How is the grade of the HZB calculated? 06:54 How can you find out your university entrance qualification for Germany?
Shownotes
ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education): https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education.html
Preparatory college: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/Preparatorycollege
International Pathway Programme: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/pathwayprogramme
Podcast about the International Pathway Programme: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/podcast-uni-jena-international#Pathway
DAAD database: https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/requirements/admission-database/ an
anabin (Information portal of the ZAB, German): https://anabin.kmk.org/cms/public/startseite
Contact International Office
The Internationale Office Jena offers digital preparation workshops for guest students. Talking with two administrators we get to know about the content of these workshops and what is needed for a good preparation for guest studies in Jena.
Guests:
Sylvia Canario Acosta works at the International Office, in the department for international stdents. She is responsible for the Erasmus + programmearbeitet im International Büro im Bereich Incoming für das Gaststudium. Ihr Aufgabenbereich ist das Erasmus+ Programm. Susi Streit also works at the I. She administers and supports all exchange students from all over the world, except the european union. She herself spent two semesters abroad. That is why she can Course and exam administration is the field of Stefanie Müller, who is not in this podcast, but you get to know her in episode 5.
Timestamps:
01:55 I guess that there is a lot to do in preparation for an exchange semester, right? 07:15 What happens at your preparation workshops? 09:50 What are the most important steps to do beforehand? 11:55 Where do students get support? Who can I ask in case anything in still unclear? 13:10 What should be packed in one’s lagguage? 15:10 Which initial problems might appear that can be avoided through good preparation? 17:40 What is the WelcomeBuddy programme? 18:50 What are your advice for students before they come to Jena? 21:07 What do you recommend for the very first time after arrival? 22:50 Whats are the first and most important steps after arriving in Germany?
Shownotes: • Information on Guest studies at University of Jena: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/1955/guest-studies o FAQ on Guest studies: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/2190/faq-guest-studies o subject specific coordinators: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/2650/contact-and-subject-specific-coordinators• WelcomeBuddy programme: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/2260/information-for-international-students o Podcast episode on the WelcomeBuddy programme: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/63217/podcast#Mentoring • Semester dates: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/220/semester-dates • Application portal: https://friedolin2.uni-jena.de/qisserver/pages/cs/sys/portal/hisinoneStartPage.faces• Dormitories in Jena: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/housing/residential-homes.html o Podcast episode on accomodation: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/63217/podcast#E3housing• Information on Financing your studies and working while studying: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/2070/financing-your-studies o Podcast episode on this topic: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/63217/podcast#Financing • Study start and Enrolment: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/1960/start-studying-international-students o Podcast Episode on enrolment: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/63217/podcast#Enrolment o WelcomeDays and WelcomeCafe: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/5395/welcome-days • Course catalogue: https://friedolin.uni-jena.de/qisserver/rds?state=wtree&search=1&category=veranstaltung.browse&navigationPosition=functions%2Clectureindex&breadcrumb=lectureindex&topitem=locallinks&subitem=lectureindex&noDBAction=y&init=y • Unisport Jena: https://www.hochschulsport.uni-jena.de/en • City of Jena: https://startseite.jena.de/en • Social Media o University of Jena: @unijenao Unisports Jena: @unisport_jenao City of Jena: @jenalichtstadto Group "Toegther in Jena": @together.in.jena• International Office contact
Susi’s tips: • Organize your e-mails and documents in one folder• Read e-mails including the attachments• Take part in the praparation workshops• Get a WelcomeBuddy• Learn and practise german language• Connect with former exchange students (take care that all infos are up to date!)• Network with other exchange students• Plan your travel and mind the semester dates• Check the validity of your passport• Apply for a place in a dormitory• Organize your helath insurance in time• Be open to get in contact with people
Timestamps: 01:25 What is this „CampusCouch“? 03:55 Since when does this project exist? 04:25 What exactly are you doing as volunteers of the project? 07:20 How do you prepare? 10:08 Who can come to you and use that offer? 15:20 Does the offer does cost anything? 15:35 How to contact you and get an appointment? How is the whole process? 20:21 Is the offer only in german? 21:40 What are special needs of international students and are you prepared for it? 29:00 How do you personally like your volunteering at the CampusCouch?
Shownotes:• CampusCouch https://www.uni-jena.de/campuscouch o Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campuscouch/o Contact: campus-couch@uni-jena.de• Orientation Days in the beginning of the semester: https://www.uni-jena.de/34738/studieneinfuehrungstage-stet• Contactpoints in case of mental health problems (Free of charge):o Telephone (and online) Counseling: https://www.telefonseelsorge.de/telefon/#telephoneo Muslim telephone counseling: https://www.mutes.de/o Russian Tелефон Доверия: https://www.diakonie-portal.de/themen/ehrenamt-freiwilligendienste/ehrenamt-und-engagement/telefon-doweria-telefon-doverija/o Psychosocial counselling of the Studierendenwerk Thüringen: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/counselling/psycho-social-counselling/ Podcastfolge zur PSB : https://www.uni-jena.de/en/63217/podcast#support3o Bei akuter Suizidalität: 112• Information on the german health care system: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/1965/living-in-jena
The students Clara and Mo tell us about their volunteering as listeners.
Content Note: This episode tackles the topic of mental health. In case of acute psychological issues one can get free support at the telephone couselling (0800 1110111). Other counselling options are linked in the shownotes.
Guest:Clara and Mo are studying Psychology at Jena university and volunteer at the project „CampusCouch“. This is a univerity group by students for students offering a room to talk about difficulties.
Timestamps: 01:25 What is this „CampusCouch“? 03:55 Since when does this project exist? 04:25 What exactly are you doing as volunteers of the project? 07:20 How do you prepare? 10:08 Who can come to you and use that offer? 15:20 Does the offer does cost anything? 15:35 How to contact you and get an appointment? How is the whole process? 20:21 Is the offer only in german? 21:40 What are special needs of international students and are you prepared for it? 29:00 How do you personally like your volunteering at the CampusCouch?
Shownotes:• CampusCouch https://www.uni-jena.de/campuscouch o Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campuscouch/o Contact: campus-couch@uni-jena.de• Orientation Days in the beginning of the semester: https://www.uni-jena.de/34738/studieneinfuehrungstage-stet• Contactpoints in case of mental health problems (Free of charge):o Telephone (and online) Counseling: https://www.telefonseelsorge.de/telefon/#telephoneo Muslim telephone counseling: https://www.mutes.de/o Russian Tелефон Доверия: https://www.diakonie-portal.de/themen/ehrenamt-freiwilligendienste/ehrenamt-und-engagement/telefon-doweria-telefon-doverija/o Psychosocial counselling of the Studierendenwerk Thüringen: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/counselling/psycho-social-counselling/ Podcastfolge zur PSB : https://www.uni-jena.de/en/63217/podcast#support3o Bei akuter Suizidalität: 112• Information on the german health care system: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/1965/living-in-jena
In this episode we get to know the uni ambassador Tolybay Baltaqara. He gives us insights in his live as an international student in Jena.
Every semester the WelcomeCafé takes place in the International Centre of Jena - let's meet some new students and find out more about this initial support offer.
Talking with student Matvii we get to know about the international pathway programme – the perfect alternative to the preparatory college
Uni ambassador Anna Boldyreva and counsellor Birgit Thurm talk about exam anxiety: How is it affected by the status of international students? Which methods and support offers are there to deal with it?
The university ambassadors Anna and Emirhan are looking back on their first semester in Jena. Did Jena became their home by now? Which good experiences and challanges do they remember?
No matter if exam anxiety, depression, loneliness or procrastination - the Psychosocial Counselling supports students with all emotional challanges.
Valentina first came to Jena as an exchange student and came back for her Master. Now she is leaving Jena and looking back on her time here.
A letter from the examation office, a writing from the foreigners authority or a conflict with the landlord and the heart skips a beat – What support offerings are there for students regarding legal issues?
In this episode an exchange student talks about her experiences at the beginning of her stay in Jena and the start of the semester.
How to prepare? What was surprising? How is studying in Germany different?
What kind of support do students in Thuringia get? What does counselling mean? With which problems can one visit the General Social Counselling?
Let’s have a look at the counselling and support structures at the University of Jena. In this episode we talk about the General Social Counselling at the Studierendenwerk Thüringen.
What are the challanges for students regarding fitness and health? What does University of Jena do to support the fitness of the students? How to combine a healthy lifestyle and your studies?
In this episode the Uni Sports Department and the Student Health Management (SGM) are introduced and asked about health while stuyding.
When to deal with the topic of career entry? How to find a good internship? And how can a prepare best for an application?
In this episode we talk about how to start your career and what the Career Point at University of Jena does to support the while and after studying.
How much does it cost to study in Jena? Do international students need a german bank account and what is a blocked account? How can I finance my studies and am I allowed to have a side job?
All these questions about money and financing are talked about in this episode, joined by the Career Point of the University of Jena.