What are your experiences that you could make through AWARE in Germany?

Coming to Germany through AWARE was a great opportunity for me to grow academically, professionally and personally. During the first six months of my stay at THI I developed the laboratory experiments for my master's degree in laboratory materials. I was supervised by Prof. Ulrich Tetzlaff, from whom I learned a lot about composite materials and their processing.
Parallel to my master's degree, I took courses to prepare myself for the laboratory work. Through courses such as 'Business English', 'German in the working world' or 'Technology and Culture for Foreigners', I have expanded my vocabulary and knowledge of German culture. I was also able to do a five-month internship in technology development for luxury cars at AUDI in Ingolstadt. There I got an overview of the automotive industry and was able to gain great experience through a project.

What are the main differences you noticed between Ingolstadt and your hometown in Brazil?

I come from a very small town in the interior of the state of Santa Catarina, so Ingolstadt is very big by comparison. Ingolstadt offers a lot of entertainment and recreational opportunities, such as traditional festivals in spring and autumn or cultural festivals in summer, a medical history museum, a city museum and many other sights throughout Bavaria. Furthermore, the city currently has one of the best ice hockey teams in Germany and a soccer club. The winter is clearly colder than in southern Brazil, but heating is provided everywhere - even on public transport - as soon as it gets cold outside. The summer, on the other hand, was surprisingly warm and the days are very long, so you have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

What are the main differences you noticed between the THI and your home university in Brazil?

THI has less than a tenth of the student population compared to the UFCS. But it is very well organized and offers a lot of literature in its local and online library. The THI has many collaborations with companies (Audi, BMW, MTU, Airbus, Saturn, etc.), which increases the chances of getting an internship or a practical thesis there, which enriches every CV.

What are your recommendations that you can give to new students coming to Ingolstadt?

• Arrange accommodation as soon as possible. Living in a flat share with people from other countries is fun and interesting.
• Apply for your visa in Germany. It is practical, fast and reliable.
• Be careful during the orientation week, it will make your life much easier.
• Learn how to buy a suitable train ticket to get to know Bavaria and Germany.
• Travel, visit, learn and study. The time is much shorter than it seems.

Cauê Corrêa da Silva