An Interview with accadis Student Evgenia Zharikova
Dear Evgenia Zharikova, you are Mexican, born in Russia and you came to Germany for your Graduate studies at accadis Hochschule Bad Homburg. How were the first weeks in Germany?
I applied to study the full program at accadis, as I really want to obtain a German diploma and obtain a Master in English language.
My first weeks in Germany were amazing. I moved to Germany in September, so the weather was still very nice when taking some short trips and enjoying German restaurants with my father, who was helping me to put things in order.
What do you particularly like about Germany?
I like many things. First of all, Germany is located in the middle of Europe, so one can travel around easily. Plus I like how the cities are connected, so it is easier to move without having a car, which in Mexico is impossible, especially in my hometown. Secondly, Germany has so many sights to see, I don’t know when I will have a time to see everything, and I especially love the castles and museums. The most important thing is that many international companies are located here, so as a foreign student I can gain professional experience.
What is your greatest challenge in Germany?
The main one is the language, which is difficult to learn. Sometimes there are cultural differences, so things can be interpreted in a wrong way. Of course, when one moves here has to face challenges of obtaining a student visa which has recently become a problem. Finding a place to live is also a great challenge.
Is there something that surprises you about the country you have adopted for your graduate studies?
The first thing that surprised me was that I had to send letters for everything, e.g. for the insurance company and bank. This was new to me. In addition, people are more reserved compared to Latin American. However, it feels like people take their time to get to know you better, which is different from Mexico.
Why did you choose accadis Hochschule?
I was looking for a University, which had a program in English; unfortunately not all universities in Germany offer this possibility in business majors. Therefore, when I found accadis, I liked the program and the support that was offered by the International Office in helping me to make the final decision.
What do you particularly like about your accadis studies?
I like the professors and how they use their professional experience in the lectures. This allows us as students to see how the real world works, and the classes are full of discussions and interesting projects. I would say it is not easy, and you also have to learn things independently which I really like.
What was the application process like?
The application process was not difficult, nevertheless, the challenges were greater with the visa process. There were many things that I didn’t know when I was applying for my German visa.
What do you think prospective international students should keep an eye on during the application process?
I think during the interview they should ask all the questions that they have, as moving to a new country and studying at a new university is always challenging. They especially have to take into account the process of applying for the visa and finding a place where to live. These are the most important factors and they take a lot of time. Personally, it took me the whole summer to find a place where to live.
How does your study abroad differ from the studies in your home country?
Actually I didn’t study at a University in Mexico. After graduating from my high school I decided to move to Prague and study in an International University there. However, I can say that studying abroad is always challenging, particularly when you are not studying in your native language and at the same time have to adapt to a new culture.
What do you expect from your studies at accadis Hochschule?
When I moved to Frankfurt, I was really looking forward to starting my studies at accadis. I really enjoyed the classes and I hoped to learn more from the professors, as each of them had an interesting background.
Do you have a "must see" tip for prospective international students in Bad Homburg and the surrounding area?
Yes! Of course Bad Homburg is a beautiful city, so is a must see for the international students. Personally I enjoy the coffee shops in the town. Moreover, everyone has to use his or her Semester Ticket as the whole area has beautiful cities and towns, which are not so far away.
One of your hobbies is flamenco. What fascinates you about dancing?
For me flamenco is my life. I enjoy the music and how the dance makes you feel. For me the dance is full of emotions. When you dance or see the dancers you feel the emotions.
Do you dance in a club in your home country and do you take part in competitions?
I have danced Flamenco for five years in a professional dance center. We didn’t have competitions, but we participated and we organized various concerts each year. Moreover, we participated in different events.
What has been your biggest success in the sport so far?
It is hard to say, as flamenco is not a competition, so maybe my participation in the theater with amazing dancers was one of my main successes.
What elements do you find most challenging in this sport?
I think that you have to know how to work in a team, because you are not the only dancer. You have to have a lot of patience, because one can face many problems, starting with regular practics – which is tiring – to final rehearsals.
Do you have a regular dance partner?
No, flamenco is a dance for which you do not always need a partner, and usually we were only girls.
How often do you train?
I trained twice a week for one hour and a half. When we had rehearsals for the concerts the training also took place on the weekend. Sometimes we had master class when professional dancers from Spain came to our town to provide special courses for us. Then we had a master class for a week which took place daily for four hours at least. Sometimes even longer.
Thank you very much for the interesting interview.
Thank you very much, for giving me an opportunity to share my international experience and my hobby.
Photographies (c) Evgenia Zharikova