Start of the semester: International Financial Management meets Social Work

Author: Natalie Schalk

For the first time, more than 500 new students start at Coburg University of Applied Sciences in a summer semester: for all of them, it is the beginning of a new phase in their lives. Careers begin here. And friendships. The first few days are exciting.

“Oh my gosh!” Debarati Gautam is still a little excited as she recounts how she got lost on the first day of her studies. She comes from Tripura in north-east India and has been in Coburg since Sunday. The 31-year-old speaks very good English and a little German, already has an engineering degree in her pocket and started a Master’s degree in Financial Management at Coburg University of Applied Sciences in the summer semester. At the moment she is still staying in a hotel. Until Monday morning, she didn’t know anyone in Coburg either. While looking for the introductory event, she was heading in the wrong direction – down the Judenberg towards the city center – when she met Chiara Eberlein. “If I had walked down the hill and then had to go up again – uh!” Debarati Gautam groans: “I would have died!” Then she laughs and says to Chiara Eberlein, who is now sitting next to her in the brose auditorium at the introductory event: “You saved me!”

 

Exciting hours for first-year students

Chiara Eberlein and Debarati Gautam have found their way to campus together. It is also Eberlein’s first day at the university – but she already has an apartment in Coburg: “I come from Scheßlitz near Bamberg,” says the 26-year-old. She also arrived in Coburg on Sunday and already has a degree: “I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in Würzburg.” In Coburg, she is studying for a Master’s degree in Social Work . Gautam and Eberlein are two of over 500 “first-timers” for whom a new phase of life began on Monday with the summer semester. Around half of them, like Gautam and Eberlein, have started a Master’s degree, while the others have started a Bachelor’s degree or an orientation semester. Those who do not yet know which degree course is right for them can try out modules from different degree courses during the orientation semester to find out what suits them best. Just three years ago, the number of first-year students in the summer semester at Coburg University of Applied Sciences was around 200 – the introduction of the regular Bachelor’s degree course in the summer and the orientation semester has been very well received.

 

A warm welcome from the President and Lord Mayor

University President Prof. Dr. Stefan Gast welcomed all new students from Coburg, Kronach and Lichtenfels to the “scientific community” in Coburg, in Bavaria, Germany, as well as internationally, in Europe and overseas, where the same rules of scientific work with integrity apply everywhere. He emphasized the responsibility of science in a challenging time and also the importance of diversity, of personalities with diverse backgrounds. “Embrace diversity as a wealth,” he recommended to the students and also to help each other. So Gautam and Eberlein have already fulfilled their first mission as Coburg students. “A very warm welcome,” said Gast. “Don’t forget to enjoy your time: I wish you a great start to this new phase of your lives!”

 

With a samba festival, design days, museum night, festival, concerts and cultural highlights, Coburg feels like a big city in summer.

Coburg’s Lord Mayor Dominik Sauerteig

 

Coburg’s Lord Mayor Dominik Sauerteig also welcomed the students from near and far: “It’s great to have you here in Coburg!” As someone who graduated 15 years ago, he assured that it is a special time in which you experience a lot. Coburg, with its beautiful city centre, organizations and projects, is ideal for enjoying your time as a student: “There are plenty of opportunities: With a samba festival, design days, museum night, festival, concerts and cultural highlights, Coburg feels like a big city in summer.” However, life is affordable and it is easy to get involved in society and make contacts here. “You quickly get to know lots of people, meet up at the market in a café or in the courtyard garden.” Sauerteig pointed out that Coburg’s economy, with global players, national market leaders and hidden champions, also opens up very good prospects in the region after graduation.

 

Lots of support for the newcomers

On behalf of the Student Council (SV), Jan Keller explained to the new students that the SV is there to support them and help them to make their studies as smooth and enjoyable as possible. He pointed out student initiatives: from the CAT-Racing motor sports team and improv theater to the university choir and big band, which also got the summer semester off to a musical start with a small ensemble at the welcome ceremony.

Dr. Katja Kessel, Head of Student Advisory Services, provided information on starting your studies and other support services. Then it was time for the introductions to the individual degree programs. Debarati Gautam waved goodbye and went to the Financial Management first-year students, Chiara Eberlein to Social Work. In their new phase of life at the university, the two will meet many more new people.

 

Get a taste of campus life

At the taster days during the Easter vacations on Tuesday, April 15 and Wednesday, April 16, anyone interested will have the opportunity to get a taste of campus life at the university and find out about the courses on offer at the Faculties of Applied Natural Sciences and Health, Design, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Engineering, Social Work and Economics. You can find out all about it and register at www.hs-coburg/schnuppertage