Mobility of a sociology program student to Germany

The fall semester of the 2024–2025 academic year turned out to be filled with exciting events for Ana particularly the fun cultural evenings, where exchange students presented their countries through specially prepared programs and introduced their friends to the good sides of their homelands.

One of the advantages of exchange programs is the international friendships that students form, which also allow them to immerse themselves in foreign cultures. Exchange programs truly offer the opportunity to better understand European culture and values, and to meet people from all corners of the world. “Clearly, if not for the mobility program in Germany, I would know much less about other cultures. In addition, I had the honor of presenting Georgia from a different perspective to my foreign friends and showcasing my country in a positive light,” Ana says.

As with every student, living away from her home country and family for five months made Ana more independent and self-confident. She also came to value time and order more deeply and now tries to carry those lessons into her daily life. As a sociology student, she found participation in sociological research particularly engaging. The project she was involved in focused on studying the challenges faced by migrants after arriving in Germany, which gave Ana a new perspective on her field of study.

The academic courses offered by the Catholic University of Freiburg also proved to be interesting and different for Ana, especially the “English for Social Sciences” course and an intensive online course. “I found the subject English for Social Sciences especially engaging. Thanks to this course, I not only improved my English and learned new terminology, but also gained insight into the needs and challenges of people with disabilities and refugees. I also learned about the social challenges faced by children in early development stages. Another subject that was also interesting and completely new to me was the Blended Intensive Course (German, Norwegian, and Dutch Perspectives). This course focused specifically on the work of non-governmental organizations and
included practical exercises and homework assignments,” Ana notes.

Upon returning home, what Ana misses most are the international friends she made in Germany and the cultural evenings they shared together. When asked why students should participate in exchange
programs, Ana responds: “First and foremost, students should take part in exchange programs to become more independent. Leaving your comfort zone is the foundation of growth, and living abroad for a few months truly helps with that. During an exchange program, you get to know the culture of another country, which is essential for broadening your horizons. The second and most important reason is overcoming the language barrier. Being in a foreign- language environment is the best way to improve your language skills. When you live in a foreign country, you're constantly faced with new challenges, and I believe all of this positively impacts your personal and professional development. I would encourage all students to participate in exchange programs. Don’t be afraid of challenges and difficulties—they will become the best experience of your life and help you better understand European values and culture.”