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Faranak Jahromi (left) stands as the buddy of the Spanish exchange student Andrea Esteban

„In Germany, I only have one thing to complain about: the weather!“ says Andrea Esteban while looking through the window and laughing heartily. Since October, the Spanish student studies at Aalen University. In the Ostalb region she has now settled in well. Faranak Jahromi is an important part of that as she is Andrea’s “Buddy” and stands by her side with help and advice. The Buddy-Programme of the university would like to make the beginning of the international student’s studies and everyday life easier by supporting them with German students.

Where does one report their place of residence? How does registration work at the university? In which rooms do lectures take place? The beginning of study holds many challenges. What is new and sometimes difficult for first year German students, can quickly become an obstacle for international students. Language barriers, different mentalities, and other processes – finding your way in a foreign country is not always easy, especially at the beginning.

Jump Start for Newcomers

„Many exchange students from our partner universities are here only for a semester and have very little time to orient themselves,“ says Martina Kübler from the International Office of Aalen University. “When the social integration is successful, then so are their studies.” The Buddy-Programme, in cooperation with the non-profit organization International Society Aalen (ISA) provides necessary initial support. Some examples of the individual support provided by German students to the international students includes: pick up from the train station, campus orientation, help completing the necessary administrative processes, or planning free-time activities. The “Buddies” are experienced students who volunteer to engage themselves with the integration of exchange students. For their participation within the framework of their studies, they can acquire so-called “Social Credit Points” for their activities. Approximately 30 hours per semester are estimated for the care of foreign students.

Faranak Jahromi has already exceeded the 30 hour requirement – and with enthusiasm. “I like to meet people from other cultures”, says the young woman from Hagen (Germany) with Iranian roots, who is in her third semester of her studies in International Business at Aalen University. Immediately after graduating secondary school, Faranak went to Spain to work as an Au-Pair and fell in love with the country. “The sun, the culture, the warm-heartedness of the Spaniards, I really liked all of it.” Faranak Jahromi is all the more pleased with having Andrea, who originates from Barcelona, as her buddy. You notice immediately when you converse with them, that they understood each other right away. English, German, and Spanish sentence fragments fly between the two students. Happily and with mischief in their eyes, they explain everything they did together. “Typical girl things,” said Andrea with a conspiring look. Laughing, the chemistry student adds: “The chemistry between us is simply good.”

The Jump into cold water

Andrea Esteban absolutely wanted to spend her semester abroad in Germany. “It’s a good country for engineers and to gain experiences.” The 21-year old is convinced. “And I can improve my German,” she says with a mischievous smile. For years ago, the young woman started learning German. “My favourite author is Austrian and I wanted to read him in the original.” Andrea Esteban loves that Aalen University offers the Buddy Programme for exchange students. “This makes it much easier. If I have a problem, I call Faranak.” “This is also one of the reasons why I engaged myself as a buddy. I know how it is when you are thrown into cold water,” says Faranak Jahromi, as she tells about her experiences abroad. “Also, it’s simply fun to help.” She then turns to Andrea and asks cheerfully, “Well, what are we doing tonight?”

Info: Those who are interested in the programme can contact the International Office or send an E-Mail to: buddy@hs-aalen.de