If you stroll across the Campus of Aalen University of Applied Sciences, you will hear many snippets of words in other languages (of instruction) - for example Georgian, English, Arabic or Nepali. After all, many of the students come from all over the world. They all bring the international Campus to life and create a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The institution of higher education maintains intensive relationships with well over 130 partner universities. In a loose series, we present inspiring histories of students from our partner universities who have decided to continue their academic journey at Aalen University of Applied Sciences - this time with Thaís Guedes from Brazil.
42 dream beaches
Turquoise lagoons, 42 dream beaches, Atlantic rainforest, impressive canyons and the lively city of Florianópolis: Thaís Guedes' home country has many superlatives to offer. Florianópolis - or "Floripa", as the locals affectionately call it - is the capital of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina and is located on the island of the same name. Not only was the 21-year-old born and raised there, but she has also been studying Business Administration at Santa Catarina State University, one of the best universities in Brazil, for five semesters.
Passion for Germany
For one year, Thaís Guedes has now swapped the southern Brazilian metropolis for the Ostalb in order to continue, subsequent, follow-up studies at the institution of Applied Sciences in Aalen. "I really wanted to go to Germany. My parents really like the country, my father was already an exchange student here. I must have traveled here with them twelve times already. The Alps are so beautiful, a great panorama," enthuses the young woman. And adds with a laugh: "Somehow my parents passed on their passion for Germany to me." There were three options for her semester abroad - Berlin, Aachen and Aalen. However, as she preferred a smaller city that was also a little more centrally located in Germany, she didn't have to think twice. "Aalen is a cute city. I like the cafés downtown and the city park." She also assesses the safety and tranquillity very highly. "Walking alone at night in my home town? That's crazy, far too dangerous! Even though Florianópolis is one of the safest cities in Brazil - when I go out with my friends in the evening, we never walk. We always take an Uber," says Guedes.
Spain is next on the agenda
The student also thinks the location of Aalen is great. "You can get to so many German and European cities from here by train," says Guedes enthusiastically. Traveling is her big hobby, and at the weekends she is always out and about with a small group of exchange students. Since her arrival last September, she has already been to Poland, Serbia, Italy, Sweden, Denmark and Switzerland. "I still want to explore so much. Spain is next on the agenda," laughs Guedes.
Making connections quickly
Living here is a great experience in general. "It really exceeds my expectations. Everyone is so friendly and open. I quickly made friends, including with the other internationals," says the student ... happily. She is very grateful for the support of the International Center at Aalen University of Applied Sciences, for example with the visa forms or finding accommodation. She actually only wanted to come for one semester at first. "But now I've 'upgraded' to a whole year. You learn so much, more than during your entire time at school. It makes me more independent and I'm challenged to find solutions in difficult situations - even without parents," says the young woman, adding with a mischievous smile: "Although sometimes I do call my mother and ask how to wash a delicate item of clothing, for example."
At least 42 reasons for an exchange semester
She is also satisfied with her Studies at Aalen University of Applied Sciences. "The Business Administration, BA lectures are a lot of fun. You can tell that the professors have previously worked in the private sector and therefore have an accordingly good idea of what to expect after graduation. The practical experience and proximity to everyday working life make the theory clear and understandable," says Guedes. She is currently considering doing her Masters (UK)/master's (US) in a European country. The only thing she misses a little - apart from her family, friends and Brazilian food - is being able to go straight from lectures to the beach and jump into the water. "So the Aalen students have at least 42 reasons to do an exchange semester at my university!" says the Brazilian happily.
