Christian, teaching degree at grammar schools and comprehensive schools, German National Academic Foundation
Were you aware before your studies that you had all the prerequisites for a scholarship? How did you become aware of the topic?
No, I would never have thought that I would be eligible for a scholarship. I didn't even know how many different scholarships there actually are in Germany. I always associated scholarships with total high-flyers and institutions like Harvard, but nothing that could be considered for me. I first became aware of it when I was suggested by my school and later by my examination office. But even at that point I didn't really know what to expect there.
What has changed in your life/study as a result of the scholarship?
The Studienstiftung has opened up many opportunities for me that I would not have had otherwise. Among other things, I had the opportunity to study for a year in my favorite city, Rome, and to do an internship in Boston that lasted several months. The most enriching thing for me, however, were the other fellows I was able to meet, whether in the local group in Dortmund or at one of the numerous other events. This gave me the opportunity to get to know countless exciting and committed personalities, which is a great enrichment on a personal level.
What special offers does your Förderwerk have that you can take advantage of?
The offers are very numerous: There are several summer and spring academies every year, where exciting lecturers from science and business give workshops. There are many language courses that you can take part in, for example in Italy, England, Spain, but also recently in Japan. And there are scientific colleges where you can work more intensively on topics over a period of two years. Last but not least, there are also many exciting weekend seminars organized by fellows. I've already had the opportunity to take part in language courses in England and Italy, to attend a summer academy on autonomous driving, but also to deal more intensively with topics such as youth soccer or arms exports.
What tips would you give to prospective students and students who are interested in / would like to apply for a scholarship?
I almost didn't go to my own selection seminar because I thought I wouldn't make it anyway. So I can only encourage everyone to apply and go to the selection seminar. I would have missed out on a lot of great opportunities if I hadn't done that. Even if it doesn't work out, it's not a shame, but an exciting experience. Sometimes it also takes several attempts - as it did for me. I was first put forward by the school for another scholarship program, where it didn't work out - but a year later I was put forward by the Studienstiftung.