Pia, Teacher Training for Special Education, Foundation of the German Economy - Studienkolleg
Were you aware before your studies that you had all the prerequisites for a scholarship? How did you become aware of the topic?
I only became aware of the possibility of applying for a scholarship shortly before I started my studies. I knew that there were scholarships and that I had quite good grades at school. Nevertheless, I didn't see it as an option for me at first. Then a friend brought it to my attention and motivated me to apply. That's how I received an acceptance letter for the Deutschlandstipendium.
During the course of my bachelor's degree, I found out about the Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft from a flyer in the cafeteria. I was particularly attracted by the Foundation's strong ideological support and its "Studienkolleg" program, which is particularly geared toward teaching. So I took up the challenge and applied for a scholarship there for my master's degree - with success!
What has changed in your life/study as a result of the scholarship?
At the Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft, scholarship holders are organized into regional groups. Our regional group includes about 20 scholarship holders from the Dortmund, Bochum, Witten and Iserlohn area. I find it very enriching to come into contact with other scholarship holders beyond my own university and department. In regular meetings, we introduce each other to the topics that move us in our studies, commitments or free time, or we look beyond the horizon together. Last year, we discussed the history and development of the Ruhr region at several meetings and on excursions - since then, I've had a completely different perception of the region in which I study!
What does it mean to you to be a scholarship recipient?
Being a scholarship holder is a great honor for me and I consider it a great privilege to be given all these opportunities. Precisely because such support is anything but a matter of course, I want to make the best possible use of the opportunities that are offered to me. I'm backed up financially to a certain extent, as well as offered opportunities for personal development that no one person can exhaust in two years of master's studies. So I see it as my responsibility to use these resources appreciatively, to study conscientiously, to get involved socially, and so ultimately to be able to give something back in the long term.
The regular contact with other scholarship holders - in person in the regional group or throughout Germany via the intranet or at national events - is very inspiring. It's good to be connected with people who want to get things done and help shape the future!
What special offers does your Förderwerk have that you can take advantage of?
What particularly attracted me to the Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft (sdw) was the fact that it has its own program for student teachers in the form of the Studienkolleg. In addition to providing access to the general program of the sdw and the exchange with students from other departments, the sdw thus offers the opportunity to explicitly deal with one's role as a prospective teacher and to take away tools for shaping the schools of tomorrow. The courses offered by the Studienkolleg are based on the quality areas of the German School Award - so I can deal intensively with what makes a good school and how I can help shape a good school!
What tips would you give to prospective students and students who are interested in / would like to apply for a scholarship?
Have the courage! Applying for a scholarship is definitely worthwhile! Good performance at school or university is not to be dismissed out of hand. However, many foundations are also interested in your social commitment and a certain creative will. If you are willing to learn and work for what is important to you, you have a good chance of convincing an application!