Higher education in Germany and scholarship programmes – an online meeting on this topic was held today by the student's club of linguistic and cultural studies "Travel Office" (9 February 2022). The guest of honor was Anna Melai (a SumDU stakeholder, a graduate student of the Department of Germanic Philology and Otto Friedrich Universität Bamberg, a teacher of the German IT language). She currently lives and works in Germany.

During the presentation, the speaker told philology students about her experience and opportunities that are open up for scholarship holders of international programmes, including financial support. Student fees and scholarships in Germany vary depending on land and location of educational institutions.

In addition to the most popular scholarship funds (DAAD, BAYHOST), Anna drew attention to special ones that share values of certain German political parties. Programme founders are interested in students who take an active civic position in their homeland and endorse organizers' principles.

The vast majority of the provided examples will be helpful to philology students. Besides, technical specialties have not gone unnoticed. In particular, the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit (FDP) will be more relevant for them in contrast to the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (CDU/CSU).

Internships and student practices were under discussion, as they play a critical role in German education and further employment. Anna emphasized the importance of volunteering and mentioned that one should not neglect even those activities that may seem insignificant.

"A volunteering activity, even organizing a seminar at the university, can help you in your future career and life", she said.

During the lively discussion, motivated students received answers to all questions: from what extracurricular activities are available in German universities to tips on how to get a student visa.