Small Village, Big Heart

Faisal from Iraq, Winter semester 2022/2023

Hello People!!

I am Faisal from Iraq, and I want to tell you about my stay here at RAC. My exchange semester in Remagen was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Not only did I have the opportunity to study at RAC, but I also had the chance to immerse myself in a new culture and make friends from all over the world.
During my time in Remagen, I took a variety of classes, ranging from German language to business and economics with a practical curriculum, where I found the classes to be challenging, but also incredibly engaging. My professors were knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, and I felt that I was truly learning something new every day.
In addition to my classes, I also took on an academic internship on campus. This experience was invaluable, as it allowed me to apply the theoretical knowledge I had gained to real-world situations. I was able to work on projects and tasks that were always interesting, and I felt that I was making a meaningful contribution to Sprachen/Internationales. The experience helped me to gain a better understanding of what it would be like to work in a German company, from administrative to cultural aspects, and it was a great opportunity to put my skills to the test.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my exchange semester was the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. I made friends from countries from all over the world. It was fascinating to learn about their cultures, and to hear about their experiences of studying abroad. I also found that living with people from different cultures helped me to gain a better understanding of my own culture, as well as to learn about the customs and traditions of others and what we share. Another important aspect of my exchange semester was learning how to live alone and manage my household. I was responsible for cooking my own meals, cleaning my own apartment, and managing my own finances. At first, it was difficult to adjust to this new level of independence, but I quickly learned to appreciate the freedom and responsibility that came with it. I also found that I was able to learn new skills, such as budgeting and meal planning, which will be useful for the rest of my life. Also, testing myself in Remagen and experiencing the German small village life, away from the fast-paced life of a metropolitan setting, was something that I have not foreseen and will never forget, I will always remember life on the Rhein and seeing how a small village can take a big chunk of my heart.

Overall, my exchange semester in RAC was an incredible experience that I will always treasure. I learned so much about myself, about other cultures, and about the world. I also gained valuable skills that I will be able to use throughout my life. I would highly recommend an exchange semester to anyone who is considering it. It is a chance to gain new perspectives, make lifelong friends, and to have an experience that you will never forget.