#13 "Don’t expect anything on Sundays" - intercultural chat with student Pooja

00:00:00: This is the podcast where we chat with a guest about what they do at our university.

00:00:04: Our University, that's the University of Applied Sciences in Karlsruhe in the south west of Germany!

00:00:27: Even for stupid questions, no question is stupid.

00:00:34: Be there be a bit more courageous and then of course get used to the language.

00:00:40: learn it will help you in the

00:00:47: long run.

00:00:51: Hello and welcome to the HKA

00:00:53: podcast.

00:00:54: At our university, international students have a few options how to study with us.

00:00:59: There is an International Programme for Exchange Students who are only here for short time And then we have actual degree courses that are taught in English where you can basically live and study just like a student from this country.

00:01:12: These can be very attractive to technology students from other countries Like India for example.

00:01:17: Pujar Goyal is one of these students.

00:01:19: She did very well during her studies of electrical engineering in a home country, India and is currently doing a master course in sensor systems technology here at HKA.

00:01:30: And recently she received our DAAD prize for outstanding commitment from an international student.

00:01:37: My name is Anika Reinsberger.

00:01:38: Let's start the show!

00:01:50: won the HKA prize or DAAD Prize for outstanding achievements by an international student.

00:02:06: How does that make you feel?

00:02:08: Honestly, I was very surprised!

00:02:11: Of course elated and in general... Yay!

00:02:16: Let me just tell people about this prize…I had to check myself what kind of a prize it is.

00:02:25: The DAAD Prize for Outstanding Achievements by International Students at German Universities is a prize which is endowed with a thousand euros per university and has been awarded more than ten years.

00:02:39: It's intended to help give faces to the large numbers of international students.

00:02:45: a bit what we're doing here today, this makes it clear that every single international student takes the piece of Germany with them to their home country and leaves something for themselves in Germany which is an enrichment on both sides.

00:03:03: That's what its says on our website.

00:03:06: You've been in Germany since December twenty-twenty one.

00:03:12: First of all What were your first impressions?

00:03:15: Do you remember?

00:03:18: Yes,

00:03:18: of course I do very clearly.

00:03:22: Since I landed here in December... Of course it

00:03:26: was cold!

00:03:28: But i remember my first impressions were a big surprise element as you know..I come from India.

00:03:38: we are vibrant energetic and Germany is so calm so organized.

00:03:48: Yeah, okay.

00:03:50: Of course we are also organised but it's more of an organised chaos and when you go out on the streets there is a lot environment, lots to absorb and Germany was very strained.

00:04:15: So did you have a feeling of oh, I need to behave myself that kind of thing?

00:04:19: No

00:04:19: not in the sense That i need To behave Myself but like I landed then A day later.

00:04:26: I'm sitting at home You know just Recovering from The travel and all And suddenly I realized I cannot hear anything.

00:04:34: The quiet.

00:04:35: yes

00:04:36: it's absolutely quiet.

00:04:38: Okay so that something you had to get used to?

00:04:41: Yes Of course sometimes most of the times It's a good Thing and sometimes it becomes a little lonely also.

00:04:49: What was your first impression of the people you met?

00:04:53: They were pretty nice, um... Of course like if we will compare them with Indians they are not very forthcoming or immediately warm but anywhere I have asked for help or any small directions anything People always given me right answers good answers And there've been very polite to me.

00:05:14: so Yeah, so they might seem as you know bit standoffish but no.

00:05:20: They're not

00:05:21: okay

00:05:21: yeah.

00:05:21: So you found that you sort of had to go towards them to receive?

00:05:28: It's like off course.

00:05:29: um...they were not rude to me or there are not You know?

00:05:33: Um..They did Not say anything To Me That Made Me Feel Bad Or An Outsider.

00:05:39: Is Just That I Had To Take The First Step?

00:05:43: Okay And do you have any advice for international students as to what, what to expect?

00:05:48: Maybe some quirky things.

00:05:50: Some I don't know buildings cultural things that...

00:05:56: One important thing Do not expect anything on Sundays.

00:06:03: That is still jarring to me

00:06:06: obviously Yeah, because in other countries and even in Britain for example you can go to supermarkets they're open.

00:06:14: Well a few maybe gas stations are opened on Sundays but that's about it!

00:06:21: Exactly so like back in India Sundays especially outing days everything is open.

00:06:31: Saturdays and Sundays are like your off days, you do everything that can not be done in a week.

00:06:37: So this is very big change!

00:06:39: And yes I have done my fair share of eight PM runs on saturday because i forgot to buy the grocery.

00:06:45: Well when I was small...I think on Saturday's we had see that you got groceries until.... lunchtime because after that it was

00:06:56: kind of, you know... Yeah.

00:06:57: That is also one big difference I have noticed.

00:07:02: personally i'm not a morning person whereas in Germany people are morning people like everybody's up and at five or six in the morning.

00:07:14: yeah maybe thats uh climate thing weather if its hot in India Do your work and whatever you need to do in the night time.

00:07:25: Yeah, maybe that is a reason... And yeah I'm also trying to be a morning person

00:07:31: now!

00:07:33: Okay so if- Maybe this sounds a bit naive but i've never been to India.

00:07:38: So what advice would YOU give me?

00:07:40: If I come to india how should I behave myself?

00:07:44: What should I look out

00:07:45: for?

00:07:46: Keep calm Don't be overwhelmed.

00:07:51: We could be very you know energetic, warm friendly a bit personal because Germans are well I wouldn't say hundred and eighty degree opposite but yes we're more into once we meet somebody.

00:08:12: You can ask some questions about like family in your life so don't be offended by it.

00:08:21: you can avoid them or just do something but they're not being inquisitive because they want to do something bad.

00:08:30: It's that this is what culture is.

00:08:34: and then if your planning to travel through India please be very sure about, have a super tight plan with you.

00:08:46: Plan like a German plan all your days, plan all you visits and your transports.

00:08:53: And everything will stay.

00:08:55: so that would really help because I wouldn't advise to be very spontaneous or adventurous.

00:09:03: That might not be what should i say fruitful for the travel.

00:09:10: India is huge So You may get distracted from your plans.

00:09:17: We just enjoy food and water, carry something like water with you but do enjoy the street food.

00:09:30: What region of India come from?

00:09:32: And paint me a picture.

00:09:36: what is it look like?

00:09:36: I have come form the state of Rajasthan in west india.

00:09:43: i've spent all my childhood there.

00:09:48: Yeah, I think the first time I moved out of my hometown and state was after I completed my graduation.

00:09:56: So it is a desert state.

00:09:59: so we are considered like the driest part... We ARE the driEST part in the country!

00:10:06: But to be honest....I had very beautiful childhood.. I never felt that i was lacking anything in terms of facilities or opportunities.

00:10:20: Of course, since I come from a small town personality development activities and curricular activities were little limited but again it was very normal quiet not quite...in the sense that you know i was a pretty talkative naughty child.

00:10:45: Yeah, I think that's the only complaint my teachers had.

00:10:48: but she talks too much.

00:10:50: We had a talk couple of days ago and we were talking about maybe cultural differences

00:10:55: in

00:10:57: technical mathematical jobs for boys or girls.

00:11:00: so here may be.

00:11:03: typically this is what it used to be like that girls weren't considered fit for technical mathematical subjects because

00:11:13: Girls

00:11:14: can't do maths, you know.

00:11:15: That kind of thing that I might have felt when I was growing up.

00:11:20: So is it different in India?

00:11:23: Unfortunately people still think so They may not be obvious about this but the prevailing prejudices are there

00:11:33: Even in India

00:11:35: Everywhere I would say.

00:11:37: And I think academically girls generally aren't discouraged from, you know taking up STEM subjects.

00:11:46: But I remember reading a report that though India has very high percentage it's one of the top countries with highest percentage women students in stem.

00:11:56: unfortunately we are not converting into our workforce so again the bias is continuing.

00:12:02: its just that...we have only reached single..you know We're one step ahead but there still long way to go.

00:12:11: and I think the main reason women are more in the STEM subjects, studying at least is that India still considered it's still IT powerhouse.

00:12:26: We have a huge IT and services industry And these jobs make up for stable good professional career.

00:12:33: so That kind of financial stability makes you know A lot majority people to take stem subjects and therefore I would say that we are not actively discouraged from taking up stem subjects.

00:12:49: but unfortunately, We still have a lot of work to do.

00:12:52: I think everywhere

00:12:53: STEM stands for

00:12:55: science technology engineering and mathematics.

00:12:58: This is what in Germany will be called the mint subject.

00:13:01: Okay so how did you get into electrical engineering?

00:13:07: Our simple answer would be because I didn't want to become a software engineer.

00:13:12: But, in my ninth grade... ...I was struggling alot with Mathematics Because suddenly there's been a big level change.

00:13:25: So i managed that, thankfully Intense standard.. I remember My father taught me He said he'll sit here and make sure you go through everything.

00:13:38: And that is when I fell in love with the subject.

00:13:41: Right, yes!

00:13:43: Is your father an electrical engineer?

00:13:45: He's a engineer and his engineering is in irrigation and water management.

00:13:51: So he was an engineer... My mother is a professor.

00:13:54: Okay so you had to write people to ask

00:13:57: questions.

00:13:57: Yes it's like.

00:14:02: then after obviously i decided engineering because I knew definitely, i could not be a doctor.

00:14:11: Unfortunately at that time those were the only two options that I had.

00:14:15: of course things are better now.

00:14:16: people have more options.

00:14:18: my siblings add more options.

00:14:20: so it was choice between mathematics and biology.

00:14:26: Of course I took mathematics And when the time came for my bachelor's study software, I want to do more of electronics.

00:14:39: It is more interesting.

00:14:40: it has something more exciting and hands-on.

00:14:44: Is there a project or something that you remember that sort of sparked that interest?

00:14:49: when we say oh i don't know some kind of little thing you constructed?

00:14:53: Or yeah...I

00:14:57: would say was not that intelligent but yes at the time in India mobiles were very new and upcoming things.

00:15:09: So I was really excited by them, how does everything happen?

00:15:13: And i remember that internet became a household thing in those last few years of my school education.

00:15:23: so I think it's more like what is this?

00:15:26: ,how has this happened ?

00:15:28: That is why I took electronics You know, loved the fact that I chose it.

00:15:37: It was something you felt were good at?

00:15:41: I could be a good at.

00:15:42: and then yes...I realised that Yes!

00:15:45: ...I choose the right thing

00:15:47: But obviously had to work for it.

00:15:51: Of course because it's all about physics And a lot of maths as well but i totally enjoy.

00:16:01: This brings me on to the next question, have you noticed a different attitude maybe in work ethic?

00:16:10: In Indian students as opposed to local German students?

00:16:15: because I sense that maybe Indian students know if i want to get there and If I wanted good life.I Have To Work After Study And That's The Motivation You Have.

00:16:30: Of course The motivation is stronger here because there have been, you know historical and cultural differences in how we perceive life.

00:16:40: Somebody living growing up in Germany versus somebody coming from India to pursue higher education.

00:16:48: One thing of course pretty sure that dedication towards your academic studies and the drive to succeed.

00:16:56: obviously for me I feel it's pretty much you know, balanced but I feel that the main difference in attitude-wise is related to competition and stress.

00:17:10: Okay!

00:17:11: In what way?

00:17:12: So...I feel personally that Indian students come from an environment of more competition a stronger competition And they take..they're used to you know most stress.

00:17:25: You know....in the way things work out for them though I have to work harder, to achieve a certain level of success.

00:17:36: Whereas the local German students... ...I find them they are not as stressful and they're not as competitive.

00:17:46: And since they know their local work and professional culture better So then how do handle it?

00:17:57: Obviously, it's a big step for you to come from India all the way here.

00:18:04: What made you take this step... ...to another country?

00:18:09: I wouldn't say that It was very hard or strong desire That i want shift out of India.

00:18:19: Just wanted do something new Look for something new and maybe something different.

00:18:29: And of course the two years of pandemic didn't help, they were very stressful and sad!

00:18:39: Then I got married and shifted here to Germany.

00:18:44: so...

00:18:45: So you got married in India?

00:18:47: Your husband came with you?

00:18:48: No my husband was already here.

00:18:51: then we got married.

00:18:56: Yes, I just took it up as a chance to do something new and move out.

00:19:03: Experience something new.

00:19:04: So let's talk about your CV.

00:19:07: Is there something that you want to pick out?

00:19:10: There are many things that you achieved And did.

00:19:15: some work experience You did projects.

00:19:18: Tell me the thing that you're proud of.

00:19:23: That is

00:19:23: very difficult question.

00:19:26: it might be something that you needed to do and you got or you sort of, oh okay I'll take this.

00:19:35: And...it just happened?

00:19:37: Needed-to-do I would say academic success.

00:19:42: That is important for me as an individual in the kind of family where i grew up.

00:19:49: so of course academic success was very important.

00:19:54: Prices like these dart and the way I did in my previous studies all their achievements.

00:20:02: They just they're just a cherry on top.

00:20:05: So yes, academic success is important.

00:20:09: And I learned to new language.

00:20:12: I would say I learn German.

00:20:14: of course I don't speak it very fluently but as Of now after two years of learning I can speak enough German to get me by the day, interact with everybody even on phone calls.

00:20:27: And pretty spontaneous.

00:20:29: so i'm proud of that because it was very difficult in the beginning.

00:20:34: So you did the courses here?

00:20:36: On campus?

00:20:37: No!

00:20:37: I started studying from India itself.

00:20:41: When I landed in Germany... ...I wasn't like with zero knowledge.

00:20:46: I was pretty comfortable about a month or so I could at least understand the signs, street signs and a little bit in the market.

00:20:58: Since then i have been learning German pretty regularly even in university.

00:21:04: i've already completed three courses there And hope that i would be able to do technical german language course as well.

00:21:13: So yes... Learning new languages was very interesting, challenging and rewarding for me.

00:21:21: I love to read so now i have German books too.

00:21:29: One more thing is this year only my parents visited here And was able take them around some countries in Europe.

00:21:38: So Im very proud of that.

00:21:41: Let me just read something Professor Leitzer, who nominated you for the DIAD Christ said.

00:21:52: Since starting her studies with us in March, twenty-twenty three she has been particularly helpful in the course and towards her fellow students.

00:22:00: on her own initiative She helps with organizing teaching and internal communication.

00:22:06: She's very courteous in communication always friendly patient and redeeming and her grades have been above average so far.

00:22:15: So he emphasises how you communicate with people, your helpfulness... So yeah tell us about that.

00:22:27: what has come from?

00:22:29: I think it comes from experience because of course i'm more experienced than most my fellow students And one thing that I've learnt over the years is especially me, I was very hesitant in my previous workplaces and you know study courses.

00:22:48: And over the years i've realized that it will not do any good.

00:22:54: That's what I saw here also with fellow students.

00:23:00: there were a bit of hesitation, nervous or scared and since I didn't want to do that again, i was like let me just take up this task.

00:23:11: And then of course... ...I am an extrovert!

00:23:19: I'm not scared of walking upto people.

00:23:22: so at least I know they should not be doing it.

00:23:26: So let's get the tasks done.

00:23:28: Okay..so there is a case saying oh they are kindof shy typical as the cliche goes, electrical engineering students.

00:23:39: Yes because there's also a difference that you have suddenly come to new country and don't know how to handle it.

00:23:45: I've been living here for one year.

00:23:49: It is just somehow...I developed thick skin.

00:23:53: You can walk upto people And talk about something or needs to be done.

00:24:00: So making sure The same mistakes do not happen again, where just because I'm nervous or am feeling a bit shy things don't happen.

00:24:15: Or you know...I do not talk about something.

00:24:18: so i extended that to everybody in the class.

00:24:22: So if there's any problem yeah..i know people have approached me and said okay I'll do it.

00:24:28: Sensor systems technology.

00:24:30: for someone who has no clue sensors

00:24:34: or

00:24:36: electrical engineering.

00:24:38: Maybe run me through a typical day of doing this course, what are you're doing?

00:24:44: What kind of things are you

00:24:46: handling?".

00:24:47: Okay so I usually start at six o'clock unfortunately because somehow i always end up with an eight am lecture.

00:24:59: So our typical days is like... You attend the lectures where we talk about a lot of different types of sensors.

00:25:08: So, sensor is just something that detects the change gives you the data and a lot processing also happens with it.

00:25:21: so We do attend lectures which talked about different type these things.

00:25:27: we have categories for everything.

00:25:30: then there could be practical laboratory once or twice a week, so we do that.

00:25:39: This summer semester our Monday was completely blocked from eight AM till five in the evening.

00:25:47: So yes some days are pretty chill No more than one-or two day lecture to do.

00:25:54: then there's A lot of assignments that you have complete and give.

00:26:01: sometimes they're laboratory based where you have to practical experiments or setups with electronic equipments, they could be depending on your subjects.

00:26:11: They would be software based like for some language programming.

00:26:15: I took machine learning.

00:26:16: so that way oriented.

00:26:20: then once a week we have to also do our project work.

00:26:24: So you take up two projects in second and third semester.

00:26:29: You dedicate time too which is completely hands-on Otherwise, I think and then of course go home study a bit more And then crash.

00:26:43: the studying part is not very you know.

00:26:46: So it's an intense?

00:26:49: Yes.

00:26:50: Of course especially The second semester.

00:26:54: in the third semester they're pretty intense.

00:26:58: if You end up with a lot of work in the winter semester It actually becomes.

00:27:05: So yes, the coursework is tight.

00:27:07: You have to be on your toes but again one big difference Is that you can take your time here.

00:27:15: so

00:27:15: how do you mean?

00:27:16: Take it

00:27:17: back in India if you're doing bachelors It has to be in four years like an idol.

00:27:23: otherwise only if you are not passing your subjects, then it goes beyond four.

00:27:28: You cannot spread it to be on for years.

00:27:32: Same goes for masters.

00:27:33: but here like you can spread your studies a little bit and there's no hard And fast rule that you have to complete in two years.

00:27:41: So at least if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed ,you take some time and Spread your studies so that way.

00:27:51: But yeah A typical day is me running about hair having food at the men's are questionable.

00:27:59: But then yes, um... The course is very uh what should I say intense?

00:28:08: And here at the University of Applied Sciences we pride ourselves for it to be applied sciences so hands-on practical and working.

00:28:19: maybe i don't know what your experience with external firms.

00:28:26: That is one thing because as an international student, I'm not very aware of a lot opportunities that come naturally to local German students.

00:28:37: But what i have observed it's if you want do something which isn't required part your curriculum just go and ask

00:28:49: Okay so like what?

00:28:50: So for example If I wanted new project Say optical sensors.

00:28:58: I really like how they work.

00:28:59: Just at least ask the professor if you could do something more in that.

00:29:04: Oh, i'm really interested in programming But I feel that I could do more work apart from what is being You know taught in the course curriculum.

00:29:12: just approach The right Professor asked for some more work.

00:29:15: That would add to your knowledge?

00:29:18: That will add to ucv that would add To your experience.

00:29:21: so Do that because there's time facility in the university to do that and of course there's the concept of taking up a student job, right?

00:29:32: So you take that job into your interested domain where you are.

00:29:36: Of course not very heavy one but at least we'll get know the company culture ,the company environment professional opportunities.

00:29:46: so I find it interesting.

00:29:52: what should I say, discovering phase of

00:29:55: study.

00:29:55: So it's a creative side that you hadn't discovered before maybe?

00:30:01: What i'm getting is... You might have an idea for optical sensors and then you can explore with the professor but than would need time to do so.

00:30:15: you spread out your subjects more.

00:30:17: Yes!

00:30:18: That was one possibility.

00:30:20: if you want to do it during the semester, definitely.

00:30:24: I'm just saying that of course being University of Applied Sciences is like go ask look for more projects.

00:30:32: so yes those opportunities are there and then of course you have those career fairs every year.

00:30:40: So... There's good opportunity to interact with a lot different people in your chosen field.

00:30:49: That why we're doing Masters.

00:30:51: You just don't want to follow the path, you wanna make sure that you have explored nicely.

00:30:59: So what are your plans for life or career after studies here at HK?

00:31:04: Of

00:31:04: course first priority is get a good job and hopefully it would be less hectic.

00:31:11: Hopefully I'd love travel more explore Germany more like we live in beautiful part of country and maybe concentrate a little more on my hobbies, develop them.

00:31:26: What are your

00:31:26: hobbies?

00:31:27: I love to read.

00:31:29: so yes you know improve my German enough for reading full-length books in German not just children's stories!

00:31:41: A little bit about the heck...I would like do more with fitness.

00:31:45: how i have take care of body more.

00:31:50: do some more athletic and physical activities.

00:31:54: So yeah, but yes getting a job is the first priority obviously.

00:31:59: So you're looking for companies to start work there?

00:32:05: At the moment I have only done my three semesters here so i have.

00:32:15: So let's say someone is watching this, someone listening to this from an international country not Germany.

00:32:23: and what advice would you give this person?

00:32:30: If this person wants as a student in Germany I'd say do your research.

00:32:37: Of course go to Dart.

00:32:38: that is like the Dart page where most of them are.

00:32:41: university students.

00:32:42: Person of the universities are listed your courses.

00:32:45: Are there?

00:32:46: do you research?

00:32:47: know what is

00:32:48: that?

00:32:48: The way you chose?

00:32:52: So the dark website.

00:32:53: it has a very good interface.

00:32:55: You can just go their look for the university's the kind of courses, so you want this dream That you want to study in every detail as they will direct.

00:33:05: They'll give you an overlook off the course home university where you are, so it's pretty encompassing and You get your first information from there.

00:33:21: So do your research first.

00:33:23: And then of course There is the financial aspect.

00:33:26: office off its own.

00:33:28: Take care of that.

00:33:29: what advice would you give someone for finances?

00:33:34: I'm not the right person to ask this question because I really didn't have two work very hard to you know in that department.

00:33:45: But there are scholarships available?

00:33:47: Of course, a lot of scholarships do apply for them because I also just applied!

00:33:54: I didn't think about the results.

00:33:56: your first task is to apply.

00:33:59: Do not worry about their result.

00:34:01: Don't be shy.

00:34:03: So even when sending out applications As long as you think that, You can justify That.

00:34:13: taking up this course is good for me.

00:34:16: It's something I want.

00:34:17: Do apply and do not be shy.

00:34:21: For finances i would say Be a little stingy.

00:34:28: Save your money Come here And then take a look.

00:34:34: Talk to the local people, talk to people who are already here as international students and interact.

00:34:42: Learn what they have you know learn from their experience.

00:34:45: Did

00:34:45: you take up any of the programs available?

00:34:48: From our International office?

00:34:49: here there's like a buddy program.

00:34:52: They go hiking.

00:34:53: Yes I've been to hiking And i went for one or two trips also two of my very good friends, they participated in it and I know that did good.

00:35:07: So... And of course you start getting to know people.

00:35:11: so once you are here talk with your seniors.

00:35:16: do not be hesitant approaching the university staff or professors.

00:35:24: My experience has been really great.

00:35:25: everybody have been helpful even for stupid questions.

00:35:29: No question is stupid!

00:35:34: Be there, be bit more courageous and then of course get used to the language.

00:35:40: learn the language.

00:35:41: if you're coming to a country like Germany or any country where English is not the first language do learn the languages.

00:35:48: it will help in your long run.

00:35:51: And then learn Badish, which is a local dialect.

00:35:55: No actually as someone not from Barden myself I can sleep.

00:35:58: I have

00:36:00: not yet got to that point.

00:36:02: so yes and if you're especially for international students who are coming to Germany get used the appointment system be punctual and carry cash.

00:36:17: Carry cash?

00:36:20: Yes!

00:36:21: Germans still love cash.

00:36:23: Carry cash, do not expect anything on Sundays.

00:36:27: Get used to appointments.

00:36:30: Oh yes you can go totally hiking on Sundays if you finish everything between Monday and Saturday.

00:36:38: Okay

00:36:46: thank-you for this insight from Pooja loyal.

00:36:50: Thank You very much!

00:36:52: For the first time I'm shy.

00:36:55: And that was it, our first HKA podcast in English!

00:36:59: The HKA Podcast.

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