Experience in Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Germany by Linda

Generally, what is Friedrich Schiller University of Jena like?

Jena is a city entirely dedicated to university, where every place of interest is close to the centre and the biggest part of the population is composed by students. Every structure is well-kept, suitable to the activity and there is an organized canteen system in all the region of Thuringia. To give you an example of what I mean, you can see among the photographs a map where I marked all the places where my lessons were hold: as you can see, everything is very close to the city-center, to the main attractions and facilities, and it took me no more than 15 minutes on foot to move from one place to another.

Also, I had the opportunity to live Jena during a very warm summer semester, and that gave me the echance to enjoy a pleasant time moving around the city. In any case, there is an efficient public transportation system for all of those living far from the city centre.

Of course, It' not only the location of classrooms, the facilities and the organization which make Jena a "paradies for students" (as it's often called here), in fact, on the streets it's possible to feel a strong sense of unity and identity: since the majority of people are students, it's very easy to meet people you may have something in common with (in favour of this, everybody wears the merch by FSU Jena, look at the picture and see how cool is it! --> http://www.uni-shop-jena.de/ ) and, crucially for people on an Erasmus, there are lots of events, associations and occasions to get to know other international students! You're going to read more about all of those things later, but I hope I gave you a glimpse of what's like to be part of this world, even if for just a semester!

What are the facilities like?

When you enroll to the University system, you are give the Thoska card.With this card you have access to a lot of different facilities:

• free public means of transport in all Thuringia - not only buses, even trains and trams will be for free!
• great discounts on food in the canteens (to give you an idea, you can have a complete meal, including a main dish, a drink and a dessert/fruit for a price ranging from 2 to 6 euros)
• discounts on the books, possibility to make use of the public library, one of the most important in alla Thuringia (it's caaled the Thulb, you're gonna love it!)
• promotions on many ventures for students. Every month, many events for both German and international students are organized: everything is very affordable and people are really kind and available, even with non-German speakers!
• Important: with the Thoska card you have access to some services available in the university dorms, for instance the laundry machines.

What are the tutors like?

I had a very positive impressions of the majority of them: they are competent, try to enhance your skills, they're comprehensive and know you personally from your behaviour during the course. I was glad to meet all of them and I'll have a positive memory of the seminars I attended!

Are the lessons easy in Friedrich Schiller University of Jena?

It depends on the faculty, but for me they were completely reachable, interesting, interactive and enjoyable (with one only exception). It's notable to say that I have a strong theorical background provided by my home University (Turin, Italy) and my English was in line with the level required.

Does the University organise activities? If so, what are they like?

Yes, there are many events and activities organized by the University and, as an Erasmus student, I could also take part on those organized by two major associations for international students (ESN and IntRo Jena). They are cool, and there's one for every taste!

Do you think there is a good quality of teaching?

Yes, definitely. I didn't learn that much theory as I'm used to in my country, but I actually learnt many practical skills that I consider fundamental in my future career. Courses are very well prepared and leave you with something to build further knowledge on.

Are there any stories you can share?

Not one in particular, but a general impression: Jena is really a paradise for students, the city is young, full of events and interesting people to know, but in the meanwhile tidy, well-scheduled and definitely welcoming. I totally suggest all of you to take Jena in consideration!