What question did this study set out to answer?

To highlight Valentina's experiences and reflections during her studies in Jena, focusing on personal and academic growth.

May 1, 2026Open Access

Episode 12: Goodbye Jena: Valentinas Time at the University of Jena

Key Points

To highlight Valentina's experiences and reflections during her studies in Jena, focusing on personal and academic growth.
Personal narrative reflecting on experiences as an exchange student and master's student in Jena.
Engagement in various university activities and programs.
Interactions with local culture and community.
Valentina formed meaningful friendships and connections during her time in Jena.
She plans to work as a language teacher and integration course facilitator in Germany.
Valentina shares advice for international students on making the most of their experiences.

Abstract

Valentina first came to Jena as an exchange student and came back for her Master. Now she is leaving Jena and looking back on her time here. Valentina Bonacina comes from Italy and studies German as a foreign and second language. In her Bachelor programme she cames to Jena for one semester as an exchange student. She liked it so much here that she came back to study a Master. After her thesis she will work in Germany as teacher for langaugae and integration courses. 02:10 What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Jena? 03:07 What is your favorite memory of Jena? What was the best experience here? 03:57 Where the also not so good experiences? 04:20 How did you find new friends? 06:03 What is your favorite place in Jena? 07:00… and your favorite cafeteria? 07:40 … and your favorite library? 08:30 What didn’t you expect? What did surprise you? 11:30 What are you going to miss most? 12:33 Which memories will last you forever? 14:30 What is your advice for international students to have such an good time like you? 17:00 Valentinas memory of the first arrival in Jena • Erasmus in Jena: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/gueststudies • Master programmes at the University of Jena: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/master-service-centre • The DSH-Course at the University of Jena: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/dshcourse • Trips and Events for international students: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/intstudevents • The Mentoring programm: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/mentoringprogramme • Uni Sports: https://www.hochschulsport.uni-jena.de/en • The Zeiss-Planetarium Jena : https://planetarium-jena.de/ • Dining halls ("Mensa") in Jena: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/dining-halls/facilities.html o Valentinas favorite canteen „Philomensa“: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/dining-halls/jena/mensa-philosophenweg.html • University libraries in Jena: https://www.thulb.uni-jena.de/en/home o Valentinas favorite library „Thulb“: https://www.thulb.uni-jena.de/en/thulb/standorte/arts-and-humanities o The Cafeteria in the Thulb: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/dining-halls/jena/cafeteria-bibliothek.html • Contact Interntational Office • The Thuringian Studierendenwerk: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/ • The Wartburg in Eisenach: https://www.wartburg.de/ • The "Drachenschlucht": https://eisenach.life/en/sights/nature/drachenschlucht • Career Point: https://www.career.uni-jena.de/en • Fritz Mitte: https://www.fritzmitte.de/ • Informationen zur Bewerbung: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/studies-international

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Cite This Study

Laura Kaden (Mon,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69f443e8967e944ac55670c4 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.22032/dbt.59932

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