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The episode explores the initial experiences of an exchange student in Jena, Germany, focusing on preparation and first impressions.

May 1, 2026Open Access

Episode 9: Hallo Jena: Die erste Zeit im Gaststudium

Key Points

The episode explores the initial experiences of an exchange student in Jena, Germany, focusing on preparation and first impressions.
Interview with exchange student Hsiao Hsuan Lin about her journey and experiences in Jena.
Discussion of the exchange program and preparation steps for studying abroad.
Exploration of cultural differences and support resources available at the University.
The exchange student shares her surprising experiences about living in Jena and navigating the university system.
She discusses the support services provided by the International Office, indicating their helpfulness.
Cultural differences in studying between Jena and her home university are highlighted, offering insights for future students.

Abstract

In this episode an exchange student talks about her experiences at the beginning of her stay in Jena and the start of the semester. How to prepare? What was surprising? How is studying in Germany different? Host today: Laura Kaden works in the International Students Team of the International Office and at the Career Point of the University. Guest today: Hsiao Hsuan Lin from Taiwan studies German as a foreign and second language for one year at the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena. Shownotes: 01:13 What is the exchange programm you came with? 01:35 Why did you choose Jena? 02:35 How was your journey to Jena and what was your first impression? 03:35 What do you think now about Jena? 04:27 How did you prepare for your stay? - From the application to the journey, 07:30 What did you buy after arrival? 08:10 Where do you live in Jena? 08:54 Did you have any expectations before coming to Jena, that were proofed right or wrong? 09:55 Do you have contact with german students or mainly with international students? 10:40 Which challenges did you face and how could you solve them? 12:25 Did you have any support? 13:30 How was the start of the semester and your first day at the university of Jena? 14:38 What events offered support in the beginning – to get information and find friends? 15:30 Were the wokshops of the International Office helpfull for your preparation? 16:50 What are the differences between studying in Jena and your home university? 17:50 How do you like the study system in Jena? 18:40 How do you spend your free time in Jena and what is on your bucket list for the rest of your stay? 20:2E30 What are your tippst o handel homesickness? • Guest studies at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/gueststudies • The ATS programm at the institute for German as a foreign and second language: https://www.dafdaz.uni-jena.de/studieren/auslandssemester • Accomodation: o Dormitories of the student service organization: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/housing/ o An episode of this podcast about housing: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/podcast-uni-jena-international#E3housing • Mentoring: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/mentoringprogramme • The start of the semester: o Welcome Days: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/welcomedays o Orientation Days: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/stet o Informations for international students: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/start-studying-international • Leisure time: o Hiking in Jena: https://www.hiking-jena.de/ o IWM: https://www.iwmgmbh.eu/ o More offers: https://bunter-kompass-thueringen.info/athur?l=en

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Cite This Study

Laura Kaden (Wed,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69f4435b967e944ac5566a43 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.22032/dbt.59219

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