A long way away
School placement semester abroad
So what are you studying?
Students and their degree programmes
Luca Nauschütz in the Thuringian University and State Library.
Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
Luca Nauschütz, teacher training: German and history, 9th semester
I’ve wanted to become a teacher since I was a very young child. I’ve always been a passionate person and felt the need to share this with others, to inspire them and spark curiosity so that we can explore things together. That’s exactly the kind of joy I want to share in the classroom one day.
My view of university life was fairly idealized at first. I imagined the university as a place of rebellion, where think tanks form and people strive to change the world. For me, studying also meant finding »my« place—meeting people of a similar mindset. However, having started my studies in 2021, the orientation days were followed by weeks of isolation due to the pandemic.
Today, I find studying particularly rewarding when, at the end of a seminar, the result isn’t just a seminar paper that disappears into the archives, but something that has an impact beyond the seminar room: In a module on modern history with Prof. Jens-Christian Wagner, for example, we developed the concept for an exhibition on Soviet Special Camp No. 2 in Buchenwald, which is still on display.
What I enjoy most is medieval German literature. There is so much to learn from it, both in terms of content, such as social structures, worldviews, and norms, as well as in terms of language. Middle High German is a beautiful form of the language, full of subtleties that are often underestimated. It’s a joy to bring this »extinct« language back to life: to hear its sound and to consider how it was originally meant to be performed. Many texts are not intended to be read silently; they thrive on performance and sound.
I am certain that I want to become a teacher. However, after my second state teaching exam, I would like to return to university and perhaps pursue a doctorate.
Many texts thrive on performance and sound.
Luca Nauschütz
Soyee Chan, Bachelor of Science: Chemistry, 4th Semester
Soyee Chan in the Thuringian University and State Library
Image: Michael Bader (Universität Jena)I never would have imagined that I’d end up studying a natural science. Back in my home country of Hong Kong, I first completed an apprenticeship as a pharmaceutical technician and then planned to study pharmacy. Having heard there was a major shortage of skilled workers in Europe, I decided to try my luck in Germany.
However, securing one of the coveted places in programmes with nationwide admission restrictions, such as medicine or pharmacy, is not easy. It didn’t work out for me right away, so I decided instead to study chemistry at the University of Jena. At first, I thought this was just a detour until I could get into pharmacy. But I quickly realized that I really enjoy chemistry.
As a hands-on learner, I particularly enjoy the extensive lab work in my course. For me, the lab is the best place to strike up conversations with my fellow students. In organic chemistry, we chat about the latest mess we’ve created; in physical chemistry, we grumble over the difficult calculations.
One of the best experiences of my studies so far has been the inorganic chemistry lab in my first semester. There, we had to analyse all kinds of ions, compounds and elements that we’d already covered in labs and lectures. We had to identify a total of seven target substances within three hours. I had a lot of fun doing this, thanks especially to the support of my fellow students.
In addition to lab days, we have exciting lectures and seminars, just like in other degree programmes. The University of Jena’s strong research profile is clear to see. This has sparked my interest in analytical chemistry and forensics.
For me, the lab is the best place.
Soyee Chan
