From Nigeria to Germany, David shares his journey as a poet, performer, and cultural studies student at Leuphana University. With his work spanning poetry, film, performance, and experimental art, David reflects on how storytelling can challenge stereotypes, preserve African heritage, and build community across borders.

0:45 Studying Cultural Studies at Leuphana University
3:00 David’s journey from Nigeria to Germany
6:10 Exploring art at the intersections of poetry, film, and performance
10:20 Highlights from international festivals and awards
14:30 The role of storytelling in reshaping narratives about Africa
18:00 Building and curating a global literary community
22:15 Balancing art, activism, and academic life abroad
26:00 Cultural adjustment in Germany and advice for other students
29:30 David’s vision for the future

From Nigeria to Germany, David shares his journey as a poet, performer, and cultural studies student at Leuphana University. With his work spanning poetry, film, performance, and experimental art, David reflects on how storytelling can challenge stereotypes, preserve African heritage, and build community across borders.

0:45 Studying Cultural Studies at Leuphana University
3:00 David’s journey from Nigeria to Germany
6:10 Exploring art at the intersections of poetry, film, and performance
10:20 Highlights from international festivals and awards
14:30 The role of storytelling in reshaping narratives about Africa
18:00 Building and curating a global literary community
22:15 Balancing art, activism, and academic life abroad
26:00 Cultural adjustment in Germany and advice for other students
29:30 David’s vision for the future

Moving to a new country is never easy — and Danish knows it well. Originally from Pakistan, he’s now studying Management and Data Science at Leuphana University. In this episode, he opens up about the reality of starting over: adapting to a new system, finding his academic path, and reflecting on the very structured life he led before moving abroad. Tune in to hear how Danish balances discipline with discovery, and what it’s really like to build a future in a foreign land.

Moving abroad is an adventure filled with challenges—finding a place to live, adapting to a new culture, and studying in a foreign language. Ana-María from Colombia has faced it all! Now pursuing Cultural Studies, Culture and Organizationin Germany, she shares her story of navigating German bureaucracy, securing a DAAD scholarship, and overcoming the struggles of settling in a new country. We also talk about language barriers, cultural shocks, and her tips for future international students. Tune in for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation!

00:00 - Introduction
02:30 - Cultural Studies Program
03:30 - First Days in Germany
07:25 - Impressions of German Education vs. Colombian Education
09:40 - Making New Friends
11:20 - Cultural Differences
13:50 - Finding Accommodation in Germany
18:00 - Learning German: Tips
20:20 - DAAD Scholarship
25:00 - Wrap-Up

Meet Adil, a master’s student from Azerbaijan studying Public Economics, Law, and Politics in Germany. Before moving abroad, he worked at the State Migration Service and was actively involved in the "Migration Volunteer" Public Union, gaining firsthand experience in migration policies and international mobility. In this episode, he shares his journey of relocating to Germany, adapting to a new academic system, and navigating life as an international student. We also discuss his passion for migration policy, cultural differences, and his advice for students considering studying in Germany. Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation!

00:00 - Introduction
00:15 - Guest introduction (Adil)
01:00 - Adil’s background and why he chose Germany
02:30 - First impressions of Germany
04:15 - Biggest challenges when moving to Germany
06:00 - Learning German: difficulties and strategies
08:20 - Experience at Leuphana University
10:45 - Cultural differences between Azerbaijan and Germany
13:00 - Finding accommodation as an international student
15:20 - Financial challenges and how Adil manages expenses
17:40 - Social life and making friends in Germany
20:00 - Advice for future international students
22:00 - Closing thoughts and outro

Meet Emre, a master’s student in Public Affairs and Democracy who just took a huge step—moving to Germany! With only a week in the country, he shares his first impressions, the ups and downs of the visa process, and what drew him to Leuphana University. We also chat about his Erasmus experience in Budapest, his love for basketball and podcasting, and his dreams for the future. If you’re thinking about studying in Germany, especially as a student from Turkey, Emre’s story is full of insights, laughs, and heartfelt advice. Tune in for an inspiring and honest conversation about starting fresh in a new country!

Episode timeline

00:01 – Intro
00:50 – Emre’s introduction & first impressions of Germany
03:00 – The challenges and surprises of moving abroad
05:15 – The visa process: struggles, doubts & final approval
09:30 – Choosing Leuphana: Why Germany & the academic journey
13:45 – Comparing studies in Germany & Turkey
16:20 – Erasmus in Budapest: How it shaped Emre’s decision
19:00 – Basketball & podcasting: Emre’s passion projects
22:30 – Learning German: Expectations vs. reality
25:10 – Adjusting to life in Germany: Tips for international students
29:30 – Final advice & reflections
30:30 – Outro

Meet Polina, a Master’s student in Culture and Organization from Russia, who has a lot to say about adapting to a new country, chasing opportunities, and figuring things out along the way. In this episode, we dive into her experience of moving to Germany, the ups and downs of studying in a foreign language, and how she’s shaping her path.

Episode timeline

00:01 Intro

00:50 Polina’s introduction

02:00 Academic Journey

10:50 Learning German Language

15:05 Navigating the Job Market in Germany

26:20 Balancing studies and personal life

28:40 Advice for Future International Students

30:00 Outro

Meet Rakay, a dynamic Management and Entrepreneurship student who’s turning his ambitions into reality. As the founder of his own small company, Rakay has firsthand experience navigating the challenges of student life while building a business. In this episode, he shares his inspiring journey, offering practical tips on how to find a job as a student and balance it all. From entrepreneurship to career advice, Rakays story is a testament to determination, resourcefulness, and the power of chasing your goals.

Episode timeline

00:01 Intro

00:50 Rakay’s introduction

02:00 Comparison of German and Turkish education systems

03:55 Management and Entrepreneurship programme

05:05 Learning German language

06:20 Rakay’s entrepreneurship journey

12:40 How master programme can help in managing business

17:00 Balancing work and studying

20:22 What are the advantages of being an entrepreneurship and a student at the same time

22:05 Rakay’s future plans

25:10 Tips on how to find a job

30:00 Outro