Jason

BSc Media and Communications

Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen

I’m Jason, a media and communications student that took an unexpected leap to study abroad and have absolutely loved every minute of it. 

I could never have imagined I would study abroad. On the one hand, the cultural experience and self-development was clearly going to be beneficial. On the other hand, it also seemed like it would be an unnecessary hassle I could do without. But I had been told time and time again to attend as many events as possible whilst at Surrey and to be open to new ideas to get the most out of my time at Surrey University. Therefore, even as I expected to do a Work Placement, I still went along to the ‘Study and Work Abroad Fair’ and I am so glad I did! I was struck by how well students are supported before and during exchanges. On top of this, the students that had returned from Studying Abroad were clearly glowing with confidence and eager to impress upon prospective students how valuable and life changing it was – while completely understanding that it is a daunting decision. I soon realized it was an opportunity I could not miss out on. Someone said to me, “if you think, when hearing your name and hearing your achievements called out at your Graduation ceremony, you are likely to regret having not chosen to Study Abroad like some of your peers, then maybe Studying Abroad is for you”. After hearing this, I made my mind up to go and I am so happy I took the leap.  

I chose my Study Exchange at the historic University town of Tubingen in the South of Germany and immediately I felt like I had found a home from home. That said, nothing prepares you for seeing a vending machine filled with Bratwurst sausages! I took the opportunity to reinforce and add to my Surrey degree by doing a similar subject in Tubingen, Media Studies. Having this extra year has been invaluable because it has given me another year to think about what I will do for my final year dissertation and refined my skills in my subject so that I feel much more confident now. I have also made so many great friends and have experienced so much fun with people from such varied walks of life, whether sightseeing in Germany, meeting for drinks after lectures or even figuring out how the washing machines work without internet access to Google Translate! There is nothing like shared challenges to bring out the best in people to quickly make friends. The wider Tubingen the community is very supportive and welcoming too, where there a lot of university-arranged social events as well as a strong student community in a town that consists of mostly students -many of which see karaoke as a religion!