From Media University Frankfurt to Dublin Business School: Ali Kanchwala, student of the M.A. International Marketing and Media Management, took the plunge and completed a varied and very instructive semester abroad at one of Media University’s partner universities. Here he reports on his best experiences and how the semester in Dublin prepared him for his professional future.
At which university did you spend your semester abroad?
Media University gave me the opportunity to spend one of my semesters at Dublin Business School in beautiful Ireland. It was the best decision I ever made and one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
How would you describe your experience abroad?
Studying in Ireland has allowed me to travel and explore places I have always dreamed of while receiving a top-notch academic education. I learned a lot about myself and gained insight into possible career paths that I will pursue in the future. It has also changed my life in many positive ways and I believe it can do the same for others as it has for me.
What was the biggest challenge during your semester abroad?
New experiences always come with various obstacles. The challenge I personally struggled with the most was finding suitable accommodation. Since Dublin is the most important city in Ireland, it is very difficult to find housing that is within budget and close to the city center. As a result, I had to stay in a hostel for nearly two weeks after my arrival. That’s why I recommend arranging accommodation in advance. Additionally, when searching online on different platforms and websites, be cautious of scammers. Make sure you are physically present and get an official contract before making any payments.
Secondly, Dublin is known for its windy and unpredictable weather, so it’s important to be well-prepared for that.
How does campus life at Dublin Business School differ from that in Germany?
Due to the hybrid semester and the high corona incidence in Germany, I was not able to experience much of campus life at Media University Frankfurt. However, during my exchange semester, I was lucky enough to have a comprehensive campus experience with so many local and international students, which allowed me to stay socially active and meet many new friends from different cultural backgrounds.
DBS offers a very warm atmosphere and I felt at home from day one. The student council team at DBS was also very helpful and actively organized various activities and events such as rafting, hiking, city tours and parties for the students students, so overall I was offered a perfect mix of adventures and developed a great interest in having new experiences outside of my comfort zone.
Ali Kanchwala
How did your studies in Ireland influence you? For example, in terms of your future career goals.
I always wanted to expand my knowledge of digital aspects and strategies of marketing. After all, Ireland is the hub and European headquarters of a large number of IT companies. Fortunately, Dublin Business School offers many programs and courses that an exchange student can choose from.
So I had the opportunity to take courses in web marketing and cloud technologies, which definitely improved my skills and gave me a lot of expertise in this field. Especially in this day and age where digital transformation and technology is advancing rapidly. My studies in Ireland definitely added value to my CV and gave me a competitive advantage in the job market. I am very confident now as the studies have brought me much closer to my future career goals.
What would you recommend to other Media University students for their semester/stay abroad?
The opportunity to study in another country is a gift. This gift not only offers students incredible experiences, but also a new perspective and appreciation for other cultures and people.
I would highly recommend and encourage all Media University students who want to seek an adventure in their life to do a semester abroad. Go for it! Don't be afraid to broaden your horizons; the sky is the limit. It is a truly wonderful experience! The semester abroad at Media University certainly shaped me and gave me lifelong memories.
Ali Kanchwala
Thank you for the interview and for sharing your experiences with us. All the best to you and continued success!
