Experiences of international students at ISM

The International School of Management (ISM) was ranked among the highest for internationality by the 2020 CHE University Ranking. The university is keen to uphold its promises of providing students a practical education with international relevance. My name is Ilayda (23) and I am currently doing my Bachelor’s degree in Marketing & Communications Management. From 500 international students, I have decided to talk to two specific persons, who gladly shared their opinions and experiences at ISM.

Najoua (29) was born and raised in Spain. “I didn’t move to Germany to study, like many others. It was a family decision to come, eight years ago,” she explains while adding that she already holds a degree in International Business. But she quickly realized that her previous studies were not enough to enter the professional career path in Germany.

“Therefore, the Bachelor’s program in International Management at ISM was the right choice for me.” It has been over a year now, since she joined the B.A. program. Talking about the lectures, she points out: “The focus on practicality is the best part, you really get to interact with every person in the classroom.”

The ISM has many campuses located all around Germany. Najoua and I are studying at the campus in Dortmund, which is quite small. But that doesn’t bother her. “In my opinion, it would be harder to make friends if the campus was larger. That was the case while I was studying in Spain,“ Najoua explains. She often, sometimes unwillingly, likes to compare the educational system of Germany and her home country. She is very grateful that the ISM is supportive in regards to her studies: “The reason might be that Germany overall is a very organized country, everything gets done so quickly.” Adapting to that change, however, took time. “One is expected to always work hard, which can be challenging to some but motivating for me,“ she answers.

While we were talking, our friend Jasleen (20) joined us. After finishing High School in India, Jasleen decided to continue her studies overseas. She learned about ISM through a recent graduate from ISM, who suggested the Bachelor’s program in International Management. She finally enrolled for that program, because the class is in English which is an advantage for most international students.

Jasleen met Najoua at the ISM campus and they quickly connected. “The small classes make it easier to find other international students who are as lost as oneself,“ she adds while laughing. Jasleen, who is used to strict educational rules in her Indian home country, was surprised when she joined ISM: “In German universities, I feel like the concept of a topic is thought of first. The definition follows after. In India it is vice versa.”
Both friends agree that even though the courses are in English, a basic knowledge of German is helpful for everyday life. “Choose your campus wisely and do research on that city,“ Najoua recommends. “Also, be prepared to get surprised when you start your lectures. They are way more practical than one expects,“ Jasleen adds. We all laugh and I thank both of them for sharing their experiences.

Images: RF._.studio (Pexels), International School of Management

Back to overview

This might interest you

Working visa Germany - How to get a work permit in Germany

• URL Category GuideGuide

Many international students decide to start their career in Germany after studying at a German University. Additionally, it is possible to search for a workplace in Germany after you have finished...

Ten tips for your study time in Germany

• URL Category GuideGuide

Your dream is to study in Germany but you still have some open questions and are wondering about what to expect from life in Germany? Don’t worry, other students have been in this position as well...

How to get a student visa for Germany

• URL Category GuideGuide

With the decision to study abroad you have taken a brave and exciting step. Before you can start this adventure, you have to take care of necessary preparations. One of the most important steps is...

Back to overview