Gauss-Telegraph: 17 international people in Braunschweig – Hui Lin Kong

Gauss-Telegraph: 17 international people in Braunschweig – Hui Lin Kong

by Tina Metschke

  1. Where are you from/did you grow up? What was it like there?

I am born and raised in Malaysia. Malaysia is a multicultural country with different types of ethnic groups e.g. Malays, Chinese, Indians and Natives. I grew up being friends with people having different religions and cultural background. I find my country really special as all of us are speaking different languages and yet we are all able to understand each other in a way.

  1. When did you come to Germany?

I came to Germany back in 2018. I attended German language courses for few months and enrolled in TU Braunschweig for the winter term in the same year.

  1. What was the reason to leave your homeland? Why Germany/Braunschweig?

I believe that Germany is always one of the most advanced countries having amazing technologies when it comes to the engineering field. As my focus is to be majored in engineering, I personally think that Germany is a good choice.

  1. Would you like to return to your homeland or to go on to another country?

I can’t answer this question yet as I am currently only in 4th Semester of my bachelor’s degree and am aiming to continue to pursue Master in Germany. I would like to say that my main focus at the moment is to finish my study rather than thinking what will happen in the future (in career wise).

  1. What was the first thing you noticed that is different in Germany?

The first thing that I have noticed in Germany is the public transportation system. I am really in love with how convenient it is to travel within the city or around Germany. Buses, underground trams, trains and E-bikes are available in every corner. The second thing that is very much different from my country is the opening hours of the restaurants and supermarkets in Germany. In Malaysia, most restaurants and supermarkets are opened throughout the whole week without any rest days. There are lots of restaurants or hawker centres which open until midnight and some even open for 24/7 without closing. Hence, it is easier and more convenient to get food or drinks as compared to Germany. However, on a good side, living in Germany has trained me to cook on my own. 

  1. Do you have hobbies?

I enjoy cooking and baking. As I have mentioned before, living alone in Germany has kind of forced me to learn to cook. Thus, my passion and love for cooking as well as baking has grown in a good way. I love seeing others enjoying my food.

  1. And what else do you do in your free time?

I love drawing and painting during my free time. Oil painting, water colour painting, acrylic painting, pencil sketching etc. I love to try out all kinds of art whenever I am free.

  1. Which music do you like to listen to most?

I always prefer some relaxing music genre such as Blues and Country music rather than Heavy Metal or Techno. I enjoy listening to music that soothes and heals my soul. But I do enjoy pop music and rap when I go to the gym or doing any type of sports. 

  1. What sports?

I enjoy running and I joined courses of the sports program organised by Sportszentrum of TU Braunschweig such as Badminton and Zumba. Sweating helps to relieve stress from time to time. 

  1. Do you know how to play an instrument?

I used to play the guitar. But I gave up on them as I am quite busy with study and work. However, I do hope that I can improve and pick up music again in the future.

  1. Do you have a favourite event or activity in the Gauss-Haus?

I find the First Steps program organized by Gauss Haus really amazing as they can bring a lot of freshman or those who are new in this country together. I personally think that this event is really meaningful.

  1. What was your best moment in the Gauss Haus?

I could not list one by now since I haven’t been long in Gauss Haus, but I would say the Gauss evenings every Tuesday night are good memories to me as we can talk freely with all kind of people inside or outside of the university.

  1. What makes the Gauss Haus so special for you?

I spent quite some time during my first semester in Gauss Haus and made some really good friends. I never expected to be able to be friends with people from all around the world.

  1. So you have been there as a guest before?

My buddy from Gauss Buddy program has brought me to Gauss Haus several times.

  1. Since when have you worked here?

I have worked as a HiWi in Gauss-Haus since March 2020.

  1. Great! Are you also looking forward to seeing each other again soon for an international evening? 😉

Of course. It would be really nice to be seeing all familiar faces again!