Gauss-Telegraph: 17 international people in Braunschweig – Sun Fangzheng

Gauss-Telegraph: 17 international people in Braunschweig – Sun Fangzheng

by Mingma Sherpa

 

  1. Which country / city are you from?

I’m from China. I live in southeast China and my hometown is Nanjing. It is a city of eight million people and about 300 kilometers to the west of Shanghai.

  1. How long have you been in Germany/Braunschweig?

I had started my school life in Germany seven years ago. For Braunschweig, however, it is only the second year.

  1. Why did you choose Braunschweig?

Braunschweig was actually not my first choice. I started my Bachelor in Darmstadt, but Darmstadt is a little too small for me. I like going to a big city and tried to go to Berlin, but they didn’t accept me. Braunschweig accepted my application and I decided to come to Braunschweig.

  1. What do you like to do most in your free time?

I like to cook and play guitars at home. In my free time I also play badminton or basketball. Sport is really a big part of my hobby. I also like to play computer games like League of Legends.

  1. Did you have trouble leaving for Germany? If yes, which?

Yes, I had problems with the German language because I only studied German in China for one year. I could only say one word a day. That wasn’t enough for high school. Therefore, I could not have a very pleasant conversation with my classmates or my teachers. Grammar and pronunciation were very difficult.

  1. Do you have any experiences that you would like to share with international students?

First of all, I would say don’t be afraid if you want to say or ask something to someone. The people in Germany are very nice and many can speak English.

  1. How did you find out about the Gauss Haus?

In the beginning I tried to find a HIWI job at the university. I went from the university to the job market. I saw job offers and applied. Then I got a job.

  1. Have you ever worked on a voluntary basis?

When I was very young, I volunteered for a week during my summer vacation. I took care of old people. I find it very thoughtful and cute to take care of old people. They were also very happy to see us.

  1. How long have you been with Gauss Friends?

I have been active at Gauss Haus since last year. It’s been almost a year now.

  1. What activities did you take on at Gauss Haus?

I joined the organization every Tuesday evening. I help in the cooking workshop and with cleaning. And of course, I also take part in the Gauss event.

  1. What do you think about your tasks at Gauss Haus?

I think it’s really nice.

  1. Do you have an interesting story about your work at Gauss Haus? If so, please tell me briefly.

Yes. I have a friend. He is very interested in board games. So, he’ll come every Tuesday evening and ask me to play with him or find a friend who plays the board game. And at the table he is the most excited person who plays board games.

  1. What is your favorite event or activity at Gauss Haus

It’s actually a lot. I like cooking, so I like the cooking workshop.

  1. When and what was your best moment at Gauss Haus?

I have to say it is the Morocco evening. There was a band and they played traditional music. And it was really a fantastic show. I was emotionally touched by their music. Yes, that was the best.

  1. Did the Gauss Haus project help you to make new contacts?

Yes, sure. Because as I said, I just moved to Braunschweig in my first year of studies. It was a new place for me. And I really made new contacts and friends through the Gauss-Haus.

  1. Has there already been an event about your country at Gauss Haus?

Yes, for Chinese New Year. But unfortunately, I was not there.

  1. Are there such international projects at the universities in your home country?

I think so. One of my classmates told me about it. So, there must be a project like the Gauss Haus for international students.

  1. Would you recommend the Gauss Haus to other international students?

For sure.

  1. What do you think are the strengths of Gauss Haus?

There are many fantastic people at Gauss Haus. The people at Gauss Haus are very, very friendly and bring in their ideas.