The first participants of the double degree programme about studying at Technical University of Berlin

 
Berlin is frequently called Europe's second London as an extremely attractive place for startups or second Ibiza, as it is a great party place for people of all ages and music preferences. At the same time you can go jogging in the park at any time if you like sport, chill with friends in a café or bar, learn more about history going to numerous historical destinations, enjoy street art as well as museums and exhibitions, etc. You will never get bored in this vibrant European capital. Berlin is a very convenient place to live. There are many different districts that would fit any preferences: trendy Kreuzberg fitting “party animals’’ and calm Prezlauer Berg suiting young families. Public transport system is extremely efficient and affordable with a special student offer – Semesterticket that provides you with limitless opportunity to explore not only the German capital, but the whole Brandenburg area. It is always possible to catch a bus or metro, even at night. Two international airports offer cheap flights to all kinds of destinations around Europe. There is some time to travel during the semester break. However, there are also a lot of opportunities to explore the city of Berlin and its special atmosphere: cultural events or vibrant startup scene. We try to make the best out of it and take part in the events as much as we can. For example, this month we volunteered in a big event - Berlin startup camp (see the picture), and at the end of the month there are two more events to come – Talent Summit and Startup Safari. And it is just in April!  

 

The study programme provides us with very hands-on experience through engagement in various projects: a lot of time is devoted to team tasks. It brings us together with industry, government specialists and businessmen as advisors and guest lecturers. In many classes guest lectures are accounted to more than 50% of the lecture time. Moreover, study materials are very well structured and delivered in a really comprehensive way, so preparing for exams was not really stressful. The main campus of TU Berlin is centrally located in the biggest and the most beautiful park of Berlin - Tiergarten. There are many convenient locations for self-education and exam preparation on the site, for example, a five-floor Volkswagen library. As management students we had also the privilege to enjoy the separate library in the main building. The schedule perfectly suits needs of all students: those who want to start their own business, have an active social and cultural life or take responsibility of 20 hours/week student job. We had the choice between two dates of exams: tight at the end of the semester and after a month, so we can all manage our work load and take a re-exam if failed at the first try.

During the semester we met people from all around the world. Our classmates have different backgrounds: from cultural studies to engineering or business degrees. Some guys worked for several years, others took internships and a few have no experience in management at all. However, working on different projects, we share our experiences and contribute to new perspectives. People are mostly very open-minded and easy-going. It is easy to communicate and get an access to the extensive network of alumni that is called IME Family. As you have probably understood, there are many reasons to participate in the double degree programme between HSE and TU Berlin. It was a big decision for both of us, even though we have very different backgrounds and motivations.

 

Emilie: "I decided to get enrolled in the double degree programme between HSE Moscow and TU Berlin because it perfectly fits into my plan of pursuing my education and travelling. After one year of studying at Moscow State University, I realized I wanted to spend more time in Russia. The Higher School of Economics offers a high level of education and is very international. The Technical University of Berlin permits me to keep one foot in Europe. The German education has a very good reputation all over the world and Berlin is known as being a dynamic city, which allows me to discover many new fields as well as startups. I am too curious to stay at one place and that’s why this double degree suits me well".                                                                      

Yulia: "At first glance this double degree opportunity seemed perfect to me. I am really passionate about entrepreneurship and technology; I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Innovation Management and worked with startups before. The HSE was particularly attractive to me, as it commands the excellent international reputation of its research fellows and graduates, and the great city of Moscow is known as the centre of Russian innovation infrastructure. Also, I have previously faced with efficiency and high standards of German education culture while studying and working at TU Munich. I believe I can benefit the most by learning from the best practices of Berlin entrepreneurial culture. I will apply the knowledge that I will acquire in Berlin “ to bring the Silicon Valley” inside Russian corporate sector: by this I imply creating a synergetic effect of Russian great talents, capital and innovative ideas in order to make corporate sector stronger on international and local markets".