Student Interviews - Testimonials on PFH and campus life in Göttingen

What is something particularly interesting or unique about you?
I would say it’s my outlook on life. I’m very open to new things and always try to stay positive, even in difficult situations. This mindset has helped me deal with challenges and keep moving forward, even when things were tough.

What do people often notice or appreciate about you?
People appreciate how I treat others. I make an effort to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable around me. I try to be approachable, so people can share both their highs and lows with me.

What is essential for you in your daily study or work routine?
Discipline is the most important thing for me. I believe that if you really want something, you need to work towards it every day. Even if you have off days, what matters is consistency over time. It’s about the overall effort you put in.

If you had a free weekday and unlimited resources, how would you spend your day?
I would definitely drive a Porsche on the Autobahn at full speed. That’s something I’ve always wanted to experience while being in Germany.

Do you have a personal motto or guiding principle?
“God helps those who help themselves.” I strongly believe in trusting myself and taking action. If you do your part, opportunities will open up, even the ones you didn’t expect.

What is your favourite German word or saying?
I really like the word “egal.” It means “it doesn’t matter,” and for me it represents a mindset of not overthinking obstacles and just moving forward.

In ten years, what will be your most memorable Göttingen moment?
For me, it’s not just one moment, but the overall experience of the city. Göttingen is a place where you see familiar faces every day. You build connections naturally, and those bonds stay with you long after your studies.

Do you have a specific memory you won’t forget?
One of my first experiences in Germany really stayed with me. During my first week, I was stopped by the police because I was cycling on the wrong side of the road. I was very nervous, but they were extremely kind and understanding. They explained the situation and let me go with a warning. That moment changed my perception of Germany and made me feel more comfortable.

Another memory is watching football matches with friends. I’m a big FC Barcelona fan, and even though we lost an important match, sharing that emotional moment with friends in Göttingen made it very special.

What do you particularly appreciate about Göttingen?
It’s a very convenient city. You can go anywhere by bike or on foot, and everything is close by. It’s also much more affordable than bigger cities like Berlin or Stuttgart. At the same time, you have access to a wide variety of food and activities. The city is very student-friendly and full of opportunities to connect with people.

What is your favourite place in Göttingen?
I really enjoyed the sports centre, where I played basketball with other international students. It’s a great place to meet people and stay active.

In one sentence: How would you describe Göttingen?
It’s a student-friendly city where everyone is exploring together, and it gives you everything you need to grow.

How do you experience your exchange with PFH on a personal level?
My experience has been very positive. The class sizes are small, which allows for a strong personal connection with professors. You can approach them anytime, not just for academic questions but also for career guidance. Since many professors have industry experience, they provide practical insights that really help you understand the job market.

Was there a situation where you particularly benefited from personal support?
Yes, before my current internship, I worked at a startup in Göttingen that was actually connected to PFH. The position was recommended to me by the career service. They also helped me refine my CV and prepare for interviews, which played a big role in me getting the position.

Who is your personal hero at PFH?
Dr. Algermissen, my industrial management professor. Despite being very busy, he always took the time to respond to my questions and give detailed feedback. He supported me throughout my master’s thesis, and thanks to his guidance, I achieved a top grade.

What is your personal PFH highlight?
Being elected as semester speaker was a very special experience for me. It allowed me to act as a bridge between students, professors, and administration. Through this role, I was able to contribute to the student experience and was also recognised with a scholarship, which meant a lot to me.

How does your study programme help you with the job market?
PFH focuses strongly on practical knowledge. The career service supports you with CV checks, interview preparation, and connections to companies. Professors also provide guidance based on their real-world experience. Additionally, language courses help you integrate into the German job market.

Which project or course felt especially practical?
Almost all courses are very practical. We worked on multiple projects that are closely aligned with real-world topics. You also have the flexibility to choose projects based on your career interests, whether in IT, logistics, or other fields.

Do you feel well prepared for the job market?
Yes, especially because of the practical exposure and the support system at PFH.

What turned out differently than expected?
I expected more focus on academic content, especially in finance and accounting. Compared to my expectations from India, the programme is less theory-heavy but makes up for it with practical experience.

When did you realise: “This is something I’ll need later”?
During my internship, I started connecting theory with practice. For example, concepts like Porter’s Five Forces suddenly made sense in real business scenarios. That’s when I realised how relevant these topics actually are.

If Göttingen were a celebrity, who would it be?
Andrés Iniesta, a former football professional from FC Barcelona – calm, composed, and never under pressure. Göttingen has a similar character: it’s welcoming, supportive, and helps you grow without overwhelming you.

If PFH were an animal, what would it be?
An eagle. It helps you focus and identify your goals clearly. It doesn’t give you everything directly but guides you to target what you want and move towards it.

What would you never change about PFH?
The professors – they are very supportive and experienced.

In three words: What does PFH mean to you?
A second home - It’s the place I would go to when I needed support, whether for studying, applications, or simply connecting with others.

What advice would you give to future students?
Take initiative. The university offers many opportunities, but it’s up to you to use them. Work on your skills, especially language and communication. A degree alone won’t guarantee success – you have to actively build your path.

What is something particularly interesting or unique about you?
I think I’m very empathetic and I can connect with people very well. I’m also very good at public speaking – I don’t really feel fear when speaking in front of people. I actually get excited.

What do people often notice or appreciate about you?
People often say that I really listen and respond thoughtfully. I’m also very helpful – if I can help, I will do it without expecting anything in return. That’s why I still have very strong relationships with people from university, even after graduating.

What is essential for you in your daily routine?
A to-do list is essential for me. Every Sunday, I create a detailed schedule for the week, often hour by hour. I have lists for everything – work, personal life – and it helps me stay on track.

If you had a free weekday and unlimited resources, how would you spend your day?
I would buy a ticket, go home to Morocco, eat a lot of food, and then come back.

Do you have a personal motto or guiding principle?
My motto comes from the movie Interstellar: “It’s not impossible, it’s necessary.” Whenever something feels overwhelming, I remind myself that there is always a way. If something needs to be done, then it will be done.

What is your favourite German word or saying?
I always find it funny that “Fuß” means foot, because in my language it means hand.

Most memorable Göttingen moment?
The moments I enjoyed the most were when we stayed after class and just talked with professors. We would sit for another 30 minutes or more and discuss random topics like the economy or world events. As an international student without family nearby, those moments felt very meaningful. It almost felt like a family environment.

First impression of Göttingen?
I thought it was very cute, almost like a city from a cartoon. 

What do you appreciate about Göttingen?
It’s extremely convenient. You can reach everything by bike. It’s also much more affordable than bigger cities like Berlin. At the same time, it’s very well connected – you can travel easily to other cities. It quickly felt like home.

In one sentence: How would you describe Göttingen?
No matter where you come from and no matter your culture, Göttingen will quickly feel like home.

Favourite place in Göttingen?
The Göttingen lake (Kiessee). I love going there for picnics, biking, or just spending time in nature and reading.

How do you experience your exchange with PFH on a personal level?
I was extremely connected with the staff and professors. The career office felt like a second home. I would go there not only for career topics, but also when I felt emotionally overwhelmed. They genuinely cared about my well-being and supported me both professionally and personally.

Was there a situation where you particularly benefited from personal support?
One key moment was when the career service encouraged me to apply for a job that I thought I wasn’t qualified for. Eventually, I got the job and that opportunity completely changed my career path. It led to further growth, new roles, and eventually my current position.

Do people at PFH know each other?
Yes, because the cohorts are small. You quickly get to know everyone – students, professors and staff. That creates a very strong sense of community.

Who is your personal hero at PFH?
Professor Ahrens. He is extremely passionate, knowledgeable and supportive. He made me fall in love with economics and always took time for students, even on a personal level.

What is your personal PFH highlight?
One memorable moment was a business simulation where we ran a company and went bankrupt very early. It felt very real and showed us how complex business decisions are. It was one of the closest experiences to real business life.

How does your study programme help with the job market?
PFH created many opportunities to connect with companies through visits, guest lectures, and networking. These experiences helped me understand real work environments and opened doors that would have been difficult to access otherwise.

What turned out differently than expected?
I was genuinely surprised by the good quality of the professors. They were highly experienced and passionate and it exceeded my expectations, especially compared to what I initially thought about private universities.

Which course felt especially relevant?
The organisation module was very important. It taught practical skills like pitching, presenting and understanding business processes. I still use those skills today. 

If Göttingen were a celebrity, who would it be?
Hugh Jackman – warm, approachable, but also strong and serious when needed.

If PFH were an animal, what would it be?
Like a Sphinx – calm and not always visible from the outside, but very strong and full of potential on the inside.

What would you never change about PFH?
The staff and the professors.

In three words: PFH is…
A new beginning. A career starter. A character builder.

What is your advice for future students?
Keep your expectations aside and immerse yourself fully in the experience. These years can be very impactful if you engage with everything.

What is something particularly interesting or unique about you?
I would say I’m very self-reliant. I prefer doing my own research and making my own decisions instead of relying on others. That gives me confidence in my choices.

What do people often notice or appreciate about you?
People appreciate my reliability. My friends and family know they can always depend on me in any situation, and that’s something I value a lot.

What is essential for you in your daily study routine?
I prefer working with printed materials. I download academic papers, print them, and highlight them before reading. Studying on a laptop is very difficult for me. I also really value being in class – I learn much better through interaction than through self-study.

If you had a free weekday and unlimited resources, how would you spend your day?
I would travel to Namibia for a safari. I would love to see exotic animals in their natural environment.

Do you have a personal motto or guiding principle?
I always try to act honestly and reflect on whether what I’m doing is right or wrong, and whether it affects others.

What is your favourite German word or saying?
I find the word “Schadenfreude” quite interesting. It’s funny in a way, even though it has a rather negative meaning.

In ten years, what will be your most memorable Göttingen moment?
I think the cherry blossom season and the beautiful sunsets will stay with me. The atmosphere during that time is really special.

What was your first impression of Göttingen?
It felt like a pure student city. I often compare it to Kota in India, where students go to prepare for exams. You see students everywhere.

What do you particularly appreciate about Göttingen?
I really appreciate how peaceful it is. It creates a strong learning atmosphere. Compared to larger cities, it feels more focused and less distracting. It’s also a city with a long academic tradition, which you can feel.

In one sentence: How would you describe Göttingen?
It’s a place that creates the mindset to learn – you won’t find anything quite like it.

What is your favourite place in Göttingen?
PFH itself. I really enjoyed being back in an academic environment, having discussions with professors, and being part of that atmosphere. If I had to choose something specific, I would say classroom 204.

How do you experience your exchange with PFH on a personal level?
My experience has been very positive. I’ve had strong connections with professors and staff. I could always approach them, not just for academic questions but also for personal concerns. They were very supportive and approachable.

Was there a situation where you particularly benefited from personal support?
Yes, during my internship application. There were some issues related to my visa, and the company was hesitant. The university stepped in, contacted the company directly, and reassured them. That support helped me secure the internship.

Would you say people at PFH really know each other?
The connection between students and professors or staff is very strong. However, student-to-student connections can sometimes be weaker, because many students focus heavily on finding jobs or working part-time, which affects interaction.

Who is your personal hero at PFH?
Professor Ahrens. He explains topics very clearly and always connects them to real-life situations. That makes everything much easier to understand and much more engaging.

What is your personal PFH highlight?
Receiving the scholarship was a very special moment for me – especially because I received it twice. That really stayed with me.

How does your study programme help you with the job market?
The program helped me stay focused on my specialization. My thesis on AI in business process management became especially valuable, because I conducted a survey and gained insights that I can now use in interviews. Employers are very interested in that topic.

Which project or task felt especially practical?
The many presentations were very helpful. Sometimes we had to present topics immediately, without much preparation. That really helped me build confidence and improve my ability to think and communicate quickly.

Do you feel well prepared for the job market?
Yes, especially because I already have German language skills and prior work experience. That combination has helped me a lot.

In which course did you first think: “This is something I will really need later on”?
In the advanced lectures, where strong focus and engagement were required. Those classes made me realise how important it is to really understand the content deeply.

If Göttingen were a celebrity, who would it be?
I would say Albert Einstein, because of the strong focus on research and academics.

If PFH were an animal, what would it be?
A wolf – something strong, focused, and working quietly.

What would you never change about PFH?
The professors.

In three words: What does PFH mean to you?
A place that is very close to my heart and where I rediscovered studying.

What is one advice you would give to future students?
Don’t rely only on the university. Use your own initiative and external resources as well.

What is something particularly interesting or unique about you?
I’m very adaptable. I enjoy learning new cultures and languages and try to fully immerse myself. That’s why I’ve always built connections with people from different backgrounds.

What do people often notice or appreciate about you?
That I’m genuinely interested in others. People feel comfortable speaking to me because I’m open, curious, and respectful of different cultures.

What is essential for you in your daily routine?
Personal connection. Even at work, I try to connect with colleagues beyond just tasks – asking how they are, how their weekend was. That’s important for me.

Do you have a personal motto or guiding principle?
Never judge based on first impressions – always give people a chance.

In ten years, what will be your most memorable Göttingen moment?
The orientation week, the friendships with international students, and my graduation – especially because my mother surprised me by being there.

What was your first impression of Göttingen?
Very lively and full of students. I was surprised by how relaxed the atmosphere is – people study hard but do not forget to enjoy life at the fullest.

What do you appreciate about Göttingen compared to big cities?
It’s not overwhelming. You quickly find your way around and feel part of the community.

What is your favourite place in Göttingen?
“Bar Celona” café – especially for the famous one-euro student coffee. We went there literally every day.

How would you describe Göttingen in one sentence?
 A perfect student city – focused, international, and full of energy.

How did you experience PFH on a personal level?
Very close and supportive. There’s an open-door culture – you can approach professors and staff anytime.

Did you benefit from personal support?
Yes. For example, I learned about the Deutschland-Stipendium through PFH and got support during the application. That made a real difference financially and I wouldn`t have found this without the pro-active support from the staff.

What about PFH stands out to you?
The mix of strong academic guidance and personal development. Professors don’t just teach content – they build confidence and prepare you for real situations.

How did your studies help your career?
I’m now working as a Junior Project Manager. PFH helped me develop confidence, presentation skills, and structured thinking – which I use daily with clients.

What was especially practical?
Presentations and business English. Also workshops where we simulated running a company – that made you really understand how decisions impact outcomes.

What did you realise later was important?
IT skills – I underestimated them during my studies, but now I see how relevant they are in everyday work.

If Göttingen were a celebrity, who would it be?
Michael Jackson – unique and unlike anything else.

If PFH were an animal, what would it be?
A bear – strong, supportive, but sometimes unpredictable.

What does PFH mean to you?
A turning point for my career, a second home, and a place full of opportunities.

What is your advice for future students?
Don’t stay in your own bubble. Use the support available, ask questions, and build connections.

What is something particularly interesting or unique about you?
I would say I'm pretty adaptable. I adapt to environments quite well without feeling unstable.

What do people often notice or appreciate about you?
That I can be quite empathetic. Many of my classmates were studying abroad for the first time or switching fields completely, and some were also studying in English for the first time. They often felt discouraged, and they told me that I was quite supportive of them.

What is essential for you in your daily study routine?
I need to take notes by hand. I can't study from summaries or AI – writing things down myself is essential. And this is although I study UX :-)

If you had a free weekday and unlimited resources, how would you spend your day?
I would probably take a bike and just ride around Göttingen. There are a lot of streams, parks, and small places that I discovered during spring and summer. If I had a free day with nothing to do, I would just do that.

Do you have a personal motto or guiding principle?
Lately, it has been to stop rushing. As an international student, there are always deadlines because of visas and timelines set by immigration offices. It can feel like you're rushing through everything, so I try to remind myself not to do that all the time.

Most memorable Göttingen moment?
I think the people are just very warm and lively. I will always remember it that way.

First impression of Göttingen?
I thought it was quite charming, and I still think it is.

What do international students appreciate?
I come from a very big city with around 15 million people, so I really like that I can recognise people here. Even if you don't know them, you feel a sense of familiarity.

How would you describe Göttingen?
I would describe it as small, historical, but also progressive. It's quite political in a student sense, which I like. It's active, cute, and lively.

How do you experience your exchange with PFH on a personal level?
I'm mostly in touch with people from my department and the career service. They are friendly and resourceful, and even if they don't have an answer immediately, they try to help. 

Was there a situation where you particularly benefited from personal support?
The Career Service team was very proactive in enabling and supporting the organisation of my internship. I really appreciated this extra support.

Do people at PFH know each other?
Because it's small, it happens more naturally. But it depends on the professor. Some I don't know at all, especially in self-study or online courses.

Who is your personal hero at PFH?
For studies, Professor Ebermann. And in general, the career service – especially Stefanie and Thale. Not to forget Prof. Weibelzahl who supported me a lot whenever needed.

What is your personal PFH highlight?
I liked the culture night in our department. Everyone brought something from their culture, we shared food, talked about music and movies, and the professors also participated.

How does the program help with the job market?
There are many people applying for UX roles, so it's important to know the fundamentals. I learned those in the programme, and I could relate them to my internship. Even though there is always a gap between theory and practice, I didn't feel disconnected in discussions at work.

Do you feel well prepared for the job market?
I think we could benefit from more practical work with tools like Figma and AI.

What turned out differently than expected?
I didn't realise how relevant my Bachelor's in psychology would be in UX.

Which of your courses felt especially relevant?
A guest lecture on UI design was very helpful, especially because I don't have a background in visual design.

If Göttingen were a celebrity, who would it be?
There's an artist I listen to called Naika. She's multicultural and creative, and I relate that to Göttingen.

If PFH were an animal, what would it be?
I don't know how to answer that.

What would you never change about PFH?
The guest lectures and external speakers who share insights about the job market and real work experience.

In three words: PFH is…
Learning, adapting, growing.

What is your advice for future students?
Get to know people for the sake of getting to know them, not just because you need something from them.