Mingchao Mao, 21, China

“I especially think the research opportunities at Freie Universität are great, with its many libraries. Since I study German literature, I mainly use the Philological Library.”

Mingchao Mao from Hangzhou, China. Source: Bernd Wannenmacher

05/09/2011

How long have you been at Freie Universität?

Since October 2010.

Did you come through direct exchange or another program?

I came here through a direct exchange with Peking University. I am spending two semesters at Freie Universität.

Which semester are you in?

I am in the fourth semester at Peking University.

What are you studying?

German language and literature.

Where are you from, and where do you study at home?

I was born in Hangzhou, a smaller city (population: 6 million) near Shanghai. I study at Peking University.

Why did you choose Freie Universität?

Peking University has been collaborating closely with Freie Universität for a long time. I know many Chinese students and scholars who have spent several semesters at Freie Universität, and they told me about their experiences, so I felt I knew quite a bit about the university long before I came to Berlin. Besides that, Freie Universität is the only university in Berlin with excellence status.

What do you especially like about Freie Universität?

I especially think the research opportunities at Freie Universität are great, with its many libraries. Since I study German literature, I mainly use the Philological Library.

What do you like less?

International students often have problems with the registration formalities at the university. It would be nice if this process could be simplified.

Do you have any suggestions for someone new at Freie Universität?

Always keep a one-euro coin in your pocket! You need them often.

Any suggestions for living in Berlin?

As a student you can buy an annual ticket for the permanent collections of the national museums for only 20 euros. That is a real bargain!