What is your favorite travel memory?
One of my favorite travel memories is from my time abroad in the UK. I remember taking weekend trips with fellow international students, exploring small towns and coastal paths, and realizing how quickly strangers from all over the world could become close friends. Those moments of discovery, laughter, and shared adventure still remind me why international exchange is so valuable – it is not only about the places you visit, but about the people you meet and the perspectives you gain along the way.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Working at FUBiS has taught me to become both more flexible and more resilient. Every program term brings together students, faculty, and partners from around the world, and each constellation is different. Over the years, I have learned to listen more closely, to adapt quickly to unexpected challenges, and to see change not as a disruption but as an opportunity. Most importantly, I have grown in my conviction that international education is about people first – supporting them, building trust, and creating spaces where they can thrive.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
I vividly remember a very engaged student from Mexico who joined FUBiS back in 2007. He stayed in touch with us over the years – even today we are still connected through social media – and often reflects on how much the program shaped his path. The course he took here opened up a new academic field for him, and today he is working in exactly that area. Seeing how an experience of just a few weeks in Berlin could influence a career direction so profoundly is one of the most rewarding stories I have heard, and it shows the long-lasting impact study abroad can have.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
FUBiS is the short-term study abroad program of Freie Universität Berlin, so the location is always Berlin – and what a wonderful city it is to call home, whether just for a few weeks or for a longer stay. If I could join as a participant, I would choose a combination of a German language course and a subject course. What makes both types of classes special is that they are filled with students from around the world. This creates an inspiring atmosphere where you not only learn from the instructors’ expertise but also gain entirely new perspectives from your peers’ diverse backgrounds. That mix of academic challenge, intercultural exchange, and the vibrant setting of Berlin would be the perfect study abroad experience.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
FUBiS is unique because it offers students a complete short-term study abroad experience in Berlin that combines academic rigor, strong student support, and cultural immersion. Our courses are taught in small groups by experienced faculty, but what really sets us apart is the international mix of participants. Every classroom becomes a space where perspectives from across the globe come together, and students learn just as much from each other as from their instructors. Added to that, Berlin itself serves as an extension of the classroom – a city rich in history, culture, and creativity. This combination makes FUBiS truly special.
I feel proud of my team often, but one moment stands out clearly: when the pandemic disrupted international travel, we worked tirelessly to adapt and keep international exchange alive. Within a short time, we developed online formats and found creative ways to support students, even when they could not be in Berlin. The commitment, flexibility, and care my colleagues showed during that time reminded me how much dedication lies at the heart of FUBiS. More generally, I am proud of how the team welcomes each new group of students – with warmth, professionalism, and a genuine passion for making their time in Berlin unforgettable.
I feel proud of my team often, but one moment stands out clearly: when the pandemic disrupted international travel, we worked tirelessly to adapt and keep international exchange alive. Within a short time, we developed online formats and found creative ways to support students, even when they could not be in Berlin. The commitment, flexibility, and care my colleagues showed during that time reminded me how much dedication lies at the heart of FUBiS. More generally, I am proud of how the team welcomes each new group of students – with warmth, professionalism, and a genuine passion for making their time in Berlin unforgettable.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
For me, the key factor is staying true to your mission while being flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances. At FUBiS, our mission has always been to provide high-quality academics combined with meaningful intercultural experiences. What makes us successful is that we never lose sight of this goal, but we are also ready to adjust our courses, services, or structures when student needs or global conditions change. Equally important is having a dedicated team that works with passion and care – because no matter how well-designed a program is, its success ultimately depends on the people who bring it to life every day.