Author: Stefanie Herta

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Volunteer with DEGIS & Elevate Your Experience in Germany

Written by Aarushi Goel – Head of the Network

Becoming a volunteer is one of the most rewarding ways to enrich your time abroad!

As an international student in Germany, I found that joining DEGIS (German Association for International Students) not only helped me adjust to a new country but also allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. Volunteering gave me the opportunity to connect with people from around the world and understand their individual and common challenges and relate to them on many levels.

Why Becoming a Volunteer With DEGIS Is So Valuable

DEGIS offers a platform where international students can come together, share experiences, and support one another. For me, this was a lifeline during the transition to a new life in Germany. The benefits of volunteering with DEGIS are numerous, and I want to highlight the ones that I found most impactful:

  • Building a Network: One of the biggest advantages is the chance to connect with students from all over the world. When I first joined, I was amazed by the sense of community DEGIS fosters. It’s not just about meeting people; it’s about creating lasting connections with others who are going through the same experiences, whether it’s struggling with accommodation, adjusting to a new culture, or navigating university and professional life.
  • Gaining Leadership Experience: It wasn’t just about being part of a team; but about stepping into a leadership role that challenges you to grow. Soon after joining, I became the VP of Projects for DEGIS Berlin. Even though I had no formal leadership experience, this role pushed me to learn how to manage a team, coordinate projects, and make decisions that had a real impact on our chapter. These are skills that will stay with me long after I leave Germany.
  • Developing Practical Skills: From organizing events to managing marketing campaigns, volunteering gave me hands-on experience. For example, I launched a project called CROSS CHECK, aimed at helping international students verify housing options before arriving in Germany. This experience taught me how to take an idea from concept to execution, involving project planning, marketing, and team management.
  • Making a Real Impact: One of the most fulfilling aspects of DEGIS is knowing that my efforts were directly helping others. Whether by organizing events to help students settle in or sitting in a big online group and discussing common resume drafting mistakes, my contributions have a tangible effect.

How DEGIS City Chapters Are Structured

Every DEGIS city chapter is structured with several departments, each providing unique opportunities to contribute. Here’s how the organization works:

  • City Chapter Leadership: Each city chapter is led by a President who acts as the bridge between the national DEGIS team and local volunteers. If you’re interested in leadership, this is where you can really grow. My own experience as VP taught me a lot about how to lead a team of people with different backgrounds towards common goals.
  • Events Team: Organizing social and self developmental events is at the heart of DEGIS. These events are designed to help international students adjust to life in Germany, offering support in areas like socializing, settling in, and personal growth.
  • Marketing Team: If you enjoy promoting initiatives and maintaining a strong online presence, this team is perfect. They are responsible for creating awareness of DEGIS events and making sure the wider international student community knows about the opportunities available to them.
  • HR and Business Development Teams: HR ensures that new volunteers are smoothly integrated into the organization, while the Business Development team builds relationships with external partners like universities and sponsors. These teams offer a fantastic chance to develop people management and networking skills.

Why You Should Get Involved As A Volunteer

If you’re an international student in Germany, I highly encourage you to consider volunteering with DEGIS. For me, it was the key to unlocking a deeper, more fulfilling experience in a foreign country. It’s an opportunity to not only help others but also grow as an individual. DEGIS gives you the platform to bring your ideas to life, take on leadership roles, and make a meaningful difference in the international student community. And hey, this also comes with a certificate upon completion of 2 semesters as a volunteer.

Through DEGIS, you’ll gain more than just volunteering experience — you’ll gain confidence, leadership skills, and lifelong connections. So take the leap as a DEGIS volunteer and have your journey in Germany taken to the next level!

Register as a DEGIS Volunteer Here!

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All You Need To Know About the DEGIS Buddy Program!

Buddy Program Banner

By Carolina. Carolina Figueiredo is DEGIS General Coordinator and has running the Buddy Program since its creation in 2021.

The DEGIS Buddy Program is back this Winter!

Starting your studies in a new country is an exciting adventure, but it can also be a challenging experience. That’s where the DEGIS Buddy Program comes in. Since its inception in 2021, this program has helped over 1000 international students navigate their first months in Germany, providing invaluable support and creating lasting friendships. Whether you’re new to Germany or have been here for a while, the DEGIS Buddy Program offers unique opportunities tailored to your needs.

For Newbies: Navigating Your First Months

If you’re an international student just starting your studies in Germany this Winter Semester, the DEGIS Buddy Program is designed to support you. As a “newbie,” you’ll be paired with a more experienced student who can guide you through the initial stages of your German journey. From understanding public transportation to navigating university systems, your buddy will be there to help you settle in and make the most of your first months in Germany.

For Veterans: Giving Back and Growing Together

If you’ve been in Germany for at least six months, you have the opportunity to become a “veteran” buddy. This role allows you to share your experiences and help a new international student overcome the challenges you once faced. By becoming a veteran buddy, you’ll not only strengthen your local community but also earn a volunteer certificate of 6 hours, which can enhance your job and scholarship applications. Additionally, if you’re interested in taking on more responsibility, you can become a local leader in the Buddy Program and earn a 12-hour certificate!

 

What Kind of Support Can Newbies Expect to Receive?

Veterans are expected to be the newbies’ go-to guides for making life easier.

They’ll help tackle the tricky stuff, like getting through the German bureaucracy—including registering your address Anmeldung, setting up a bank account, or figuring out health insurance.

Around campus, they’ll show the ropes: where to study, how to sign up for exams, and where to grab cheap groceries or find helpful services. Plus, veterans will clue newbies in on all the fun student life activities—clubs, events, and maybe even the best spots for a night out.

Most importantly, veterans are there to be a friend, helping settle in, meet new people, and making newbies feel at home in their new city.

How the Program Works

The DEGIS Buddy Program is structured to ensure meaningful and supportive interactions. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how it works:

  1. Application Process: Visit our website and navigate to the Buddy Program Page to find the application form. Applications are open until September 9th, 23:59 CEST.
  2. Matching: After the application deadline, the DEGIS team will match newbies and veterans based on their cities to ensure geographical compatibility.
  3. Activities and Engagement: For six months, you and your buddy will participate in various activities together. These activities are designed to foster a strong connection and provide practical support.
  4. Monthly Check-ins: To ensure the program’s success, we will conduct monthly surveys where buddies can upload pictures of their activities together. This helps us track engagement and provide any necessary support.

A Truly Unique Experience in Germany

The DEGIS Buddy Program offers a unique and enriching experience for both newbies and veterans. It’s not just about support—it’s about building a community, creating memories, and fostering cross-cultural friendships that last a lifetime.

Register now!

Now’s your chance to take part in Germany’s largest Buddy Program initiative! Register for the DEGIS Buddy Program by September 9th, 23:59 CEST, and take the first step towards an unforgettable journey in Germany. Click the link to apply today!

Join us in making the DEGIS Buddy Program a cornerstone of your German adventure!

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Strategic Stress Management for Exams and Beyond

International Students on a Day Trip

By Stefanie Herta – DEGIS National Marketing & Community Manager

Being an International Student can sometimes feel like living life on a rollercoaster. Therefore, I wish to share with you some tested stress management strategies to thrive during exam season and beyond!

As a graduate of Psychology, Commerce and an international student here in Germany just like you, I’ve had my fair share of stressful exams! From having essay-style exams in German, to presenting complex topics to a panel of examiners on psychological topics, the ways that exam season can stress us out are endless. However, we also face unique challenges that our local peers might not experience, and are often invisible to those around us. In fact, exams are just the tip of the iceberg.

Our Stress Iceberg

The “Stress Iceberg” of international students runs deep:

Beneath the surface, we are faced with…

Stress Iceberg of International Students

…and that’s just to name a few of them.

The Stress Continuum

The good news is, have the power to not only manage stress, but shape it to our advantage – turning “bad” stress, into “good”!

stress continuum chart for managing stress

  • Good Stress (Eustress): Motivates us, enhances performance, and provides excitement.
    • For example: Feeling somewhat nervous or “hyped up” before a competition can help you perform better. A natural and balanced release of adrenaline improves performance and focus.
  • Bad Stress (Distress): Leads to anxiety, decreased performance, and health problems. Often chronic
    • For example: An intense study and work schedule with a lack of resources can be particularly harmful.

Stress exists on a continuum, and having the right stress management strategies can turn stress into your favor. So how do we stay clear of the “danger zone” and manage stress during exams (and beyond)?

Stress Management Techniques

Here are some practical techniques against (dis)stress that you can implement right now:

Focus on What You Can Manage and Prioritize

As frustrating as it can be, we can’t control everything. However, we can identify and focus on the areas of our lives where we have the most control, and take direct action.

  • For example: Holding a speech in front of a large audience. By only focusing on preparing your speech, you can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.
Reach Out for Support & Mentorship

You deserve all the support you can get. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others such as friends, family, tutors or professional services. Tackling stressors together tends to be much easier!

Take Strategic Breaks

Regular breaks help reset your system and prevent burnout.

  • Pomodoro Method: A widely popular method invented by a university student, Pomodoro allows you to increase your attention and prevent procrastination.
    • Simply set a timer for 25 minutes, then take a 5 minute break.
    • After 4 “Pomodoros” take a longer 15-30 minute break.
    • (Of course this can be adapted to your needs)
  • Here’s a Pomodoro timer!
Tidying Your Study Space & Online World
  • Tidy your study space: Counter distractions and long sitting-hours by organizing your study space. A tidy room is a tidy mind!
  • Tidy your online world: Unfortunately, the increase in toxic social media content can compound on our stress levels.
    • Filter your followers list and adjust your content settings to maintain a peaceful day!
Make Studying Rewarding
  • Try to treat yourself to something you enjoy after you achieve a study or work goal.
    • Examples: Buying a desert, meeting with friends, watching a movie…
  • Have you ever seen that meme “getting that dopamine hit from ticking off my to do list”? There’s truth to it, actually!
    • Dopamine is triggered in the brain when accomplishing/finalizing your goals.
Consider Your Sleep Chronotype
  • When it comes to sleep, “one size does not fit all”!
  • Are you a night owl, or an early bird?
    • Each of us has a unique “chronotype” (our sleep body clock), and this influences our energy levels throughout the day.
      • For example: Night owls tend to have more energy towards the evening, and can excell at writing and other creative activities during this time.
      • Therefore, some night owls purposely schedule basic tasks earlier on in the day, but leave term paper writing until the evening!
  • Rearranging your study schedule to match your chronotype can significantly improve your productivity and manage stress.
Increase Self-Compassion
    • Be kind to yourself by:
      • avoiding comparisons with others, particularly local peers who may not be going through the same struggles.
      • thinking about your past triumphs and acknowledging how far you have come.

By embracing these practical strategies and prioritizing self-care, we can transform exam stress into a manageable and even motivating part of your academic journey.

 Become a community member with DEGIS (free) for lots of support and resources to help you thrive as an international student in Germany!