My Estramus Exchange at HAW Hamburg

Time flies.

When you're engrossed in something, time always seems to slip away. That was certainly the case during my exchange semester at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences.

One thing I'd like to remind everyone before you set off: keep a close eye on your belongings while travelling. I left my backpack behind on the train from Turku to Vantaa Airport, though thankfully it was recovered a fortnight later.

Part I: Living

When I arrived in Hamburg this March, the weather was bright and sunny. My buddy – part of a friendly support programme that pairs you with a HAW student to assist throughout your stay, from arrival to departure – told me how fortunate I was to encounter such fine weather compared to last year.

My apartment was in the Almoor district, slightly removed from the main campus of HAW, though the convenient S2 takes me to all my planned destinations.

Allermöhe was a pleasant neighbourhood, surrounded by the Wetland Park and Almoor Lake, making it an excellent spot for running. Two supermarkets nearby catered to all my daily needs, and my flatmates are both friendly and helpful.

Allermöhe Subway Station shoot by Yizhu Wang

Part II: Study

Following the fervent Welcoming Week, my first block week commenced with a thought-provoking seminar: Paediatric Psychology and Family-centred care (FCC)  on 24th March. During the session, I shared observations and research findings from Chinese family intervention programmes with classmates hailing from Germany, the United States, Ukraine and beyond. Naturally, they likewise presented research outcomes from their respective communities in diverse formats. 

In short, this opening lecture, crafted collaboratively by professor and students, was nothing short of perfect. I still recall the professor's parting words at the seminar's conclusion: ‘JUST BE HUMAN!’ This serves as a reminder to view our clients as flesh-and-blood individuals while cherishing my own humanity. Never assume omnipotence or place myself above others; instead, acknowledge my limitations and shortcomings. Do not become a mere service machine, but strive to be a service provider with heart and soul.

The second course I wish to highlight is philosophical storytelling. I had initially assumed it would be straightforward—merely sharing engaging tales with the children. Yet when it came to ‘philosophical reflection within the stories,’ I found myself somewhat challenged. Philosophical thinking is notably absent from China's foundational education system. I'm accustomed to defining things in terms of right and wrong, good and bad – a binary mindset that inevitably seeps into my storytelling. Yet philosophical storytelling aims to inspire children to think in diverse and empathetic ways. We created a story like this:

Stroyboard scrips of our group work

For me, observing and narrating my own life story through a philosophical lens is also a wholly new journey.

Another course that proved immensely beneficial was Exploring the Hamburg Metropolitan Region. Though seemingly unrelated to my major, it provided profound insights into Hamburg and Germany as a whole: the public service system, sustainable development models, the history of the Hanseatic League, the education system, the pension scheme... Each aspect is intrinsically linked to human welfare and social services. Professor Erika is a remarkable lady who not only imparts knowledge but also inspires us with her vibrant intellect and personal charisma.

Lastly, I wish to share with you the course Global Social Policy. It not only covered specific social service methodologies but also enabled me to grasp issues such as human rights and wellbeing, social security systems, relevant international policies, and transnational cooperation from a macro perspective. Particularly during the group assignment phase, each team focused on specific targets from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Pact for the Future, culminating in a series of outstanding presentations that facilitated profound cross-group exchanges and learning.

Overall, every course I have undertaken has progressed extremely well. For me, these courses have not only imparted knowledge and information, but have also opened a new window onto diverse learning approaches, modes of thinking, and communication styles. 

Part III: Academic Differences

In Germany, while studying at HAW, classes often included large lectures and group work, combined with independent reading. In Finland, I experienced smaller group discussions alongside independent reading. Both styles gave me valuable skills: in Germany, I learned how to play my role in group projects by contributing ideas, thoughts, and research findings; in Finland, I developed discipline in self-study and learned to manage my time efficiently.

In contrast, in China, both teaching and learning styles are quite different. Students mostly absorb information passively while professors lecture continuously, and group work is rare. Interaction is usually formal and limited. Therefore, skills such as communication, presentation, and cooperation were not naturally part of the curriculum — I had to improve these through my international experiences.

Overall, coming from China, I found the classroom atmosphere in Europe to be much more equal, which encouraged me to speak up and think more openly.

We ate icec ream with professor in class at HAW, shoot by Yizhu Wang

Part IV: Cultural Insights

Germany and Finland sometimes felt like two people with very different personalities. Their cultural styles are almost opposite.

In Hamburg, I noticed that people tend to be very direct in communication, while in Finland people are usually more quiet and reserved. This helped me realize that silence can mean very different things depending on the culture.

Cultural life also reflects the size of the countries: Germany, with its larger and more diverse population, feels vibrant and bustling; while Finland, with its smaller population, feels more distant, natural, peaceful, and calm.

Despite these differences, both cultures share common values of human rights, democracy, and liberty.

Part V: Travel and exploration 

During my stay in Hamburg, my travles didn't meet all my expectation. I only visited a few German cities, such as Berlin, Bremen, Lübeck, Frankfurt... a few German cities;  as well as a few other European cities including Dublin, Paris, Amstedam, Istanbul.

So, my advice for future students is this: manage your time well so you can enjoy wonderful weekends exploring different German cities. In Chinese, we say that "read ten thousands books and travel ten thousand miles" as a way of learning. When you are in Germany, don't miss your orpotunities to explore the country deeply and widely.

Among my trips, Frankfurt was an unforgetable destination.

The day I arrived happend to be the city's Pride Parade. It was my first time experiencing such a colorful, meaningful and powerful public event. I know that in Germany, Pride Parades move from city to city like a relay. I missed it in Hamburg, but luckly encountered it in Frankfurt.

The day showed me how strong the city embraces freedom and equality as human rights. It was a beautiful experiences both for what I saw in the streets and what I felt in my heart. 

                         

Pride Parade in Frankfurt, shoot by Yizhu Wang

Ending

Looking back on my Estramus exchange semester in Hamburg, it was an important time in my life. I made friends, I learned new things, I realize it was much more than just studying abroad. It was a journey of navigating cultural differences,  and exploring Europe in my own way.

Academically, I gained valuable skills from both Germany and Finland that complemented my earlier experiences in China, and these differences taught me flexibility and openness. 

Culturally, I learned to see silence, communication, and everyday life from new perspectives. Through my travels, I discovered that exploration itself can be a teacher, offering lessons about freedom, diversity, and human connection. So beautiful!

Of course, there were challenges, but each one helped me grow in confidence and independence. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I hope my reflections will encourage future students to step out of their comfort zone, embrace new experiences, and find their own unforgettable moments during their exchange.

Bless and keep going!

I took part in the Hamburg 10K Marathon