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„I sometimes even dream in German“

Exchange student Michal Dušek from Czech Republic completed two semesters abroad in the field of German Studies at Chemnitz University

Michal Dušek studies German Studies at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. He is, in his own words, “in love with the German language” and deals with it every day. Despite his walking impediment, his dream was to study abroad at a German university with the ERASMUS program. And this dream came true: In 2016, Dušek arrived at Chemnitz University of Technology, which cooperates closely with the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen for many years. “I have walking impediments since birth and have to use walking aids. It was a challenge to stay abroad for a year all by myself and without the help of my parents”, says Dušek looking back.

He especially enjoyed events, which looked at the German language from the perspective of a foreign or second language and German grammar at Chemnitz University. “I passed everything and my self-confidence increased. Every person I met during my stay was very nice, helpful, and kind.” His resume is consistently positive. Thus, one exchange year turned into two.

 Subsequent to his bachelor degree in German Studies, Dušek would like to pursue his master’s degree in Germany, maybe even in Chemnitz. Regarding his profession, he keeps all options open. He could envision to work in an apolitical job or in Czech Centers in Germany or Austria. The position of an interpreter is also an interesting perspective.

The Rotary Club Zwickau-Glauchau sponsored an electric scooter in the value of 3,000 euros for Dušek to be more mobile in his daily student life. The former exchange student is really thankful: “The scooter significantly simplifies my life and will probably carry on to do so in the future.” The city of Chemnitz and its university will also remain a wonderful memory. “Chemnitz is a beautiful – historic and modern – city and I could imagine to live here”, Dušek adds.

Dušek would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported and made these exchange years in Chemnitz possible. Among them are German and Czech teachers, the International Offices of his home university and Chemnitz University, the Representative Body for Severely Disabled Persons, as well as the Studentenwerk Chemnitz-Zwickau. “I sometimes even dream in German”, says Dušek.

(Author: Felix Krieglstein)

Matthias Fejes
11.12.2017

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