Ayub Omondi Owino
Student in Mechanical Engineering department.
When I got the opportunity to do my master thesis project research in Germany, everything wasn’t clear since just three months after the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world. This meant that I wasn’t sure whether it will happen. Anyway covid-19 rescinded and I was able to go to University of Siegen, Germany.
The stay has been good and there was a smooth transition from life in Kenya to life in Germany. This was enabled by the kind assistance that the host institution provided through the international office. The Student buddy ensured I had a local student, Mr. Till Sinsig who was ready to help in case I had any problems or queries. Mrs. Bourin-Budig the coordinator of International student affairs and Mr. Jonas Volet were also ever present for help physically and also through zoom meetings following up on our affairs. On the academic side my supervisor Prof. Dr. Holger Schoenherr also ensured I fitted in and started my academic work well and in time also with the help of a dedicated laboratory supervisor Ms. Kawaljit Kaur. On a plus side I was lucky to have been accompanied by a classmate from DeKUT Ms. Celestine Kathure whose presence has also helped my life in Germany in more ways than one.
Despite the various challenges brought about by covid-19, we were able to tour various towns in Germany like Frankfurt, Dussledorf, Bonn, Cologne and Dortmund. From this we were able to learn a bit of German history, enjoy some nice scenery and also learn about their culture and what makes Germany different from Kenya and vice versa. We were also able to participate in a few activities that the International student office managed to organize like game and movie nights, sports day and cultural weeks. The spread of vaccination also ensured that we were able to experience the German Christmas and it was magical. We were able to visit the Christmas markets and enjoy German foods and celebrations of Christmas and new year.
