Studienfach: Artificial Intelligence
Einrichtung: FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
Zeitraum und Ort: 2023 – 2025, Erlangen
Stipendienprogramm: Jahresstipendium des Freistaats Bayern
Introduction
After finishing my Bachelor’s in Informatics at the University of Pilsen, I decided to continue my studies in Germany, specifically in Bavaria, even more specifically in Franconia. With the generous support from the BTHA scholarship program, I have continued my Master's studies in Artificial Intelligence at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). This journey has been truly rewarding – helping me grow academically while transforming my personal life and career path as well.
Motivation and Program Selection
My desire to study in Germany grew from my previous Erasmus year at OTH Regensburg, where I first got comfortable with German. I have always appreciated German culture – both the polite everyday interactions and the amazing beer culture, which felt like home, coming from Pilsen. When looking at Master's programs, FAU stood out because of its strong reputation and because the AI program offered a modern and rapidly evolving study field. The location was perfect too – not too far from my family and close enough to Pilsen where a lot of my friends live.
Academic Experience
The German approach to education has been both tough and rewarding. Unlike my studies back home, courses here focus on really understanding theoretical concepts. While studying takes up a lot of time, the structure works well for me – there is more weight on final exams than weekly homework, though we still have important projects throughout the semester.
One challenge I faced was the competition for projects and seminars at FAU. The AI program attracts so many students that getting assigned to your preferred project is difficult. Despite this challenge, I have kept my grades strong with an average around 1.7. I have really enjoyed diving deeper into AI, machine learning, and large language models without failing any exams – so far.
FAU has surprised me with how modern and forward-thinking it is. Many professors here are doing cutting-edge research, especially in applying AI to medicine. The campus is incredibly international – I have made friends from Germany, India, Pakistan, Iran, and many other countries.
Professional Development
As a nice bonus to my studies, I have managed to secure a working student position as a Data Scientist at Siemens. This part-time job has given me some practical experience that nicely complements my theoretical knowledge. It might even help me down the road, as I am considering staying in Bavaria after graduation. While my main focus remains on my studies, this professional experience has been a valuable addition to my time here.
Life in Erlangen
Erlangen is a perfectly sized student city, just 15 minutes by car from Nuremberg in northern Bavaria. It is conveniently close to Czechia, the Alps, and the rest of Germany. Living in a WG (shared apartment) has been both affordable – keeping costs under 350€ – and great for my language skills, since sharing the kitchen with German roommates forces me to practice daily.
The Franconian dialect (Fränkisch) that locals speak was tough at first, but I have gotten used to it with time. The surrounding region is really beautiful, especially the Fränkische Schweiz with its amazing rock climbing and cycling routes. And the Bergkirchweih, Germany's second-largest beer festival, is an experience you cannot miss – with traditional music, lederhosen and dirndls everywhere, and delicious beer served by the liter.
Social Life and Personal Growth
Sharing an apartment has led to some great friendships. We sometimes go on bike trips or play board games together. In my free time, I stay active with climbing, volleyball, and weekend trips to the Alps. Other times, we just relax on a blanket in the park, watching the sunset, or head to techno festivals around Bavaria during the summer.
During my time here, I have felt completely welcome and at home. If I had to find something to complain about, it would probably be Deutsche Bahn’s reliability – trying to travel during the 2024 train strikes certainly tested my patience!
Conclusion
Looking back on this experience, I am glad I made the decision to study in Erlangen. Apart from deepening my academic knowledge, I have improved my German, made some amazing friends, and gained valuable work experience along the way. Thanks to BTHA for the support that made this possible. I am looking forward to what comes next, and I can see myself staying in Bavaria after graduation.
Text und Bild: Stipendienbericht
