Livin‘ la Vida loca – Livin‘ a crazy life
"Germans are very polite people!"
Bild: Olesja Miller
What is your name?
Marta Larrión Vega.
Where are you from?
I am from Pamplona. It is a city of 300.000 citizens located in the north of Spain.
What do you major in?
English Studies.
Why did you choose the University of Vechta?
Generally, I chose Germany as I thought it was going to be a great challenge for me to survive in a country where I don‘t know the language at all.
Which points about Germany are exactly how you imagined them to be?
Germans are very quiet, punctual and tidy, which are good values. It takes a long time to get to know German people and become friends, but it is okay. Furthermore they really like beer. After 4 months, I have also become German in that aspect ;).
And which aspects are absolutely different as you had imagined them before?
I was surprised that Germans don‘t like dancing as much as Spanish do. Usually, party is the perfect excuse to meet people, but in Germany they don‘t talk a lot. I was also impressed by tobacco machines being everywhere and that there is a specific schedule to pick the rubbish from the houses as well.
Would you consider staying in Germany for an extended period of time?
No, once I do all my exams I will be finishing my degree. Finding a job in Spain afterwards is my priority.
What is your cure for homesickness?
SKYPEEEEEEEEE :)!!!!!! But I never really felt homesick :).
Where is it more fun to party – in Germany or in Spain?
I think everybody in the world associates Spain with party, girls, sangria and siesta. They think we are lazy people who only want to party. Somehow, they are right ;).
What do you like about Germans?
I like that they are usually well organized and neat. Also that once you become friends, you can count on those people. Some Germans I met were also very helpful, always trying to help with problems with a smile on their faces.
Which German habits were hard to get used to?
I like I missed the craziness of Spanish people a little bit. Being all expressive with emotions, being open minded, like saying hello to everyone, even if they don‘t know you at all. Germans seem to be more reserved. They are very polite.
Have you ever been living abroad before?
I like that No, but I used to spend my holidays in England every now and then, since I was two years old.
Would you recommend an academic year abroad?
In my case it is hard to tell. I was the first Spanish exchange student in Vechta. Unfortunately, there were some organizational difficulties, regarding my timetable. I was attending courses that had nothing to do with my studies in Spain in the end. It is a bit upsetting, because it could affect my plans for the future of getting my degree as soon as possible. So, although I enjoyed the lessons, I would say it is better to have things ready in advance for students who are coming.
Please be honest. Did these questions annoy you :)?
Not at all, but it is difficult to find the right words to express myself in order not to hurt Germans when they read this.
Thank you for taking time.
Das Interview führte Johanna-Maria Jaromin.
