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From Boardrooms to Bus Rides: Our Human Rights Adventure in Geneva

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After finishing our exams, what better way to recharge than an inspiring trip to Geneva? Thanks to FAU’s generous support in sponsoring our accommodation, most of us from the FAU M.A. Human Rights program packed our bags and embarked on an unforgettable journey filled with learning, bonding, reflection, and some unexpected travel adventures! My dear FAU awardees and friends Our journey began in Nürnberg, where we boarded a train to Geneva. While my fellow classmates from Erlangen were in another carriage, I shared my ride with Ana. This made for a fun and cozy start to the trip—our own little travel bubble where we chatted, shared snacks, and enjoyed the smooth ride through stunning landscapes. The train was comfortable, allowing us to relax before diving into the busy schedule ahead. Geneva, the heart of international diplomacy, welcomed us with open arms and high-level meetings! We had the privilege of engaging with professionals working at the UN, leading NGOs, and influential think...
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First Semester Recap: Lessons Learned Along the Way

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 As my first semester ends, I can’t help but reflect on the challenges, rewards, and personal growth I’ve experienced during these past months. The excitement of beginning a new chapter in a different country was accompanied by the nervousness of navigating life in a language I am not yet fluent in—an unfamiliar situation compared to my previous international experiences. And, of course, the most significant challenge: diving into a field of study that, while connected to my humanitarian aid work, is still largely new territory for me. Memories of the first semester This journey has been a mix of highs and lows—homesickness, getting sick (and discovering the joys of German pharmacies), the winter blues, and the pressure of exams. Yet, between those moments, there were incredible experiences: creating new memories, establishing daily routines like commuting to university, spending weekends exploring Nuremberg, and finally calling Erlangen-Bruck my home. Looking back, I can’t help bu...
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Farewell 2024, Hello 2025: A Year of Growth and New Horizons

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  As I write this post in January 2025, I reflect on the incredible moments that closed out 2024 and the exciting journey ahead. Last year was nothing short of transformative, and I’m thrilled to share some highlights with you. A Memorable Encounter with FAU President Joachim Hornegger One of the standout moments of late 2024 was meeting Professor Joachim Hornegger, the president of Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. This was not just a formal meeting; it felt personal and inspiring. Along with two Ph.D. candidates, I had an informal conversation with him, during which he showed genuine interest in our academic pursuits, as well as our backgrounds, countries, and aspirations. His advice was invaluable: learn German to broaden your opportunities, strive for excellence, and most importantly, pursue your passions with dedication. These words resonated deeply with me and instilled a renewed sense of purpose as I continue my studies in Human Rights. A Multicultural Chris...
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Navigating Winter, Classes, and Holiday Nostalgia

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December marks the start of my third month in Germany—can you believe it? I’m still based in Erlangen, but my student life at FAU keeps me commuting back and forth to Nuremberg.  If you’ve read my previous posts, you’ll know I’ve gotten used to commuting. It’s no longer the daunting ordeal it once was; it’s now just a routine part of my day. (Pic of the Kollegienhaus where I usually spend most of my Tuesdays) But you know what I’m not totally used to yet? Winter. Let me tell you, the lack of sun is no joke! As someone who comes from a much sunnier part of the world, the gray skies and chilly weather have been a bit of an adjustment. The good news? Germany knows how to do winter right. The streets are alive with Christmas decorations, charming markets, and abundant traditional sweets that make everything feel just a little warmer and cozier. That said, the holidays can be bittersweet, especially for international students like me. A big part of my heart misses my family back in Ec...
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Two Months in Germany – Living the Dream

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 Two months ago, I landed in Germany with a suitcase full of clothes, a head full of dreams, and zero clue about the German language. Fast forward to today, and I’m navigating life like a pro (well, almost). Honestly, I still pinch myself sometimes—how did a simple Google search lead me here? Let’s talk about the big challenge: German. My vocabulary started and ended with “Hallo” and “Danke,” and yet, here I am, managing to do everything from grocery shopping to catching the right train on Deutsche Bahn (DB) . For those unfamiliar, DB is Germany’s national railway service, and their app is an absolute lifesaver for planning trips and commutes. Between figuring out train schedules and never missing my stop on the route between Erlangen and Nuremberg, I’m genuinely proud of how far I’ve come. And can we talk about my new home? I live in this super modern place called The Brucklyn , which feels like something straight out of a Pinterest board. It’s not just an apartment—it’s a  ...
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A Leap of Faith – Choosing FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg

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  Have you ever had one of those moments when everything just clicks ? That’s how it felt when I discovered FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg. I was scrolling through Google, looking for master’s programs, and stumbled upon their Master of Human Rights . Suddenly, it was like the stars aligned—this was exactly what I had been searching for. ( The picture in this blog was taken by me when I arrived in Erlangen, one of the cities where I have classes; the other one is Nürnberg.) As someone who spent years working in humanitarian affairs, I’ve seen the best and worst of humanity. I’ve witnessed resilience, hope, courage, heartbreak, and injustice. While I loved my work, I realized I needed a deeper understanding of human rights law to advocate for change on a bigger scale. FAU’s program perfectly bridges my humanitarian experience and my dream of driving meaningful, legal reform. I won’t lie—applying to study in Germany felt like a leap into the unknown. I didn’t speak German, and starting over i...
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