05/2025 Magdalene Zaki

Age: 24 | Nationality: Sudanese Canadian

What are the places and moments that make you feel at home here?

I am reminded of Canada whenever I am buying coffee at the train stations while waiting for my train on my way to class. Coffeeshops make me feel as though am back in Canada. Ironically, I only started to drink cappuccinos here, but they sort of remind me of the ice cups I used to get from Tim Hortons every morning before or in between classes.

What challenges do you anticipate as you settle into life in Potsdam and begin your studies?

It’s generally going to be a new environment so am worried about not fitting in especially with the language barrier, I anticipate it might take a while before I adjust or get the hang of things.

Tell us about your degree program. How did you get interested in your field of study? Any favorite classes?

Since young, I’ve always been deeply affected by injustices towards marginalized people because of my lived experiences and my loved ones. Since then, I always knew I wanted to do something about it, which had me toying around with different careers choices in the justice system. I wanted to be a lawyer initially, but I changed my mindbecause it would take a long time, so now I’m looking at diplomacy and advocacy work. My favorite class this semester would be Introduction to Security Politics. It’s broadened my way of thinking. I particularly enjoy the debates and class discussions as I find it interesting to hear other people’s opinions and perspectives.

What opportunities were there for international students to engage with the academic community and collaborate with fellow students?

Clubs and events have offered great opportunities for international students to get involved with school activities and through that meet local students. Additionally, the seminars have been quite engaging through group discussions and presentations, and projects. This way one gets to interact with other students in social and academic contexts.

What are your expectations for the German education system and your academic experiences in Potsdam?

Coming in I really thought it would be like the Canadian system of education, something familiar but I was wrong. It took a while to get a good grasp of how things work, there are so many components. However, I was hoping to find kind and approachable professors and they are just that which am grateful for, it’s made my academic experience relatively better.

Do you already have plans or ideas for extracurricular involvement or leisure activities in Potsdam?

Yes, I have a list of German cities and neighboring countries I’d like to visit during my time here, so I hope to fulfil that. Also, out of mere curiosity I’d like to do the popular pub hops/crawls students have been talking about.

What is most surprising thing about Germany for you?

The people. I’ve been to the rural part of Germany and people are much friendlier compared to the cities.

Your future plans:

I hope to travel more within the next couple of years. I am a curios person in love with the idea of learning and broadening my experience through interactions with people from different parts of the world. I’d like to be of help to people and am in the process of figuring out just how.