09/2025 Loice Wambui Gachuhi
Age: 26 | Nationality: Kenyan
What are your favorite spots in Potsdam / Berlin / surroundings?
I love exploring Potsdam and Berlin by bicycle or on foot. Often, I hop on a random public transport line with no destination in mind, just to see where it takes me before making my way back. I do this all year round
One of my favorite places in Potsdam is new palace ,In Berlin, I enjoy spending time around Alexanderplatz and Zoologischer Garten, especially watching the trains come and go. Among them, the ODEG train holds a special place in my heart. Its bright, striking colors never fail to catch my eye — every time it passes by, it thrills my heart and lifts my spirits. There's a kind of joy I can't quite explain; just seeing it fills me with a childlike excitement. For me, the ODEG isn’t just a train — it’s a moving piece of beauty that brightens even the dullest day.
What are the places and moments that make you feel at home here?
Springtime in Germany makes me feel at home. The blossoming trees, fresh green nature, and especially the rain, bring back nostalgic memories of my home country. There’s something comforting about it. Another place that gives me a sense of belonging is my church in Berlin. The community there feels like family — it’s where I feel spiritually grounded and emotionally supported.
You first came to Germany as an au pair. How was that and how did you decide to study at the University?
Yes, I first came to Germany as an au pair. It was a truly enriching experience. I initially landed in Bremen and later moved to Munich to complete my au pair year. I chose this pathway because it was affordable and a great way to integrate into the culture. However, from the beginning, my goal was to pursue higher education in Germany. After my au pair year, I stayed for like 6 months during which I worked cleaning jobs to save up for my blocked account — a requirement for university admission. I applied to only one university — the University of Potsdam — and, by God’s grace, I was accepted.
Tell us about your degree program. How did you get interested in your field of study? Any favorite classes?
I’m currently pursuing a Master's in National and International Administration and Policy. I developed an interest in this field due to my passion for governance, international relations, and foreign policy. My background is in Public Policy and Administration, which I studied for my Bachelor's degree, so it felt like a natural progression to deepen my knowledge in this area.
Are there any specific courses or professors that left a strong impression on you? If so, why?
Yes, definitely. One of the most impactful courses was Legitimacy of International Organizations taught by Professor Sommerer. He has a very charismatic teaching style and encourages student engagement. He helped us understand complex concepts in a very relatable way. Another course I enjoyed was The Populist Explosion and Populist Parties. The lecturer was extremely knowledgeable and made the classes both informative and engaging infact we Visited the bundestag courtesy of her.
Your studies are in English – what about your German skills?
Yes, my program is in English, and my German level is currently intermediate. Living in an international city like Berlin makes it harder to immerse fully in the language, and I sometimes struggle with practicing regularly. I hope to improve by speaking more and possibly taking more structured language courses.
What is the most surprising thing about Germany for you?
What surprised me most is how emotionally reserved people seem at first. I learned early on that if you wait for someone to start a conversation, it might never happen! But once you take the first step and talk to them, they are usually friendly and happy to engage. It just takes breaking that initial ice.
Is there something you wish you had known before moving to Germany?
Yes — I wish I had known how challenging it would be to find a job without fluent German skills. Language can be a real barrier, especially for part-time or student jobs, so I would’ve started learning earlier and taken it even more seriously from the beginning.
What’s one thing from your home country you really miss? And one thing from Germany you’ll take with you forever?
I really miss the food from home — the flavors, the spices, and the warmth that comes with sharing meals. I also miss the joy of constantly hearing laughter and seeing smiling faces in everyday life. One thing I will take with me from Germany is the value of reliability and organization. Germans are incredibly punctual, and when they give you their word, you can trust it. That level of integrity is something I deeply admire.
What are your future plans?
Honestly, I’m still figuring it out. Sometimes I feel unsure, but I’m learning that the future doesn’t just happen — we build it with the choices we make. For now, I want to complete my studies, and if it's in God’s plan, I would love to start a family someday. I'm open to opportunities that allow me to grow both professionally and personally.