Arsalan Minhas from Pakistan works on his master's in Germany
Arsalan Minhas was born in Karachi in 1978. He graduated in computer systems engineering from the NED University of Engineering & Technology in Karachi in spring 2001. He worked as an engineering manager in the IT industry before coming to Germany in August 2004 to work on a master’s degree. Arsalan secured a scholarship for a two-year-stint at the Technical University Hamburg-Harburg through the “DAAD-Siemens Scholarship Program Asia 21st Century.”
Arselan Minhas
How did you find out about the DAAD-Siemens Scholarship Program and why did you apply?
Even though I was enjoying my job I always wanted to do my masters and I was afraid it was getting too late. I had already been working for three years after my bachelor when I came across this program on the website of the German Embassy. It was a very attractive program, so I called them right away and submitted my documents.
Are you satisfied with the program?
Of course I am very satisfied because the grant covers all my living expenses and travel expenses to workshops and seminars. Therefore, it was also very competitive to get in. They also provided a two-month German course in Cologne before I started my studies in Hamburg. I knew no German at all and had no time to take any German classes in Pakistan because of my job. The time in Cologne was important to learn the language but also to explore the culture and get familiar with the new environment.
Why did you choose Germany for your master’s degree?
The major reason was that I got the scholarship. On the other hand, I was also admitted to a master’s program in Korea, but I chose Germany. Having traveled a lot throughout Asia, I really wanted to explore Europe. Moreover, the university that I am enrolled at now enjoys a really good reputation in the international arena. I am a computer science guy and expected Germany to be very strong in engineering and IT.
How did you feel when you first came to Germany and what do you think about your life here now?
I had no culture shock at all. Apart from the time in Cologne, I also attended orientation courses organized by the university, which where very helpful. There are many things that I like about my life in Germany. Contrary to most people here I really like the weather in Hamburg, cloudy skies and rain. I like most of the people I meet. The Germans are very disciplined and stick to the rules and I also like that they are very direct and to the point. Among the negative aspects of life I’ve noticed is that family bonds don’t seem to be very strong. The divorce rate is very high. For me, family relationships are very important.
How about your studies and the university?
We have a very friendly environment here. I am very satisfied with the quality of the professors. We have a good infrastructure and I like the methodology of teaching and conducting the exams. However, I am overwhelmed by the number of courses at master’s level. There are many courses that I have to take even though I already know they will not be relevant for my professional life that I will go back to. I think the university should allow students to chose fewer courses according to their specialization.
What will you do after finishing your master’s degree?
I can always go back to my old company because I only took a leave to come to Germany, but I don’t have to. When I finish, I will decide what I’ll do. I would also like to go for a Ph.D., either in Pakistan if I can find the right project there or abroad.
Do you have any tips for other foreigners who want to come to Germany to study?
