Alumni
People who have attended a school, the IDO or a university and are now former students are referred to collectively as alumni. They stay connected even after graduating from school, university or taking part in a competition. At the IDO, some lasting friendships have developed in this way among former participants all over the world. We would like to take this opportunity to introduce two of our IDO alumni.
Bhavika Sharma from India
Yes.
What surprised you most here?
How good tap water tasted!
If you had to sum up your experiences at the IDO in one word, what would it be?
Wild!
How has your life changed since the IDO (2014)?
(What do you do and where do you live now?)
The IDO triggered my interest in studying in Germany after I finished school. I attended preparatory college in Berlin and did a Bachelor’s degree in Mannheim, and then ended up in Darmstadt, where I live today.
What is your favourite German word and why?
Asche. The word takes me to a quiet place.
What is your favourite word in your native language and what does it mean?
त्वचा – it means ‘skin’ (and is pronounced twacha, ch as in cherry)
What would you like to say to participants of future IDOs?
ALL THE BEST and LOTS OF LOVE, TAKE IN THE MAGIC OF THE ELBE and BRING IT BACK TO EARTH – you are the best!
Andrei Precupescu from Romania
It wasn’t my first time in Germany, but it was my first time in Frankfurt am Main.
What surprised you about Germany and Frankfurt am Main back then?
What surprised me? Mmm – that’s a good question. I think I was impressed how well organised everything was here. Every hour of the IDO was well planned. Everyone knew what to do, and you noticed that as a participant. Everything went according to schedule, but the IDO team still managed to create a relaxed atmosphere for us participants.
What was your experience of the IDO eight years ago (2014)?
It was a long journey for me, travelling from Romania, my home country, to take part in the IDO. There were several milestones at local, regional and national level. That’s why I was so delighted to make it. I didn’t see it as a competition, I saw it as an experience. And that’s what it was, too. Being there was everything. And you never forget the IDO afterwards either. Getting to know people from all continents, spending two weeks living, discussing, working and partying with so many different people. You learn a lot about other peoples’ mentalities. You see how similar we are, even if we look different or live in different places. And in the process, you grow and develop yourself.
How has your life changed since then?
A lot of things have changed in my life since the IDO in 2014. I finished med school and became a doctor. Being in contact with sick people so much is a powerful experience. I appreciate and respect things more every day and I have learned what Tony Robbins said so beautifully in English: ‘‘Life doesn’t happen to you, it happens for you.”
What is your favourite German word and why?
My favourite German word is Wanderlust. It says what I often feel. I’ve always found travel to be motivating. I’m never too tired to get up if I have a flight in three hours, even though it might be midnight and I’ve only slept for an hour ;)
What would you say to participants of future IDOs?
I wish all IDO participants a fun time! I hope they’ll be happy, enjoy the experience, have no stress, be open and communicative and make lots of friends. Be yourself, guys!
