Graduate Scholarship
Heidelberg
Living the Seasons
Ice-cream on a balmy summer evening, collecting chestnuts in the autumn forests, Christmas markets with mulled wine, and an all-night festival to welcome the spring: Masters student Lara embraces change on a DAAD scholarship.
Moving to Heidelberg to complete a Master’s in Molecular Biosciences was possibly the best decision I will ever make. As well as being completely satisfied with my study programme, it’s been a full cultural immersion - starting with zero German skills to where I am now; able to communicate freely and happily in this challenging language. I’ve travelled to fourteen European countries and met incredible people throughout. I’ve made the closest of friends, and have begun to develop a much clearer understanding of myself and what I truly value in my life. During two years in Germany, I’ve always had a positive feeling of moving forward. This feeling is associated with seasonal transitions, but it’s much more than that. It’s a feeling of growing, of excitement, and of moving in the right direction. I’ve gathered a few photos and thoughts in attempt to share a glimpse of this experience.
High Summer in Heidelberg
Contrary to popular belief, Germany is not always the land of the cold, grey, and damp. From July to September there is plenty of sunshine, tanned skin, pots bursting with summer flowers, and temperatures soaring up to 39 °C. The evenings are bliss as it cools down but remains mild enough to wander over the old bridge with an ice-cream, listening to the street artists softly playing the ”hang” drum.Autumn Harvest
As the pressure of the university year intensifies in October, the summery landscape begins to transform into one of reds, yellows, and browns. In my study-free time, I’ve gone like a local into the woods to collect chestnuts and walnuts - which are plentiful and delicious, especially when roasted. A most intriguing collection of pumpkins can be found at the markets, and pumpkin soup and onion cake are offered on every café menu.Snow Falls
There is a magical transformation in Heidelberg as snow begins to fall. A calm stillness passes over the city, the trees dress in their splendid white coats, and, well, life continues remarkably smoothly (unlike what I recall from home!).