PhD in Sciences at the VUB

Stefan Marr gave us an Interview about his study at the VUB.

What was the reason for choosing and applying for this course of study at VUB?
The Programming Technology Lab at the VUB provides me with a perfect environment for my PhD studies, in terms of people and knowledge. The research conducted at this lab fits very good to my own interests. I want to do my PhD in an country where I do not speak the native language.

Where and how did you get informed about study possibilities?
I ask my professor in Potsdam, whether he knows some labs doing research in my area of interest, PROG at the VUB was one of them.

How did you acquire required language skills?
I do only speak Englisch, but currently attend a Dutch course. Englisch was part of my curriculum since my third school year.

Where and how did you apply?
I applied using the usual PhD application material from the VUB webpage, of course with the help of people from the PROG lab.

How did you find your accommodation/flat?
On the internet, using webpages and I got a link to the International Relation office a the VUB.

What were your first experience/impressions (e.g. of the language)?
My first impression of the VUB was quite nice, I got in touch with everyone at the barbecue in last summer. My first impression on the Dutch language was, well, it sounds a bit like german (from my own perspective, Dutch speakers are people how do not care about intonating German correctly), no, but the language is very similar, and I do not have much trouble to learn it (as in understanding, reading it).

What are, in your opinion, the advantages of studying in Belgium?
It is an European country, it is not Germany, I learn a new language. It is close to Germany, so I can visit my family and friends relatively cheap, or collaborate with people from Germany easily.

What are, in your opinion, the disadvantages of studying in Belgium?
I do not speak any French...

What would you suggest to the German school-leavers who are interested in such a course of studies?
Be aware of all other opportunities you have to study abroad, choose the best one...

What are your positive and negative experiences of study that you have gained till now?
The Dutch bureaucracy is as complicated as the German, and there are no English forms...

What are your plans for the future?
Finish my PhD in 3,5 years.

Would you go the same way one more time?
Definitely yes!

We thanks Stefan Marr!

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