At the University of Magdeburg, students can complete a degree in two countries. The double degree program for computer science and business informatics enables students and researchers from the Faculty of Computer Science in Magdeburg and the Faculty of German Engineering and Business Education in Sofia (Bulgaria) to take part in an exchange.
Hannah is studying computer science and spent one semester at the Technical University of Sofia. It is immediately apparent: "Bulgaria is an incredibly beautiful, geographically diverse country with a fascinating history. From the mountains to the sea, via Plovdiv to Russia, the country is full of treasures and unexpected stories. Its capital even more so." The social environment also leaves a very good impression on Hannah: "The people here are friendly, helpful and warm. On my language course, I was able to make great friends, have fascinating conversations with strangers in the park, and end up feeling a little more at home every day and falling a little more in love with Sofia and Bulgaria." The local bureaucracy is a bit special: "I didn't think I would ever miss German organization and bureaucracy, but after a few months in Bulgaria you do appreciate it. But if you can deal with it, you will be richly rewarded."
Hannah fell in love with the country and its people during her semester abroad and discovered many beautiful places in Bulgaria. (Photo: private)
Hannah's favorite memory of her semester abroad remains New Year's Eve in Sofia. "New Year's Eve with my friends was my personal highlight. Decorated government buildings, live music and light shows, a countdown, fireworks - and then folk dancing in the middle of the crowd."
Good job prospects thanks to cooperation
The double degree is possible in the Bachelor's and Master's degree courses in Computer Science and Business Informatics. Depending on the course, one to two semesters abroad are a prerequisite for the double degree. For Hannah, the Bulgarian teaching system, which is somewhat more school-based than the German system, worked very well: "I took modules worth 30 credit points, which was manageable.”
The program is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service. The cooperation with the German IT company Sulzer and its software development center in Sofia, Achala Sulzer, gives the university's offer additional significance. Students have already been placed at Achala Sulzer in Bulgaria. The offers range from internships to permanent positions.
Students and employees of the Faculty of Computer Science can use the double degree program to exchange ideas with students and researchers in Bulgaria. (Photo: private)
The program is not only worthwhile for Bachelor's students: It is also possible to complete a doctorate or internship abroad under the supervision of both sides. The project also provides a framework for the joint supervision of student theses and dissertations as well as the initiation of joint research projects in order to promote the transfer of knowledge in research and teaching between Bulgaria and Germany.