Master’s International Media Studies Student Calvin Rock from Kenya Shares His Journey of Studying at DW Akademie and Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, Germany

My name is Calvin Rock. I’m a passionate writer of poetry, flash fiction, and, occasionally, commentaries. Professionally, I am a journalist with a background in fact-checking, OSINT investigations, environment/conservation reporting, and editing. I am currently based in Nairobi, Kenya.

My scholarship was awarded by DW Akademie (first year) in conjunction with the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD (second year) to pursue a master’s degree in international media studies. The degree has a multi-faceted, systematic global outlook on the media systems across the world with hands-on and theoretical courses in Media management, Media economics, HRM, Intercultural communications, Research Methods, Media planning, and Journalism research, among others.

I am passionate about media management and mentoring journalists, hence my interest in the program, as its structure and content resonate with my passion and general career goals.

Dw Akademie & DAAD Scholarship Details

The scholarship I received is two-thronged, i.e., it is a collaborative funding between DW Akademie and the DAAD. The scholarship is a development-related postgraduate program intended for students from developing countries to pursue development-related courses in Germany.

The host institution for my scholarship is the DW Akademie in Bonn, with access to all the infrastructure, resources, and educators at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein Sieg (The Bonn University of Applied Sciences). The scholarship covers tuition for the 2 years in the amount of 6,000 euros plus an additional monthly stipend of 992 euros per month. The costs for travel to and from Germany are also covered, as well as medical insurance (for the second year of study) and research funding.

Educational Background

My Bachelor’s was in Linguistics, Media and Communication, and I graduated with second class honors (upper division) – equivalent to 3.3 GPA. My bachelor’s studies prepared me for the media field, where I worked for 3 years before beginning my master’s. Having majored in media and communication, my aspiration was to work as a journalist which by broad consideration is the target career path for the scholarship, although students from other professions are also welcome to apply.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Dw Akademie / Hochschule Bonn-rhein-sieg?

Information about the scholarship was forwarded to me by someone in my professional network. However, I come across similar opportunities on websites such as Opportunities Desk and Opportunities for Young Africans. All other information about the scholarship and institution was obtained from the DW Akademie website.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

While a standardized English Test is required, applicants can provide proof of undertaking their bachelor’s degree in English in lieu of the standardized test. Usually, a verified letter from your university’s faculty is needed.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Dw Akademie & DAAD Scholarship?

The documents and verification of the required documents were the difficult part. The German system is very particular about verifications, including date of issue, signatures, and official stamps.

I prepared a checklist of the required documents and made sure to get verifications on these documents in good time.

How Is (was) Your Experience at Dw Akademie / Hochschule Bonn-rhein-sieg?

My experience at DW Akademie met my expectations. The availability of resources and expertise, especially as media students, was quite ideal. Additionally, we had access to all the resources at the Bonn University of Applied Sciences and some facilities (mostly the library) of the Bonn University.

How Do You Rate Dw Akademie / Hochschule Bonn-rhein-sieg Academically and Why?

I would rate both DW Akademie and the Bonn University of Applied Sciences as exemplary due to the diversity (many international students), stellar infrastructure, and qualified academic staff.

How Does Dw Akademie / Hochschule Bonn-rhein-sieg Support International Students?

The Bonn University of Applied Sciences has a dedicated International Office providing help and support to international students. Additionally, there is a study-buddy system where current international students are linked up with prospective international students to help them with settling once they arrive in Germany. Also, the international office organizes regular events for international students.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

My course was English-taught.

What Did You Pursue After Dw Akademie & DAAD Scholarship?

I recently got a job offer with an international media outlet based in the U.S.A

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing German?

Yes. If your courses are German taught, it is a requirement to have at leas a level B1 proficiency in German.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe that making my motivation letter personal and clearly illustrating how the scholarship and course would impact my career. It is important that your career goals align with the objectives of the scholarship you are applying for.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

• Get better acquainted with the German culture.
• Prepare (emotionally) for staying away from home.
• Try to make more friends and cultivate a support system when in the new country

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Make sure your motivation stands out. Do not just write a generic motivation letter; make it personal and relevant to your career path. Prepare adequately for the transition to a new country/culture – this transition can be very tough.