Atharva Gore - From Pune To Vallendar

A few years ago, I developed an interest in the German language and soon liked it. That is when I decided to go to Germany for my Master's. I was a bit late than others as I started my applications in late March.

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Yana was with me throughout the process and supported me whenever needed, and managed to get me into the best business school in Germany.

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I was looking for the following:

• Top-ranked business school

• Variety of courses to choose from

• Internationality

• Good career support

Since no one in my close family has been to Germany for study purposes, I was pretty clueless about how to approach it. 

Luckily, while following pages related to Germany, Education in Germany, I came across Yana Immis, not knowing she would be the one to help me achieve my dreams. After writing my GMAT and IELTS exams, I decided to contact Yana. We had a small meeting soon, where we discussed the opportunities, possibilities, and my chances. Given my 'not so great' GMAT score, getting into a top-ranked business school was difficult, but Yana always said to aim for the best.

On top of my preferred university, I was also open to other business schools. Upon knowing that, Yana sent me a list of 10 courses where I had better chances, but again, the emphasis was on 'aiming for the best.'

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WHU has a couple of interviews before the admissions team gives you a decision. Yana prepared me so well for both interviews that I could confidently face them head-on. We spent hours discussing how to best answer a question, how to behave during an interview, and what the interviewer expects, and her guidance is still valuable to me, and I am grateful for that. 

I moved to Vallendar to study for my Master's degree at WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management. When choosing a university, I would recommend choosing the one that genuinely helps you in the subject you're passionate about.

Yana has been both a friend and a teacher for me during my entire application process. She was someone who you could rely on and get answers to almost any related questions. 

I am sincerely thankful for her efforts and help make this journey simple for me. I really can't wait to meet her in person someday soon!

Thanks for everything! 

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Study Abroad - Application Form

Interested to Study Abroad? Apply with me today to a university of your choice. My consultations are free of charge. Contact me any time.

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1. WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management - Study In Vallendar

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4. Yana Immis - Services & Reviews

14 Takeaways From My Study Abroad Experience In Germany

When you move abroad, you become a different person. The more you live abroad, the more different you will seem to your friends and relatives once you go back home. Myth or reality? I tested it on myself. And here is what happened.

I moved to Germany from Russia 10 years ago. There are 14 takeaways from my study abroad experience in Germany: things that changed, how I changed & how my relatives and my friends don't recognize me when I go back home to Russia.

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Study abroad experience changes you: it changed me

it will change you, trust me!

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I finished my Bachelor degree & my Master degrees in Germany, found an internship and then I found a job. Actually, I would say, the job has found me because the immigration office called my employer and told them that I was overqualified and that they should pay me more. So my employer had to raise the salary (I love Germany). Germany protects you when you're a qualified foreigner and I love it.

Frankly speaking, I didn't know if I would want to stay in Germany (you love it and you hate it).

I had to get used to it because if you're coming from a developing country the life in Germany can be a little bit tough for you because of the things not working the same way (well it took me around three years to get accustomed to the way Germans think and behave and about things that are accepted in the country and what is not accepted). It is all about trial and error.

It took me three years to understand that this is the country where I want to live, work and retire one day.

Even if I leave Munich sometimes, since I travel a lot I always smile when I land in Franz Josef Strauss Airport of Munich and I'm happy to be back - this is my town this is my Kreis this is my country now.

1.     I became German

I became German literally since I was Russian before and now I only have a German passport. I had to give up my Russian passport and it was a difficult choice to make but I took it for the future of mine. To be able to connect my profession to traveling and to be able to be independent in Europe in terms of future employment I had to make such a sacrifice. I am still a patriot and I love coming back home to my country; my family is in Russia but my heart belongs to Germany.

After I have been living in Germany for 5 years, I did not apply for a permanent residence like any other fellow foreigner. In fact, the immigration office of Munich offered it to me and I politely accepted such a generous offer (why not?!) Foreigners can apply for permanent residence five years after living in Germany (working and studying). I didn’t apply because it was not on my agenda. I only planned to finish my studies and I never thought of staying (the universe had other plans).

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After 7 years, I applied for a German passport and successfully received it.

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So, I'm German for a year now and it feels good. Why?

There are travel possibilities, an ability to open a company in Germany within one day, voting rights and as well as employment in any part of the world. Life is just so much easier now. The best is that I can visit my Mexican friends in London easily overnight and I can travel to my good friend in the USA overnight as well. Now there are no borders and I feel unstoppable.

2.     I became educated

What I love the most about German education is that it's applied science in the majority of the cases. The hands-on approach means you do have books but you have to read them at home and books are not the old school they are coming from the USA which is ahead of the world. You learn from professors by case studies & workshops, as well as by group presentations and projects.

You have to work with different nationalities and it's a lot of fun. It is hard because you have to make yourself learn at home, but during the classes, you apply the knowledge learnt. The information is extremely relevant to the industry you would like to work in and to your future. I did my Bachelor and my Master degrees in Business and Finance and I am currently applying it in my business. That makes me very happy.

3.     I became punctual

Some of my friends actually hate me for that. There are some friends of mine that are never on time. I'm always on time now and in fact, I can be on time half an hour before the appointment because I prefer being super early than a little bit late.

4.     I became law-abiding

I learned it the hard way that paying the transport tickets, obeying the rules and paying the taxes (including the radio tax which I am not a big fan of) makes sense long term. You actually save if you do pay. Just do it! JUST DO IT! Everybody does it and so should you! Your life is going to be fine.

I am one of those who don't cross the road on the red light at night when there are no cars and there's nobody on the horizon. Yes, it is me now. You can call it GERMANized.

5.     I became friendlier and more hungry for networking

Here you are lost in translation (like in the movie) - if you're Russian if you're Chinese if you're Mexican if you're Italian you bond in one classroom because all of you don't know German and all of you do not know the Germans. You kind of bond because the family is far away so the friends that you make during your education are the best network for you and they are going to be your closest friends.

Now all of my friends are across the globe but I know that if I am somehow travelling or passing by I have this great mate out there that I can meet and I could stay at and I really appreciate that.

The network is very important for foreigners. But what you have to understand, is that there is no network for you unless you work for it so speak out, spread the word, do the network, give the business card. If you don't do the network, network it's not going to be working for you.

6.     I became more open-minded

I come from a conservative background and a small city. I have never lived abroad for a long period of time before my relocation to study. Yes, I travelled to the USA a little bit as well as for the short trips. Living abroad is a way different experience. I had to learn to respect and understand other cultures and it was not easy. 

I learned so much about different cultures because I worked with the Egyptians I studied with the Chinese with the Austrians with the Italians with the Americans - everybody is different!

I didn't know that in India they speak different languages in every corner of the country, I also didn't know that Egypt is in Africa; I, for some reason, was totally wrong with my geography. I learned that it doesn't matter where you come from we're all the same!

I opened my mind to different cultures and I got inspired to learn Arabic now and to travel across the globe. I would never dare to do some things because I lacked knowledge about it like going to Sri Lanka or going to India until I met the people from there.

7.     I became an independent planning freak

Living alone & living abroad – is a great experience but you have to do everything on your own and since in Germany the majority of shops close early and in Munich on Sundays, nothing is open you have to do your groceries in advance, you have to do your laundry in advance and you have to plan!

People are busy and here people appreciate work-life balance so if you disturb them - they don't like it, that's why you have to schedule the appointments with them in advance to meet your friends. It's different in my country, so I had to get used to it!

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Now, when I come back to Russia, people are like “WHY ARE YOU PLANNING ALL THE TIME?!

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We can just talk on the same day and meet! Be spontaneous you know YOLO!” But I have plans!

8.     I became a calculated risk-taker

After study abroad experience, which is a really big risk, any other risk afterward is probably minor.  You learn to dare and to jump! After the study abroad experience nothing will be as difficult. If it doesn't work out you always have a safety blanket home - you can always come back home.

But if it works out, (and trust me it will) your life will be enriched with all these positive experiences.

9.     I became fit

The proximity to the mountains and to the lakes for mountain biking, snowboarding & skiing is something peculiar. I am cycling all the time in the city & I walk all the time. Nobody needs a car unless you want to go to the mountains or to the Euro trip. You can do perfectly fine with public transport which is available 24 hours per day (and it is really clean, safe and reliable).

Everybody here does sport, so people don't ask you if you do sport, they would rather ask you which sport you do because it's normal! If everybody is into sport, then you can figure out the pressure here if you are not into sport. That's how I started as well and I love it! No sport no life!

10.  I became well travelled

Open borders in Schengen area and the European Union will give you freedom. I took advantage and travelled to nearly all European countries by car, by plane or by train. We even once did a spontaneous trip where we just literally went to the Central Station and took the first train available with my friend and ended up in Luzern (Switzerland).

If you don't take the train, then the planes are sometimes even cheaper! I took a plane to London for 20$ and I flew to Portugal for 13 Euro once. Low prices & open borders give you many opportunities! Munich has two airports: an International Airport for long-haul flights (I flew to Mexico for 13 and a half hours) and as well the small airport in Füssen for EasyJet, Ryanair and all the affordable flights.

11.  I became open to new foods

German cuisine is so much fun. I would like to highlight the following (vegetarians and vegans, please skip to the next point): Schweinshaxe, Sauerkraut, Spiessbraten, Obatzda, Brezn, Germknödel, Kaiserschmarrn, Weißwurst & Apfelstrudel. I started to like beer and the whole German beer garden culture!

12.  I became more competitive hence my parent's pride

With the German education, work experience in sales, and the German passport, I pretty much can work in any part of the world right now. The German degree is accepted in the whole world, moreover, work experience from Munich means that you're able to survive the tough working conditions. The doors are open and that is what I really love: study abroad experience for me was a bridge to my happy life.

I stopped receiving money from parents three years into moving to Germany (when I was 21 years old). I started earning at the minimum German salary which was sufficient to live on monthly basis and save some money for travelling already.

This is what I always tell my students: Germany is a great country to break even! You will not carry your loans forever with you.

I became my parents' pride. Initially, they were so afraid to let me go and study on my own far away. Plus it was very very expensive. They didn’t want to let me go because I was a mess. They were sure I would be expelled and they didn’t want to throw money out like that. It was a big risk and they took it.

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And look where we are now. My parents are talking to friends and relatives like: 

"Oh by the way, my daughter lives in Germany, 

in case you didn’t know.” 😊

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Everybody is happy and proud. My friends are and have been very supportive all the way.

13.  I became a polyglot

I spoke Russian and English before moving to Germany. learned German here while living in Munich and I learned Japanese when I did a gap year in Tokyo. With every single language, it's easier and easier. I'm learning Italian and Spanish for my future travels and I can't stop.

When you are living in the surroundings where everybody is speaking German you don't have a way out. If you address someone in English in Munich, there are chances that people will not understand or would not answer politely to you. You have to speak German here! Everybody here in the immigration office will pretend they don't speak English to motivate you to speak German (or to demotivate you).

If you're here you have to accept the culture of the country. The more appreciation towards the culture and the language you show, the nicer the people here will treat you, experience shows.

The only drawback with the multiple languages would be that I actually barely use Russian and because of that, I developed an accent my friends are laughing about. My written Russian is worse and worse on a weekly basis (and I keep getting negative comments from my mother). Well, the language requires continuous practice which I do not have and it is sad.

14.  I became thankful

For the opportunity of living abroad. We never appreciate what we have. I know so much more about Germany and Munich than of my own country and city. I learned to appreciate and cherish the culture, traditions & architecture. I want to acknowledge the place where I live and to appreciate what we have.

Study Abroad - My Philosophy

I strive to offer the best study abroad options for the students’ needs, major choice and budget. Students can expect support from me even after my primary services.

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WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management - Study In Vallendar

WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management is the #1 German Business School for degree programs. Accredited by EQUIS, AACSB, and FIBAA. Would you like to study here? Scroll down to learn more!

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WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management

The Business School was established in 1984 by the Koblenz Chamber of Commerce.

WHU is the abbreviation for Wissenschaftliche Hochschule für Unternehmensführung.

WHU guarantees practice-oriented teaching, flanked by independent scientific research. Intensive lessons in small groups ensure that the students receive an excellent education within the scheduled time frame. The personal, almost family-like atmosphere at the school is characterized by the fascination and commitment of everyone involved.

WHU MSc and BSc programs are offered annually starting on the 1st of September* in Vallendar.

More than 1600 students call WHU home & you can consider for your study abroad journey multiple programs the next few years. There are multiple intakes to choose from*

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WHU Programs

• Three-year Bachelor in International Business Administration (BSc)

BSc provides you with rigorous business education, broad-based curriculum, hands-on experience, and international exposure. WHU equips successful and thoughtful students with an outstanding skill set, ready to thrive in today’s fast-paced business world.

The tuition fee per year for WHU Bachelor's students is 14,400 € for EU and 25,200 € for non-EU students starting in September 2021**.

High school graduates are preselected according to their academic and personal achievements and are offered a chance to participate in the final admission round.

This consists of three steps, which take place over the course of 3-4 weeks: an online analytical test, an online assessment with a presentation and questions, and two one-on-one interviews. Successful candidates will receive an offer for one of the roughly 240 seats per year.

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• 21-months top-ranked Master Programs (MSc) including internship and semester abroad

  • Also, shorter Master options are being offered (17 months) - please contact me to learn more.

MSc programs are designed to prepare you for a wide range of career options across multiple industries, by providing the skills and knowledge and by allowing you to tailor your curriculum to your interests and career goals.

WHU is well known for its Master of Science programs in management and Finance, which have been ranked among the top worldwide by The Financial Times, QS, Times Higher Education, and the Economist.

As of 2020, the Financial Times ranked WHU's placement and career services among the top two worldwide for the eleventh time in a row.

Options to choose from:

• Master in International Business (MSc)

• Master in Management (MSc)

• Master in Finance (MSc)

• Master in Entrepreneurship (MSc) - *Attention* The Pitch Deck required instead of GMAT

The tuition fee for the Master of Science in management, finance, and entrepreneurship programs is 24,300 € for the 90 credit track and 32,400 € for the 120 credit track**.

* Mind the deadlines! BSc and MSc programs only start on 1st September every year.

**Scholarships, tuition waivers, and financial aid schemes are available for eligible students.

Attention! All the programs are reserved for the best performing students in the world. 7.0 IELTS and 600 GMAT does not guarantee your place in the program, you must participate in a row of interviews and admission steps to be able to reserve a seat!

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WHU Study Abroad Benefits

1.    Experience one of Europe's best-ranked Career Centers: Access a network of partner companies and career-boosting events.

2.    Expand your global perspective: Gain cultural proficiency through semesters abroad, double degree options, and more.

3.    Enhance your professional impact: Develop skills to help you stand out as a future leader.

4.    Learn from expert faculty and guest speakers: Enrich your academic studies with insights from top-tier faculty and industry leaders.

5.    Join the WHU community: Benefit from WHU connections with industry experts and entrepreneurs.

WHU Ranking, Network & Accreditations

· More than 200 partner universities, while also offering 15 different double degree programs.

· The school is also well known for its entrepreneurship programs and has the fourth-highest number of unicorn founders in the world.  

WHU Accreditations

All WHU degree programs are recognized by:

• The German state and accredited by the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA)

• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

• The European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).

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WHU Ranking Highlights:

• WHU has maintained the first position in Germany in every Master in Management ranking published by The Economist and QS to date. In the QS Business Master Ranking 2021, WHU ranked first in Germany for the fourth time in a row and among the top 20 worldwide. 

• WHU is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious business schools in the German-speaking world. Its Master in Management program has been ranked first in Germany nine times in the last decade by Financial Times.

• The Economist placed WHU third worldwide in its inaugural Master in Management ranking published in 2017. 

• In 2019, Times Higher Education ranked WHU third worldwide in its Master in Management ranking.

• As of 2020, WHU's placement and career services have been ranked among the top two worldwide for the eleventh time in a row by the Financial Times' Master in Management rankings.

• In 2020, the Financial Times ranked WHU first in Germany for all its Master programs.

WHU Initiatives

WHU & Scholarships****

1. WHU Excellence Scholarship

2. WHU Merit Scholarship

3. WHU International Business Leaders Scholarship

4. WHU Female Founders Scholarship

5. WHU Future Founders Scholarship

6. WHU Family Business Scholarship

7. In Praxi Diversity Scholarship

8. In Praxi Women in Business Scholarship

9. e-fellows Master Scholarship

10. WHU Women in Finance Scholarship

11. WHU Social Impact Scholarship

**** The scholarships listed are for Master of Science (MSc) programs only. I am happy to support you with your uni & scholarship application! Contact me to find out more options for the rest of the programs.

Study abroad international students as well as the EU students can also benefit from a set of study fee reductions. Contact me to find out more!

Among those:

• Reduced tuition

• Deutschlandstipendium

• Prodigy Finance

• WHU Brain Capital GmbH

• Loans

• Deutsche Bildung AG

• Other scholarships

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WHU & Digitalization

Since the inception of WHU, breaking the mold and looking towards the future has been an integral part of the school’s pioneering attitude and identity. 

Alongside WHU’s key characteristics of performance, practical relevance, international exposure, and personal development, technology plays a key role in driving its position as a top German business school.

At the forefront of trends, research, and developments, WHU ensures that it consistently contributes intellectually, in methodology, and to thought leadership focused on digital themes. WHU enriches face-to-face learning with digital means and tools to offer the best learning experience for students.

WHU & Entrepreneurship

The WHU start-up scene is a constant hive of activity - from Germany to America, and everywhere in between, entrepreneurial spirit and creative thinking truly make up the heart of WHU.

Students are more than ever interested in entrepreneurial activities, either by starting their own venture or within a corporate setting by developing technology, novel products, and services. 

From those with start-up ideas at the ready to those who haven’t entertained the idea of starting their own business, WHU has something for everybody. A mix of events scattered throughout the year reflects our entrepreneurial drive, and with many student clubs devoted entirely to entrepreneurship, you can take your creative thinking out of the classroom and into the world.  With plenty of start-ups originating from WHU alumni, you have the unique opportunity to learn from the best at WHU.

Jakob Rauber (CEO & Co-Founder EISZEIT)

"My time at WHU has not only strengthened my desire to start a business, but has also taught me many skills that help me enormously in the strategic orientation of EISZEIT. I am very grateful for this opportunity and I always enjoy coming back to Vallendar for events!"

“Unfold your ambition. Develop Excellence”

— WHU

WHU Alumni Highlights

• Oliver Samwer, CEO of Rocket Internet

• Birgit Bohle, CEO of DB Fernverkehr

• Margret Suckale, board member of BASF

• Thomas Buberl, CEO of Axa Group

• Robert Gentz, founder and board member of Zalando

• Jan Heitmann, poker player

• Christoph Israng, German diplomat

• Philipp Justus, Managing Director of Google Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

• Matthias J. Rapp, CFO of TÜV SÜD AG

• Dominik Richter, founder and CEO of HelloFresh

• David Schneider, founder and board member of Zalando

• Axel Wieandt, German bank manager

• Oliver Zipse, board member of BMW

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WHU & Female Leadership

WHU offers meaningful and evidence-based education to enable everyone including those groups who have been underrepresented for a long time in leadership positions – such as women – to unfold their full potential.

Yet, as scientific evidence indicates that reaching leadership roles is often more difficult for female high potentials, WHU developed specific initiatives and offers targeted activities that seek to support female future leaders.

Mirja Gerlach

"Female leadership for me means the recognition and awareness of one's own abilities and competencies. A healthy self-image of one's own strengths with clear, comprehensible directives."

All the female international students are welcome to apply to WHU through the application form and I will help you apply for one of the scholarships:

• WHU Female Founders Scholarship

• #In Praxi Women in Business Scholarship

• WHU Women in Finance Scholarship

WHU Student Clubs

The WHU students embody the term ‘WHU Spirit’. Their intellectual, cultural, and social commitment can be seen in about 30 student clubs that impact Vallendar, Düsseldorf, Germany, and the world. They have organized their own conferences, initiated thoughtful social projects, given theater performances, and welcomed exchange students.

WHU pays particular attention to the core brand values: excellence, community, cosmopoliteness, and entrepreneurship. WHU positioning based on these core values is ‘Courage and Commitment’. Courageous and committed, students at WHU founded a large variety of student clubs.

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Among those:

• FEM. The WHU Female Leadership Initiative

• IdeaLab! WHU Founders' Conference

• Opinio - WHU Debate Society

• SensAbility - The WHU Impact Summit

• SmartUp! The WHU Entrepreneur Network

• WHU Student Theater Group

• TEDxWHU - Independently organized TED event

• Tradity meets WHU - Gamifying Education

• WHU Entrepreneurship Roundtable

• WHU Euromasters - Europe’s biggest sports event for Business Schools

• WHU Finance Society e.V. - WHU's oldest student initiative

• WHU Golf - Golf Tournaments in Frankfurt

• WHU Inside Business - Video Magazine by WHU students

• WHU VIP - Vallendar Integration Program

• WHU Women in Business - Gender balance for German workplaces

• Business Meets Tech - WHU's Tech Initiative

• Diversity at WHU - Diversity and Equal Rights

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WHU means ‘Excellence in Management Education’ and pursues this goal in its three core areas of activity: academic programs, research, and knowledge transfer in general management. WHU’s graduates, research and profitable collaboration with business partners demonstrate the School’s success in achieving its mission.

“Launch your global career”

— With WHU

Are you ready to make the first step - make a jump and study at the best German business school? Now you know where to start!

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Interested to study here? Fill out the Application Form to start and make sure to choose WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management in the list of choices. In the meantime, you can already start collecting all the necessary admission documents to have them sent to my e-mail: info@yanaimmis.com

Study Abroad - Application Form

Interested to Study Abroad? Apply with me today to a university of your choice. My consultations are free of charge. Contact me any time.

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Benefits of applying through my website to WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management

1. Priority application treatment

2. Ability to be considered short after deadlines

3. Faster profile check

4. CV Update Check

5. Interview Consultation

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