04/2025 Adnane Kacidi
ge: 29 | Nationality: Moroccan
What are your favorite spots in Potsdam / Berlin / surroundings?
In Potsdam, my favorite spot is the Sanssouci Park because I used to live nearby, and it was the first place I loved here. I also enjoy the Dutch Quarter for coffee and the cozy atmosphere. In summer, I love swimming and playing with friends at Heiliger See - the perfect escape!
In Berlin, I spend a lot of time in Friedrichshain, with its lively bars, restaurants, and clubs. I also enjoy open-air bars and swimming pool parties in the summer, and sometimes I take a walk along the East Side Gallery, feeling like a tourist.
What are the places and moments that make you feel at home here?
It s hard to compare where I come from with here, they're so different. I've learned to keep them separate in my mind, and both feel like home in their own way. Back home it is all about family, childhood memories, and the culture I grew up with. Here, it s about the new experiences I've had and the friendships I've built.
In Potsdam and Berlin, I've made great friends from all over the world. We mostly speak English, which gives my everyday life an international vibe. Whether we're exploring new places or just hanging out, those connections make me feel at home here.
Recently, a Moroccan restaurant opened in Potsdam, and it s become a special spot for me. When I want to feel close to my roots, I go there to enjoy Moroccan food. Sometimes, I meet other Moroccans there, and we speak in our language, which feels like a comforting bridge between my two homes.
Tell us about your degree program. How did you get interested in your field of study? Any favorite classes?
I'm currently pursuing a master s degree in Anglophone Modernities in Literature and Culture at the University of Potsdam. Interestingly, my journey into this program started as a bit of a coincidence. A good friend of mine had already started this master's program and thought it would be a perfect fit for me. Without telling me, he even helped with the application so I could join him here! It turned out to be a great decision, as he knew how much I've always been into culture, storytelling, and exploring an international vibe.
Growing up in Morocco, I was surrounded by rich traditions and a strong oral storytelling culture, which naturally sparked my curiosity about how stories and cultural narratives shape our world. Since moving to Germany, I've been able to dive deeper into these topics and connect them with my personal experiences of living in different cultural contexts.
One of my favorite classes has been Pan-African Cartography, where we explored how maps and representations of space have been shaped by colonial histories and how they continue to influence identity and perception today. For this class, I wrote my exam about Hip-Hop, its origins and relevance for the african diaspora and the african continent, which was an incredibly engaging and meaningful topic for me. It was fascinating to trace the cultural and historical roots of hip-hop and its role as a form of resistance, expression, and connection across African and global communities.
What differences have you noticed in the academic culture between Potsdam and your home country?
The academic culture in Potsdam is quite different from back home in Morocco. Here, there's a lot more focus on the independence students are expected to explore topics on their own, while professors act more like guides. Back home, it was more structured, with professors leading us step by step.
Another big difference is the diversity in the classroom. In Potsdam, I'm surrounded by people from all over the world, which brings so many new perspectives to discussions. It's been a great experience, even though it was an adjustment at first.
Were there any specific courses or professors that left a strong impression on you? If so, why?
All the professors I've had in Potsdam have left a strong impression on me in their own way. They bring a lot of expertise and passion to their teaching, which makes the classes both engaging and inspiring. What I really appreciate is how approachable they are they encourage questions and open discussions, which creates a great learning environment. Their diverse backgrounds and perspectives have helped me see topics from new angles and pushed me to think more critically about culture and literature.
Three professors in particular Nicole Waller, Anja Schwarz, and Anke Bartels had a profound impact on me. After an accident that completely changed my student life and delayed my progress they were incredibly understanding and supportive. They gave me extra time to submit my papers and helped me navigate what was a really difficult time. Their kindness and flexibility made a huge difference, and I'm truly grateful for their support.
What challenges have you overcome during your studies in Potsdam and how did you deal with them?
During my studies in Potsdam, I faced two big challenges. First, the COVID-19 pandemic made everything harder online classes and isolation were tough, but I stayed focused on my studies and leaned on close friends for support.
Later, I had a serious car accident that required multiple surgeries and delayed my progress. It was a tough time, especially being far from family, but my professors were incredibly understanding and gave me extra time to catch up. These experiences taught me resilience and how to adapt to difficult situations.
What are your plans for after the exam period? Are you planning to rest or try out new activities?
After the exam period, I'm planning to visit my family in France and Morocco. I'm really looking forward to reconnecting and spending quality time together. It'll be the perfect way to recharge after a busy semester.
When I return, I plan to take an intensive German course to improve my language skills. Learning German has been a priority for me, and I'm excited to dedicate more time to it.
What is most surprising thing about Germany for you?
The most surprising thing about Germany for me is how much people value their personal space and quiet time. It's so different from the lively, social, and family-oriented culture I grew up with back home. Here, it feels like there's less focus on family connections, and people are more independent. At first, it felt a bit strange, but over time, I've come to appreciate the calm and how people respect each other's boundaries. It's a cultural difference that took some getting used to, but it s part of what makes living here unique.
Your future plans:
In the future, I plan to complete my master's degree and work in a field that connects different cultures whether through education, media, or tourism. I'm already passionate about art and storytelling, which you can see on my Instagram, where I share videos exploring different countries and cultures. My ultimate dream is to create a cultural house in a traditional riad in Marrakesh. It would be a space for art, literature, and cultural events, where people from all over the world can come together to share stories and ideas.