10/2024 - Diyorbek Toshniyozov

Age: 27  |  Nationality: Uzbek

Your favorite spots in Potsdam/ Berlin / surroundings?
I would say the most favorite and inspired spot since I have arrived in Germany is the Park Sanssouci which is located in Potsdam. One can feel the energy and atmosphere of the nature there. I would strongly recommend visiting at least once. Next time you find the direction yourself for sure. And my favorite stops in Berlin are the libraries, Berlin State Library and Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm Center. I think that they are unique, attractive both for scholar and non-scholar visitors, hold history and culture of German nation.

The most surprising thing about Germany?
The nature and the weather in Germany are most astonishing for a student like me who is from an arid continental climate. Here I feel like living in a garden. I see many old trees all around, even within cities, and the air quality is peerless, I just love it. As I love to study in the library, I always locate some libraries around me where I travel.
The number of public libraries in Berlin and Potsdam impressed me. Thanks to the community who respects the science here, now I can find easily nearby public libraries around me which are not common to find in Uzbekistan. How lucky inhabitants are here! Moreover, the officials in public services are quite warm, welcoming and treat everyone equally and with respect, also foreigners who are not good at the state language. This welcoming every time makes me feel grateful, gives me energy, and motivates me to learn more about the German culture and language.

Tell us shortly about your degree program. How did you get interested in your field of study? What are the classes you like most in your Master’s program?
Growing up in a middle-class family, with no particular talents, and living in a remote rural area where most people worked in agriculture and construction, I was motivated to learn about natural sciences, technology, and foreign languages. My goal was to improve our quality of life and find solutions to everyday challenges As a consequence, I was fascinated with European engineering degree programs and graduated my bachelor’s degree from Politecnico di Torino in Civil engineering. Despite the recommendations and support from my Italian professors, family, and friends to pursue a master’s degree immediately after graduation, I chose to enter the professional world first, in order to truly understand how much I would benefit from further education. Thanks to my academic performance I had been accepted to work as a QA/QC engineer to advanced superstructure projects at "International Business Center", which is located in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Working in an international environment alongside experienced engineers and specialists in the construction field made me realize that the deep, complex engineering theories—impossible to acquire solely through practical experience—can only be fully understood and learned in an academic setting. With a passion for investigating and ensuring quality in the construction field, and after witnessing foundational issues in construction projects in Uzbekistan—an area prone to frequent and severe earthquakes—I decided to pursue a Geoscience program at the university of Potsdam.Since the cost of living in Germany is relatively higher than in Uzbekistan, I applied for a scholarship program offered by the DAAD organization to help cover some of my basic living expenses during my stay. Without the support of the DAAD, German taxpayers, and the government, I wouldn't be here today. I am truly grateful and will never forget their support.

Honestly, studying at the University of Potsdam has exceeded my expectations. After arriving in Potsdam, I sought advice from my professor to adapt to the academic structure, which is very different from that of my home university. My favorite modules—Geophysical Inversion, Geophysical Laboratory, Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods, and Elastic Seismic Waves—are deeply interconnected, and I hold them in the highest regard.

Thanks to the university's hospitality, welcoming atmosphere, and supportive environment, I now believe that I can succeed and contribute to the community during my stay by exchanging ideas and knowledge.

What is different from the studies at your home university?
Actually, there are some sharp contrasts in study at the University of Potsdam (UP) comparing to my home university, which is a branch of Politecnico di Torino, located in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. Studying at my home university is quite expensive, with tuition fees for international programs being at least ten times higher for both local and international students compared to those at the University of Potsdam, which are much more affordable, thanks to the support of the German government.

Furthermore, I found studying at the University of Potsdam to be an optimal choice due to the highly supportive environment within the university. Even before the semester began, the International Office staff and admission committee members at UP were already assisting me with great respect and care. I am truly grateful to them. Without their prompt support I would have faced significant struggles and stress. This level of support is not as common at my home university.

Later, I realized how crucial this approach is, especially for international students who are unfamiliar with the challenges of settling in a new country. Additionally, the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree curriculums at my home university are almost entirely fixed, offering few elective options, meaning I would typically register only for exams rather than specific modules. In contrast, I find the workload here at UP to be perfect for me. If I were studying at my home university, the workload would likely be 25-35% heavier.

Is there anything special you miss from back home?
I think it is natural to miss home, nowadays I miss my family, parents and friends who are 5500 km away now. Sometimes I want to hug my parents and brother, wish to eat again the meal of my lovely mom. Since our society is highly interdependent, being independent here can sometimes feel stressful for me. That’s why sometimes even a little smile on the face of local people here when they talk with me can brighten my day.

How do you keep a good work-life balance? Any advice for your fellow students?
I believe it is essential to maintain healthy habits and routines, to never take anything for granted, and to remember to smile. Reflecting on my education and work experience, I decided to make the most of my time by challenging myself. Instead of focusing solely on my studies during the semester, I chose to also contribute to the community around me. This not only makes me feel more fulfilled, but also allows me to apply my skills in a different academic environment, whether through volunteering or paid group work

I believe an engineer should be able to handle stress quickly and find optimal solutions to any given problem. That’s why, outside of my studies, I am actively involved in the Study Commission. In January 2024, I was also granted the opportunity to work in the Internationalization Commission. While it felt overwhelming at first, I quickly adapted, and now I’m happier and managing my studies more efficiently than before. I don’t dwell on negative aspects of life; I deeply enjoy what I do, regardless of the workload or the outcome. I’ve also realized that the more responsibility I take on, the more accurately and quickly I complete tasks.

In short, my volunteering duties have helped me discover and improve my weaknesses, as well as develop patience in problem-solving, critical thinking, and, most importantly, teamwork—skills that are highly demanded in Central Asia today.

For anyone aspiring to succeed in an engineering career, I strongly recommend focusing on teamwork, communication, networking, and critical thinking during your studies. I believe that the best way to develop and master these skills is in an academic environment, surrounded by educated individuals

Tell us how you experienced Potsdam / Berlin so far
I consider Potsdam the ideal place for students like me, who are highly motivated, passionate about studying in libraries, and deeply inspired by nature! So far, I’ve visited Leipzig, Dresden, and Berlin, but I find that Potsdam’s closer connection to nature, quieter atmosphere, and warm, supportive community are the key factors for maintaining focus during studies. These qualities make Potsdam stand out.

I also believe that the supportive environment at the University of Potsdam has a significant impact on students like me. Feeling supported noticeably reduces stress and anxiety when facing challenges, while also encouraging independence and motivating me to tackle problems more confidently on my own.

What are your future plans?
In the coming year, I aim to learn more about leadership principles and the challenges in quality management and sustainability within the construction industry, particularly in Germany and Italy, as I am somewhat familiar with the culture and have friends in both countries. After graduation, I envision myself working in a position where I can further deepen my expertise, likely within consulting firms, engineering offices, construction companies, or research institutions. Whether internationally or in my home country, I hope to contribute to the community that has supported me throughout my journey.