02/2025 Olivia Kirby

Age: 27  |  Nationality: Canadian

What are your favorite spots in Potsdam / Berlin / surroundings?

Potsdam has so many beautiful places, but Babelsberg Park is definitely my favourite. It’s peaceful and serene and I like to spend time reading by the water during the summer months. I also really enjoy exploring the abundance of green spaces in and around Potsdam—biking to new areas has been a nice way to discover more of the region.

What are the places and moments that make you feel at home here?

I’ve been fortunate to meet so many kind and caring classmates in this international program who have become my family away from home. I feel most at home when I’m cooking meals with friends or spending time outdoors.

Tell us about your degree program. How did you get interested in your field of study? Any favorite classes?

I’m enrolled in the Master’s program Climate, Earth, Water, and Sustainability, which is an international and interdisciplinary program that blends applied science, physics, and climate modelling. I’ve always been passionate about climate change, and I wanted a program that focused on both water resources and climate issues.

One of my favourite classes has been Ice Dynamics, which focused on the processes shaping the Arctic and Antarctica. Another highlight was the excursion to the Austrian Alps, where we studied the ongoing changes in the climate and earth systems. Experiencing this course in the Alps provided a firsthand perspective on how these systems are evolving in real-time.

Your studies are in English – what about your German skills?

I’m very grateful the program is in English, but at the same time have been working on my German skills to better integrate into daily life here. I’ve been picking up vocabulary from conversations, practicing with friends, and using online tools. I plan to take a German course next semester because I see learning the language as both a practical necessity and a way to deepen my connection to the culture.

What are your expectations for the German education system and your academic experiences in Potsdam?

So far, I’ve been impressed with the German education system. The program is challenging, but it’s balanced by the accessibility of professors who genuinely want to see us succeed. Beyond academics, being a student in Germany comes with a unique set of advantages, from public transportation to job opportunities and the chance to travel. It’s an environment that encourages learning along with the enjoyment of daily life.

What is most surprising thing about Germany for you?

Germany has been full of surprises, but one of the most delightful has been discovering how true the stereotype of pretzels and beer being everywhere really is. Beyond that, I’ve been intrigued by the precision and organization here, from public infrastructure to academic systems—it’s something I’ve come to deeply appreciate, in comparison to other places I’ve lived in or visited.

Your future plans:

For now, my focus is on completing my master’s program, but I’m also staying open to the opportunities that come my way. This program has already introduced me to so many meaningful experiences, and I believe it will continue to do so. Long-term, I plan to work in a role that contributes to solving environmental challenges, particularly in the areas of water management and sustainability. It’s important to me that my work aligns with my values and will have a tangible, positive impact on the world.