trooper09

My god. This was so spot on for how RWTH is running their graduate program for MSc. Media Informatics, I wish you wrote this last year! At least you have the luxury at staying in Aachen, with Media Informatics, we coordinate between the University of Bonn and Franhofer. In fact, we were instructed to live in Bonn our first year even though every course we can take in Aachen. Then every Friday, we have to travel 2 hours for German class on Friday - which I am taking in Bonn now. By living in Bonn, there is no way I can set up appointments with professors or the teacher assistants for any question I might have without missing out on another class. I am extremely disappointed with the fact they do not put any emphasis on any textbooks, instead pure memorization of slides and scripts (if available[which is a mini-textbook containing bare essentials]). This places unbearable expectations of actually learning anything because they do not provide contextual background or sufficient examples that properly convey the material. When I asked if they can supply a textbook so I can actually follow along, I was literally asked why. The answer to that is simple - I cannot remember everything said in class. The level of difficulty in my opinion is unrealistic and unmanageable. How can I claim I know to properly calculate on the exam 'The Phong Lighting Model' if all I am being shown is an equation which may or may not have every variable properly defined in the notes and the example is a picture of the result? How the examinations are currently presented is another sore subject. My examinations were interlaced with lectures and final projects that needed to be completed (P/F) in order to take the final examination. I had to study for 3 exams in 4 days and present a final project for another course in the same week. So, coordination with other departments from the other universities and classes is essentially unheard of.These 'assignments' mean nothing other than to get you to the final exam which unfortunately does not properly reflect what you had to perform in class. You got screwed over on the cost, I only paid 700€ unless taking DSH is not a mandatory for your graduate degree. If you have not left yet and want to have a beer, send me a PM.

I am sorry to hear that. I am studying at RWTH/Bonn (I am from the US) for my graduate degree and I am having a hard time as well in Germany but for different reasons... If you live in the Bonn area, I can tell you through PM's about social activities (with people who speak English/German) taking place during the week if you would like. I even have easy going asian friends as well (Chinese mostly)

I got into graduate school at RWTH with about the same scores for Media Informatics. I think the letter's of recommendation is what will help you out in the long run.