Germany, 27 April 2024 — The Indonesian Students Association in Germany (PPI Jerman), in partnership with Techniker Krankenkasse, hosted a successful Welcoming Session titled “Germany for Beginnerz” for new Indonesian students—both prospective and admitted—on Saturday, 27th April 2024. The event took place via Zoom from 12:30 to 14:30 CEST (17:30 – 19:30 WIB). Moderated by Lehetta Rosa Tambunan, a Staatsexamen candidate at Heinrich Heine Universität in Humanmedizin and a staff member of the Business and Partnership Department of PPI Jerman, three keynote speakers were featured, including Iqlima Khayra Mumtazya, a bachelor candidate at Hochschule Kaiserslautern in Angewandte Chemie and a staff member of the Business and Partnership Department of PPI Jerman, as well as Lisa Haake and Lena Hölzel, campus consultants from Techniker Krankenkasse.
This welcoming session was held to extend a warm welcome and offer essential guidance to new Indonesian students arriving in Germany. The speakers managed to provide practical advice on acclimating to life in a new country. Additionally, in collaboration with Techniker Krankenkasse, the session sought to educate participants on various health-related topics, including Germany’s healthcare systems, health insurance, and general well-being. Lisa and Lena have successfully introduced the healthcare services offered by Techniker Krankenkasse and addressed any questions or concerns regarding healthcare coverage for students in Germany.
The webinar consisted of four main sessions, which are the material presentations, a question-and-answer session, and games. The event commenced with an opening speech by Agnia Dewi Larasati, B.Sc., President of PPI Jerman 2023/24. This was followed by a presentation from Tazya, representing the Business and Partnership Department of PPI Jerman, who discussed essential tasks upon arriving in Germany, along with tips and tricks for living here. Subsequently, Lisa and Lena, representatives from Techniker Krankenkasse, delivered a presentation on the importance of health insurance and the benefits of joining Techniker Krankenkasse. The session then transitioned into an engaging question and answer segment, during which participants displayed keen interest and curiosity about the topics discussed, with the speakers providing thorough responses. Finally, participants enthusiastically participated in the game session, with winners’ prizes announced at the session’s conclusion.
The welcoming session attracted 32 participants from various cities both in Germany and Indonesia. Reflecting a wide array of backgrounds and ambitions, attendees included individuals at varying stages of their academic journey, spanning from those gearing up for undergraduate studies to those preparing for their postdoctoral programs. Participants engaged actively in discussions, showing keen enthusiasm and genuine eagerness to learn.
“Thank you for having us, we are happy to be a part of it,” said Lisa Haake, one of the speakers from Techniker Krankenkasse. “All in all, I think the session was very useful for students looking forward to studying in Germany, since it gave me a heads-up on the crucial things I should start considering from now on. Prior to this webinar, the idea of having health insurance in Germany was something very vague, but this session helped me catch a glimpse of it. I hope that the PPI in Germany can organize more events like this in the future,” commented a prospective student about the event.
With the information and insights shared by the speakers, it is anticipated that each participant has acquired valuable knowledge to facilitate their adjustment to life in Germany.
Author: Iqlima Khayra Mumtazya