Is CUHK the right choice for YOU?

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is one of ESB’s esteemed partner universities. As a top university in Hong Kong and Asia, CUHK aims to nurture students with both specialized knowledge and wisdom for life. As of 2013, four Nobel laureates are associated with the University, making it the only tertiary institution in the territory with recipients of the Nobel Prize, Turing Award, Fields Medal and Veblen Prize as faculty in residence.

On Thursday, ESB students had the chance to speak with two former students, currently pursuing a Master’s degree at CUHK. Thanks to the unique “Fast-track” option, students at the ESB are able to get an MBA/Master’s degree in only 8 semesters from one of our partner universities.

Johannes and Gerardo first explained why they decided on the Fast-track MBA, in favour of a “traditional” Master’s degree. Questions about the admission process were asked, and the students were able to get useful advice, for instance concerning the required GMAT.
The discussion went on to other topics such as life on campus, housing, culture, networking, language barriers, and of course, different program-related issues. Among other things, the audience learned that the program focuses on practical relevance, and has a large number of available options combined with high flexibility in terms of course selection.
Johannes and Gerardo also mentioned that their time at the ESB equipped them with a foundational knowledge and communication skills, from which they have benefited a lot.

A big thanks to Gerardo and Johannes for taking the time to speak with us! The discussion gave the audience a unique insight into the renowned university, and the fascinating city of Hong Kong.

Content reported by Mark (IB2), edited by Josua (IB1).

Q&A with StuCo SuSe 2016 Candidates?

Q&A with StuCo SuSe 2016 Candidates?

Contributors: Saanwal (IB2) and Josua (IB1)

Red T-shirts! Four people! And lots of fun for everyone!

That appropriately introduces the amazing StuCo. As this winter semester is coming to an end, StuCo is going to renew itself and new members are going to step in… 

The voting will take place on 15th of December.

But who are these new members?

IB Student blog – run by the awesome IB Vision – decided to interview all the amazing candidates who want to do great things for their fellow students. 

Here's an overview of the nine candidates for StuCo 2016 (summer term): 

Candidates for StuCo’s Head of Finance

 

We have two amazing candidates – Angela and Bennet – for the position of Head of Finance!

Name: Ángela (IB1)

Running for: StuCo Head of Finance.

Country of origin: Spain

My name is Ángela and I come from Spain. I have been living in Germany for the past three years: the first year and a half I was an au pair in Berlin, the year after that I studied at a different 'Hochschule' and since September I've been enjoying my life as a student in Reutlingen.

Q: What does ESB mean to you?

Ángela: The ESB is not only a place to study to me, it is also where I spend most of my time, it being in lectures, talking to classmates in the halls or going to all the organized activities and where I've had the pleasure to meet all this amazing people that are my classmates and friends.

Q: Why is StuCo important for the students? 

Ángela: StuCo gives a voice to the students to further improve their student life at the ESB and to make the most out of it. It creates a unique and positive atmosphere for ESB students to interact in. University should always be focused on studies but sometimes you can learn more outside the classroom and this is what StuCo creates.

Q: Why did you choose to run for this position of StuCo?

Ángela: 'Head of Finance' combines both the responsibility of having to deal with the economic resources as well as the more social part of the parties and events, which makes it a perfect position for self-improvement and for having a lot of fun.

Q: What makes you special as a candidate?

Ángela: Although it may sound like a cliché, I'm very motivated and excited about the idea of joining StuCo and continuing with the great job that our current StuCo is doing. Ever since I first set foot at the 'Freshmen Week' and saw what the ESB spirit was about and how people were committed, StuCo has been on my to-do list. I'd love to help students have as much fun as I'm having, and it has just started.

Q: What would you like to change about StuCo by being in the relevant position?

Ángela: The economic side of the StuCo is not supposed to be public so as far as I know Angie, the current head of finance, is doing a great job. There has been a great deal of parties organized by the StuCo and we haven't heard of any events not taking place due to mishandling of funds. I would just like to keep up the good work.

Q: What are your hobbies? 

Ángela: I enjoy hanging out with friends, doing sports (especially volleyball and swimming), watching series & films and travelling.

Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

Ángela: As I previously mentioned, I used to be an au pair with a German family. I only spoke a couple words when I started, so having to communicate with the children was a very challenging task. There were a lot of hand movements and wrongly stated sentences involved, but we had a lot of fun!

Q: What’s your favorite quote?

Ángela: "It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it." Maurice Switzer

Q: Anything else that we are supposed to know about you?

Ángela: I'm going to do my best, to help improve StuCo in every possible way I can and to make sure you guys have an amazing time!

Name: Bennet (IB2)

Running for: StuCo Head of Finance.

Country of origin: Ghana

I am 20 years old. I am currently in IB2 hoping to major in Finance and Accounting.

I love working in the field of Finance and Accounting. I hold tangible track records in this field. However, I also have experience in the field of marketing as well. I am the chief executive Officer (C.E.O) of a student bank in my high school. I was also the treasurer of a volunteering club in high school.

Q: What does ESB mean to you?

Bennet: ESB is the perfect stepping stone to launch me into my dream career.

Q: Why is StuCo important for the students?

Bennet: StuCo is the representation of the students in all academic and extracurricular activities and also voices out on behalf of the students.

Q: Why did you choose to run for this position of StuCo?

Bennet: I am passionate about serving people especially in the field of Finance.

Q: What makes you special as a candidate?

Bennet: I am full of tactical and strategic ideas and hold track records in this field.

Q: What would you like to change about StuCo by being in the relevant position?

Bennet: It is my utmost priority to promote financial diligence and literacy.

Q: What are your hobbies?

Bennet: Swimming and cracking jokes.

Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

Bennet: Eager to know more about diverse cultures around the globe.

Q: What’s your favorite quote?

Bennet: “Never lose your sense of focus!” - my own quote.

Candidates for StuCo’s Head of Communication

We have three outstanding candidates running for this position.

Name: Saskia (IB1)

Running for: StuCo Head of Communication.

Country of origin: Germany

My name is Saskia, I’m 20 years old and I’m in first semester of BSc IB. I graduated from high school two years ago and after that I started a dance education in Stuttgart. I’m now a professional dancer, dance teacher and choreographer.

Q: What does ESB mean to you? 

Saskia: The ESB for me is the perfect place to study and I am really happy and proud that I am part of this amazing community.

Q: Why is StuCo important for the students? 

Saskia: Networking is everything! Therefore the students have to know when and where the next event will take place ;)

Q: Why did you choose to run for this position of StuCo?

Saskia: Besides studying I need to do something else. Already in high school I tried to be part of a lot of extracurricular activities. As Head of Communication I want to keep you updated about everything happening on and off campus to make your student life unforgettable! I want to help realizing YOUR ideas and spreading the ESB Spirit!

Q: What makes you special as a candidate?

Saskia: There is a clear differentiator to the other candidates, I am a woman!

Q: What would you like to change about StuCo by being in the relevant position?

Saskia: I would like to create an Instagram account to keep you up-to-date with pictures of all the events, parties, activities, etc., everything you can be part of through the next semester!

Q: What are your hobbies? 

Saskia: I love dancing (jazz, hip-hop, ballet) but besides I love hanging out with my friends, cooking and reading.

Q: What’s your favorite quote?

Saskia: ‘I refuse to be unhappy.’  

Name: Roberto (IB1)

Running for: StuCo Head of Communictions

Country of origin: Ecuador

My name is Roberto I come from Ecuador.  I am a very open person and like to be in contact with others.  I am also always a happy guy and like to help others.  

Q: What does ESB mean to you? 

Roberto: As I got some experience studying in other universities, I can notice a huge difference between the ESB and other universities.  Here the environment created by the alumni and the people working at the ESB is unique, the feeling you have while walking in the halls of the university it is not the same like in other universities, here you can always find someone on the hall and become a smile after a hi even though can no know the person that well.  

Q: Why is StuCo important for the students? 

Roberto: StuCo is an organization which makes the student life more interesting.  With the leadership they have among the students the can organize some interesting events for the students and for the university.  They are also helping the ESB spirit to be part of our daily life at the university. 

Q: Why did you choose to run for this position of StuCo?

Roberto: I chose to run for Head of Communications because I always wanted to be in this kind of works, where the main reason of the work is to help IB students to integrate and to be in contact with them. Keeping the people informed with the events of the week is always a good way to give the students a chance to plan their weeks and get some time together with others. 

Q: What makes you special as a candidate?

Roberto: I think before applying for a position like this, you need to feel you are made for it.  Personally I really like to be in contact with people and I am a guy who wants to help his friends and colleagues and everyone else around him.  I think becoming a part of StuCo is a good way to do something for them. 

Q: What would you like to change about StuCo by being in the relevant position?

Roberto: From my point of view the work of this Stuco is good enough not to change.  I want to continue with it as it is and keep improving the relations between IB students and also trying to integrate a little more IB people with students from other departments at the ESB.  

Q: What are your hobbies? 

Roberto: I love to play football, hang out with friends, watch movies and know new people.  

9)      What’s your favorite quote?

Roberto: “The night is darkest just before the dawn.” – Harvey Dent 

Name: Tawanda (Tawa) (IB1)

Running for: StuCo Head of Communictions

Country of origin: Zimbabwe 

My name is Tawanda (Tawa) and I am a reliable and creative person who will aim to take MoMa to the next level. Using every opportunity I would motivate other students into embracing the ESB Spirit.

Additionally; I would like to introduce a weekly video broadcast titled Campusblick. This will feature events and information related to the IB program, working together with Photography resort.

Please note: (Detailed interview with Tawa is yet to take place.)

Candidates for StuCo’s Vice Presidency

There are three candidates for this position: 

Name: José

Running for:Vice Presidency

Country of origin: Peru

I'm José, and now in my 1st semester. I consider myself as being a hard worker, dedicated and always willing to help. I enjoy facing new challenges since I can prove myself I can do it. 

  

Q: What does ESB mean to you? 

José: To me ESB means union, diversity, prestige and quality.  

Q: Why is StuCo important for the students? 

José: StuCo represents basically the ESB Spirit, which make students feel like a big family. 

Q: Why did you choose to run for this position of StuCo? 

  

José: From the very beginning I was impressed with how parties and special events were organized by the students. So, I decided I would like to contribute and to this setup and make sure that everything works properly. 

Q: What makes you special as a candidate? 

José: I feel very motivated and ready to give my best. I have many ideas in mind, which I would want to share and make them all real. 

Q: What would you like to change about StuCo by being in the relevant position? 

José: I would like to keep putting more effort into improving the relationships among the whole ESB, motivating more of our resorts and improving the communication among them. In addition, getting StuCo and IB Vision closer together . Finally, I would like to propose the creation of new international events like The Latin American Night, The European Night, etc., each one with traditional music and food. 

Q: What are your hobbies? 

José: My hobbies are playing soccer, going to the gym and partying hard with my friends. 

Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself! 

José: I have a twin brother also studying in Germany. 

Q: What’s your favorite quote? 

José: "I'm not easy but approachable." - Alexander Nanev 

Q: Anything else that we are supposed to know about you? 

José: I did a two-year internship at Mercedes Benz in Peru, where I learned to multitask, meet tight deadlines and work under pressure. 

Name: Luisa (IB1)

Running for: StuCo Vice Presidency

Country of origin: Germany

My name is Luisa and I am currently 19 years old. I am originally from Dortmund and moved to Reutlingen to study at the ESB, starting this winter semester. I am very ambitious and open-minded, and I am always happy when I have a new challenge to face.

Q: What does ESB mean to you?

Luisa: I personally think that the ESB is the best thing that could have happened to me after graduating from high school. I am sure that by coming to the ESB I definitely made the right choice and I enjoy being involved in the ESB activities and being surrounded by great people every day.

Q: Why is StuCo important for the students?

Luisa: The StuCo is basically the driving force behind all the ESB activities. It is really important that there are students who coordinate the different ressorts and always know what is going on. StuCo shapes the on-campus life as well as the off-campus life for all students.

Q: Why did you choose to run for this position at StuCo?

Luisa: I chose to run for vice-president, because I think that if the person in that position does a good job, the collaboration between the different resorts and StuCo can be made even better.

Q: What makes you special as a candidate?

Luisa: I am only in my first semester and I feel that I am already living the ESB spirit.

If I have a duty, I always fulfill that responsibly and therefore I never leave a task incomplete. I am also very open minded and feel that I get along with everyone, which is a prerequisite to work in the StuCo.

Q: What are your hobbies?

Luisa: I go to the gym and I also enjoy to go running and skiing. In my free time I love to cook and of course when I have more time, I like to travel.

Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

Luisa: I am 1.85 meters (6.1 ft) tall!

Q: What’s your favorite quote?

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.”  - William Jennings Bryan

Name: Eddie (IB2)

Running for: StuCo Vice-presidency (2nd term)  

Country of origin: Germany

Hello! My name is (Edgard) Eddie. Most people seem to think that I´m funny and actually I do like having fun, making jokes and of course partying! I am the Vice President of StuCo right now. 

Q:  What does ESB mean to you? 

Eddie: ESB means to me an institution that encourages you to be open-minded to other cultures, and to be international.

Q:  Why is StuCo important for the students? 

Eddie: Studying is not only to learn things for your future job. It´s about developing your personality, challenging yourself and of course networking for the future. StuCo is shaping the student life outside of studying and it always listens to the students’ problems. 

Q:  Why did you choose to run for this position of StuCo?

Eddie: I would only like to express my sense of humor on this question: "Oops I did it again!" - Britney Spears.

Q:  What makes you special as a candidate?

Eddie: I´m a straightforward guy who is honest and doesn't talk in circles.

Q: What are your hobbies? 

Eddie: If that counts as a hobby, I like to go to pubs with my friends.

Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

Eddie: I can cook 1 minute ramen noodles in 59 seconds.

Q: What’s your favorite quote?

Eddie: "Ah, you two are the best kids any dad could accidentally have!" - Al Bundy

The Candidate for StuCo’s Presidency

 

Name: Philip (IB2)

Running for: StuCo Presidency.

Country of origin: Germany

I’m a 21 year old IB2 student from Mannheim. After completing my apprenticeship with Daimler I came to the ESB. I'm a very communicative and outgoing person. I’m presently acting as the Head of Communication within StuCo.

Q: What does ESB mean to you?

Philip: The ESB to me is more than just the university I'm going to. ESB is the sum of all the great students and of course the activities we all do together. 

Q: Why is StuCo important for the students?

Philip: The student committee takes care of the students’ wishes and needs, but also is responsible for organizing sports events and parties throughout the semester.

Q: Why did you choose to run for this position of StuCo?

Philip: I'm looking forward to taking over more responsibility within the StuCo. 

What makes you special as a candidate?

Philip: Being in the StuCo already for one semester I gained insights in the work the StuCo president has to do. During school I already was the head boy for two years.

Q: What would you like to change about StuCo by being in the relevant position?

Philip: I would like to make the work of the student committee even more efficient. Try to carry out even more events and make the life of the students even more pleasant. 

Q: What are your hobbies?

Philip: I love doing all kinds of sports. Especially playing soccer, volleyball and going running. 

Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

Philip: I'm half-Canadian but I have never been to Canada!

Q: What’s your favorite quote?

Philip: "Efficiency is doing things right, effectiveness is doing the right things."

Now that everyone knows who the candidates are, it's necessary that each one of goes and votes for the candidate that they wish to be a part of StuCo 2016 (summer term)! The elections take place on the 15th of December. 

Please note: You may contact Josua or Saanwal to provide any feedback or ask questions regarding the blog.