"Viadrina has never been just a university, it has been a home" – Interview with Julia Szuleta

What originally brought you to study German and Polish Law at Viadrina?

I originally come from a small city in Poland, and I started my journey at Viadrina with an intensive one-year German course. That year turned out to be one of the best experiences for me. Suddenly, I found myself in a very international environment, completely different from what I was used to.

It pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me become more open to new people, and taught me how to adapt to new situations. This experience motivated me to do more and shaped the beginning of my academic journey at Viadrina.

How did you get involved in student life and what motivated you to do so?

After my first year, I became a tutor because I really wanted to support new exchange students. I remembered how it felt to arrive in a new country, and I wanted to be there for others in the same situation. That was when I joined ESN (Erasmus Student Network). Being part of ESN allowed me to actively support international students and take on more responsibility. Over time, I became Head of Incomings and Tutoring, which helped me grow both personally and professionally.
 

You later became President of ESN Frankfurt (Oder). What did you learn from that experience?

Becoming President of ESN Frankfurt (Oder) was a very valuable experience. It taught me a lot about organization, leadership, and teamwork. At the same time, I had to learn how to balance my studies, personal life, and responsibilities within the organization. This role helped me develop important soft skills and gave me confidence in managing both people and projects.

You were also active in ELSA. What role did that play in your development?

As a law student, I was very interested in joining ELSA, the European Law Students‘ Association. I first became a member and later took on more responsibility as a Director for Board Management. Through ELSA, I was able to develop my organizational and communication skills further. Together with the team, we represented Frankfurt (Oder) at national and international events, including in Passau and Brussels. These experiences were incredibly enriching and expanded my perspective beyond the university.

You also worked at the university. What insights did that give you?

I worked as a student assistant in the Equal Opportunity Division, which was a very meaningful experience. It gave me the chance to see how the university operates from the inside. Being part of the system and contributing as a student made me feel that I could actively shape the university environment. It added a completely new dimension to my studies.

What does Viadrina mean to you personally?

For me, Viadrina has never been just a university,it has been a home. I had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, feel welcomed, and truly belong. It taught me how to communicate with others, how to balance my academic and personal life, and how to stay true to myself.

How has your experience at Viadrina influenced your future outlook?

Viadrina has motivated me to aim higher and continue developing myself. The experiences I gained here both academically and personally have shaped my mindset and encouraged me to keep growing.

What would you say to someone considering studying at Viadrina?

I can truly recommend studying at Viadrina. Come here, experience the international atmosphere, meet new people, and take every opportunity that comes your way. You will feel welcome and it might just become a second home for you, just like it did for me.