Antanina Malei has been distinguished with the DAAD Prize 2024 for her outstanding academic achievements and social commitment. The Hochschule Niederrhein (HSNR) awards the prize annually to international students in recognition of outstanding achievements and exceptional commitment. The distinction, which is endowed with 1,000 euros, was presented to the 22-year-old by Sebastian Sabas, the new Head of the International Office at HSNR, during the Senate Prize ceremony.
Malei left her home country of Belarus to study in Germany for her Bachelor's degree in Sales & Marketing, taught in English, in the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics. "Ms. Malei always impresses me with her acumen and self-confident manner. She is always an invigorating element in my courses and I am delighted to be able to accompany her on her academic path," says Martin Kasperski, teacher for special purposes on the "Sales & Marketing" degree program.
In addition to her studies, the Belarusian is a brand ambassador for DEGIS, a non-governmental organization that supports international students in Germany. She shares her experiences of studying and everyday life in Germany with her 32,500 followers on the social media platforms TikTok and Instagram. For example, she gives useful tips on finding accommodation, university applications, working in Germany and cultural backgrounds. The third-semester student says about her motivation for getting involved: "It's important to me that other people, especially international students, don't feel alone with their experiences. When I came to Germany, I didn't know how many obstacles and problems would stand in my way, both in terms of bureaucracy and culture shock. I know from my own experience how difficult it is to get used to the new environment. I would like to support others in this!"
The prize money is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The prizewinner is selected within the university. The DAAD prize helps to give international students at German universities faces and connect them with stories. Each and every international student takes a piece of Germany back to their home country and leaves something of themselves behind - an enrichment for both sides.
