Please tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, where do you work, and what do you teach?
My name is Sebastian Zips. I am a professor at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, where I teach marketing.
Is this your first time in Kazakhstan?
No, I have been coming to Almaty regularly since 2018.
Could you share your impressions of our country?
I have very positive impressions. Your country, with its green mountains and meadows, always fascinates me. I enjoy spending time in nature both in summer and winter — whether for sports or relaxation.
What do you think about our university and our students?
I enjoy teaching at DKU. The university is located in the city center, and there is a great working atmosphere in the classrooms. What I enjoy most is organizing group work and allowing students to present their own results. This strengthens team spirit and increases students’ confidence in their German language skills.
Do you enjoy working with our students?
Yes, very much. Especially when you notice that students are genuinely interested in a topic and ask additional questions about it.
In your opinion, are there differences between German students and our students?
Yes. Here in Kazakhstan, students are often more passive and tend to wait for initiative from the lecturer. In Germany, students constantly ask questions after class or want to discuss topics during lessons if their opinion differs from what is written in the textbook.
What do you think about the language skills of our students? Do they have enough knowledge to attend classes in German?
Of course, many students are interested in learning a new language and are motivated to do so. But unfortunately, the psychological barrier can sometimes be too high. It is similar to being afraid of embarrassing yourself when speaking with a German because you think your German is not good enough.
But that is a mistake. Language should be learned through practice. A chef who never cooks cannot improve. If a guest does not like the dish, the chef asks how to make it better next time and improves. So there is no need for false modesty!
Do you feel a language barrier during lessons?
Of course, the barrier exists for those who still do not speak German very well.
What advice would you like to give to our students?
There are many ways to go to Germany: a double-degree program, Erasmus, self-funded studies, and even after completing a bachelor’s degree, many master’s programs in Germany are open to you — even without a double degree.
Do not let difficult language tests scare you. If you truly want something, you can achieve it — you just need motivation and determination. The positive experiences of many outstanding actors, artists, and athletes prove this.
