Alessia Magni completed her Bachelor’s degree in Energy Engineering in Milan. She came to Offenburg last year to study Energy Conversion and Management, which is one of the University’s international degree programs. “One reason I wanted to pursue my Master’s degree in Germany was to improve my German, but to study completely in German seemed too much of a challenge,” the 24-year-old explains in what actually passes as impeccable German. She found out about Offenburg’s English-taught programs via the DAAD's website. "For me it seemed like the perfect combination of German and English exposure."

Alessia enjoys living in in the Ortenau region, partly because its peacefulness and tranquility is not much unlike her hometown of Montevecchia, located between Milan and Lake Como. She shares an apartment in a family home in Rammersweier and enjoys living there very much. "My landlord got me a bicycle, and whenever I have a flat tire or other problems with the bike, he takes care of it.” Once during the exam prep period, a member of the Offenburg Senior Service dropped by to stock up the chocolate supplies, which genuinely took her by surprise. "People really care about us here and help wherever they can. In Milan I was just a number. Here, the University arranged for private accommodation, and with any problem or question I have, I can turn to Alexandra Raunig, the ECM program coordinator. She always finds a solution. The professors, too, take their time with us."

After completing her Bachelor’s degree, Alessia Magni worked at an engineering office in Milan planning and developing hydropower plants. She envisions working in waste management following her Master’s studies, possibly having to do with waste separation. "I was pretty surprised to see that organic waste is not separated before collection in Offenburg.” In her hometown in Northern Italy, waste separation is strictly enforced – in contrast to regions farther south. However, she can also imagine staying in Germany a bit longer after receiving her degree about a year from now.

Alessia Magni receives the DAAD award for her academic performance, but also her social commitment, which includes environmental service and volunteer work with young children in Hannover and Marburg before coming to Offenburg, as well as extra help in the sciences which she used to offer every Saturday to non-Italian kids back home.