Karolina Gula -
podcast #51 of the series "Foundations"
The episode and the entire series are also available on Soundcloud and Spotify:
In the latest episode of the Foundations podcast, we learn the story of Karolina Gula - a graduate of the Faculty of Architecture at Technische Universität Berlin. It's a story about a conscious choice to study abroad, a flexible education system, and experiences that go far beyond just learning design.
why Berlin? A conscious decision from an early age
Karolina knew from the beginning that she wanted to study architecture abroad. Thanks to her education in bilingual classes, the choice of Germany was a natural one, and Berlin - as a city well known to her and relatively close to Poland - proved to be the perfect compromise between ambition and security.
The decision to choose a university was not accidental - the good reputation of TU Berlin and the technical profile of the studies determined the application.
What does it look like to study architecture at TU Berlin?
The education system in Berlin is based on a high degree of flexibility and independence for the student. Studies are divided into two stages:
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Bachelor (3 years) - an intensive program with mandatory projects every semester
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Master's (2 years) - greater freedom in the choice of courses and direction
The program includes both technical and humanities subjects - from construction and building physics to architectural theory and sociology.
Importantly, students have access to a wide range of courses outside their own department as well, allowing them to develop additional competencies.
Relationships and teamwork - the key to professional learning
One of the biggest differences Karolina points out is the approach to teamwork. Projects at TU Berlin are mostly carried out in pairs, reflecting the reality of working in architectural offices.
Equally important is the relationship with the instructors:
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partnership atmosphere
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regular consultations with assistants
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openness to dialogue
This environment is conducive not only to learning, but also to building self-confidence.
Karolina has also benefited from student exchange opportunities, studying:
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at Tongji University in Shanghai
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at the Technical University of Delft
These experiences allowed her to learn about different approaches to architecture and the operation of universities around the world, as well as build an international network.
studying as a living space
TU Berlin offers students more than just an education:
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access to modeling workshops and studios
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your own workspace in the design studio
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a building open 24/7
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a student café called "Kafea"
This makes the university a place for everyday life - work, meetings and integration.
Is there time for life outside the university?
At the beginning of the studies there is little free time, but with time there is more flexibility. Karolina:
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worked as a tutor at the university
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learned foreign languages
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ran a running group
During her master's studies, she also managed to combine her studies with a job in an architectural office, gaining valuable work experience even before graduation.
After graduating from TU Berlin, finding a job in the industry is not a big problem. Karolina quickly began working in Zurich, however, stressing the importance of knowing the language of the country where she plans to work.
Karolina's story shows that studying abroad is not only about education, but above all about personal development:
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greater courage
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independence
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openness to the world
It's an experience that realistically affects your future career path.
Aleksandra Skorupa
Listen also to other podcasts
From the "Foundations" series
45. Katarzyna Karolina Howorko about studying architecture in France and Mexico.
49. is it worth studying architecture in Switzerland? About Marta Lata's experience
50. Erasmus or studying in Poland? Architecture through the eyes of Krzysztof Jędrzejewski
