New beginnings: IMS DAAD scholars are returning home
The International Media Studies Master offers many fields of study, covering journalism and communication sciences, media development and media management. Our current scholars started this journey in the fall of 2023, combining research, lectures and hands-on skills to gain in-depth knowledge in the media field. Now, their next step is to write their final MA thesis before continuing their careers. To do so, the IMS scholars routinely return to their home countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America or Eastern Europe to work on their individual thesis topics for 15 weeks, developing scientific arguments and conclusions through empirical research.
We got in touch with some of them to find out how their experience during their time in Germany was and what their plans for the future are. Here is what they said:
Minh Nguyen, Vietnam
Where are you returning to after the IMS Master?
After three semesters with the IMS program, I returned to Da Nang, Vietnam - a vibrant Central Vietnamese coastal city, the third largest city in Vietnam.
What were you looking forward to the most upon returning home?
I was of course looking forward to seeing my family members who have always provided me with love and support.
What was your favorite subject for the IMS master and why?
Choosing only one favorite subject is very tricky as I enjoyed many subjects of the IMS program. I would say "Human Resources Management" instructed by Prof. Dr. Christoph Schmidt can be among my favorites thanks to its high relevance and usefulness. As we inevitably deal with people such as colleagues, team members, managers, and subordinates every day, it is crucial to detect different styles of leadership and performance, as well as how to combine everyone's expertise effectively to create team synergy. These areas of knowledge are greatly relevant and useful for my academic and professional experience in the future.
Tell us one great “gift” that the IMS program gave you.
That one "gift" the IMS program gave me is my amazing classmates. I could never have imagined colleagues in a Masters program would be as close-knit as we are right now. During the past 18 months, we studied, traveled, laughed, and cried with one another. Not only ordinary classmates, we are also friends and families. I truly appreciate this precious friendship and hope we can keep in touch on a regular basis to maintain an international network of friends.
What will you miss about the IMS program?
As a learning enthusiast, I miss the feeling of going to class, attending lectures, and discussing case studies with my classmates. This student life helped me escape the stressful working environment while enjoyably equipping me with new knowledge and insights. Also, exchanging ideas with other class members from more than 20 different countries expanded my horizons and diversified my cultural understanding much more than before.
What is the topic of your MA thesis?
Inspired by the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the media sphere, I'm working on a qualitative study about the impacts of AI on job security and future roles in Vietnam's media sector under consideration of ethical implications. I believe this thesis can fill the current gap of research about AI in Vietnam and help develop policies to protect the rights and job stability of Vietnamese journalists and media practitioners.
What are your plans for after the IMS program?
After officially finishing the IMS program by September 2025, I plan to work in academia as a media researcher at a higher education institution where I can apply the knowledge and skills learned from the IMS program to contribute to the academic development of the organization. Pursuing a Ph.D. in media-related fields at the University of Bonn is another plan for which I need to meticulously write a Masters thesis with outstanding academic quality.
Mariam Talakhadze, Georgia
Where are you returning to after the IMS Master?
I returned to my home country - Georgia, specifically the capital Tbilisi - after completing three semesters of the IMS master’s program.
What were you looking forward to the most upon returning home?
I was looking forward to finally reconnecting with my family and friends and sharing delicious Georgian traditional food with them.
What was your favorite subject for the IMS master and why?
I had the pleasure of taking many interesting subjects during the program, all the classes focusing on creativity and practice sparked my interest the most. At the same time, I enjoyed classes such as Human Resource Management as they expanded my knowledge in a field I haven’t had experience with yet.
Tell us one great “gift” that the IMS program gave you.
The biggest gift I have got from the IMS is an amazing journey with inspiring people from around the world who quickly became my friends, which made me discover myself and helped me to see the world through their eyes.
What is the topic of your MA thesis?
The topic I chose to research for my thesis is the ongoing post-2024 elections protest in Georgia and the line between journalist and activist roles under consideration of ethics.
What are your plans for after the IMS program?
I see lots of opportunities and possibilities for me after finishing the IMS program. My main plan is to keep exploring the media field and stay open to new experiences in journalism and research.
Cyprian Kimutai Limo, Kenya
What were you looking forward to the most upon returning home?
Constant sunshine and delicious food.
What was your favorite subject for the IMS Master and why?
Media Economics – Prof. Dr. Christoph Schmidt changed my perspective from simply being an employee to thinking like a media manager and potential business owner.
Tell us one great “gift” that the IMS program gave you.
The Schengen visa, which allowed me to travel across Europe, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
What will you miss about the IMS program?
Having lunch with my classmates at the DW cafeteria, sharing stories, and laughing loudly together, a daily moment of joy and connection.
What is the topic of your MA thesis?
Audience Perception of Sport Reporting in Kenya: A Comparative Analysis of Media Coverage of Para and Non-Disabled Athletes.
What are your plans for after the IMS program?
I plan to apply my media development and management training from the IMS program, linking it with my thesis research to enhance media interest in sports coverage in Kenya. My goal is to drive greater visibility and fair representation for all athletes while fostering growth in the Kenyan sports media industry.
