Deciding to pursue an Advanced Masters at Solvay Brussels School is a big decision. Luckily, there's plenty of information available about the programme, what classes you need to take, who the teachers are, etc.

But what about those questions that keep you up at night? You know, the questions that you feel might be a bit too "silly" to ask: What will my classmates be like? What’s there to do in Brussels? Will I like the programme?

Guess what? Everybody has the same questions! But as nobody seems to be asking them, we decided to do the asking for you!

Today we sit down with Lena Schiller, an Advanced Masters student from Germany with a background in business management.

Solvay Brussels School: What was your biggest fear about enrolling in the Advanced Masters programme?

Lena: That there wouldn't be any fun people and it would be difficult to meet people.

What's the most exciting part of studying at Solvay Brussels School?

The diversity of the people, both my fellow classmates and the staff. There are so many different countries and cultures represented.

On the night before your first day of class, what kept you awake at night?

Missing my alarm (I’m German!)

What was your best experience so far?

I really liked our class about negotiation skills because it did not feel like a class but rather a hands-on workshop. I also enjoyed one of the first classes we took, called "Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship", which was exhausting but definitely worth the effort. In general, I like that some classes are more hands-on and not too theoretical. And let's not forget about all the socialising and fun that we have outside of our classes!

What advice would you give to someone considering the programme?

If you think this is going to be an extra year of getting to act like a chilled-out undergrad where all you need to do is "show up", you'll be very disappointed. The programme is intense, engaging, and consuming. That's what makes it's transformational.

What's the best part of getting to live and study in Brussels? 

It's a multicultural city with lovely people and good food.

Solvay Brussels School and the city of Brussels are very international. With so many different languages and cultures, have you ever found yourself "lost in translation"?

Let's say that speaking with your hands, and in some cases even your feet, can often be helpful! But in general, people do speak English and are super friendly. And I try my very best to improve my French and study a bit of Dutch – the two main languages in Belgium.

 

When not studying, what's your favourite activity to do or place to go in Brussels?

I love running in the Bois de la Cambre, trying new restaurants, and discovering new bars.

If you had to pick just one, would it be waffles, frites, or chocolate?

Chocolate – easy question!

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