Meet Maya Krause, a German exchange student who turned her passion for languages into a toolkit for success. During her time at the University, she learned three new languages alongside her main degree. This allowed her to gain real-world skills that set her up for an exciting future.
Maya’s thirst for knowledge and her desire to immerse herself in different cultures led her to pursue an undergraduate degree in International Business Communication (IBC) in England. Maya chose the University of Lancashire because of the language learning opportunities. They perfectly aligned with her passion for languages and her dream of traveling and understanding diverse cultures.
Alongside her degree, she took on Spanish, French, and British Sign Language (BSL)—all at once!
This wasn’t just about memorising words. It was about adapting to different ways of thinking, a skill that would later help her stand out.
"It was an amazing experience, because all these languages are completely different. Especially BSL, because you’re only talking with your hands so it’s a lot about facial expressions and body language. Unlike French or Spanish, you can’t write it down; you have to practice with deaf people to really learn it."
— Maya Krause - BA (Hons) International Business Communication graduate
Maya didn’t just study—she applied her knowledge in real life. As a Language Assistant at the University’s Worldwise Centre, she supported final-year students develop their speaking skills in German. This allowed her to sharpen her teaching skills and cross-cultural communication.
Her experience working with students from China, Japan, and Korea in group projects taught her patience, leadership, and how to bridge cultural gaps. These were skills that would go on to impress her future university.
"This role helped me build a global network—I connected with people from all over the world."
— Maya Krause - BA (Hons) International Business Communication graduate
Maya’s hard work paid off—she was accepted into a competitive Entrepreneurship and Management program at the University of Liechtenstein. The university’s small size, with only 800 students and a close-knit community of 35 peers in her course, was an attractive feature for Maya.
The interviewer was blown away by her intercultural experience and ability to lead diverse teams. Her experience in leading group projects with students from China, Japan, and Korea had taught her patience, resilience, and the importance of intercultural competence—global attributes that would be essential in her future studies and career.
For Maya, university wasn’t just about classes—it was where she found her people. From study sessions to exploring new cultures, she made friends with students from all around the world. Students from China, Japan, France, and Spain became her support system. Far from home, they were her second family—always there to laugh, help, and remind her she belonged. These connections didn’t just make memories—they built a global network she’ll carry for life.
At the University, she also faced challenges—like adapting to different work styles and personalities. However, these only made her more resilient.
She learned to navigate the complexities of intercultural communication, especially when working with students from cultures that were more reserved or indirect than her own. Now, she’s ready to take on a global career, armed with language skills, leadership experience, and a worldwide network of friends.