Meet the International Media Studies class of 2021
Alejandro Ramírez Pulido, Colombia
Philosophy, mobility, translation, literature and motorsports: my interests and experiences are diverse and perhaps incompatible. That’s why I’ve come to DW Akademie, eager to learn with an open mind as I continue to explore the connections between these different fields. I also want to grow as a media professional and share my experience and curiosity with peers from all over the world.
Andrea Ariet Gallego, Spain
As a photojournalist raised in the digital era, I've seen that speed is crucial for our societies. But the reality is more complex; it needs a context and has to be analyzed. I’ve worked for media newsrooms and journalism organizations in Spain, Poland, and Belgium and have now joined the IMS program with an aim to get a unique experience in the media field and in a multicultural environment.
Azvina Firanza Alamsyah, Indonesia
I’ve worked for the past three years as a copywriter in advertising agencies. I’m also passionate about women’s empowerment, feminism and gender equality. When I joined the feminist movement, I realized the media was not a safe space for those in Indonesia who face gender-based violence. I want to create a safe platform for women who have suffered injustice to tell their story.
Chanmi Park, South Korea
Arts are a means for all individuals to express themselves and their cultural background and are becoming increasingly important. My aim is to become a full-fledged journalist in the arts sector, approaching each story with a sensitivity and a deep cultural understanding. I 'm sure that my fellow students from diverse cultural backgrounds will be inspiring me.
Connor Alden, United States
The IMS is a unique opportunity for me to expand and apply my knowledge of the media in an international environment that challenges me both professionally and personally. I'm especially interested in how audiences behave in a contemporary digital context where products can be purchased and shared instantaneously, and how this impacts policy, regulation, ownership and privacy.
Daniela Alcántara, Mexico
As a young Mexican woman who has worked in advertising and for independent digital media, I'm convinced that the content we consume shapes our identity and, consequently, the world around us. My goal is to build a more critical understanding around the media we produce in order to create better content – especially content that prioritizes young women, our perspectives and our stories.
Do Ha Phuong Dong, Vietnam
I am a TV editor and translator and open to learning and diversity. The media industry is competitive, so IMS is the perfect choice to help me stand out from the crowd. The interdisciplinary program prepares us for careers in the media and communications industries. I believe that the values and knowledge I will gain will help me achieve a lot in life.
Deniz Yasemen Köse, Turkey
I'm a lawyer with years of experience in social media. I believe that digital and social media are among the most influential factors guiding our lives and it‘s why I decided to pursue digital media professionally. This program is a great opportunity to not just discover the theoretical side of the media but to also gain a professional journalistic approach and grow in a multicultural environment.
Elena Guadalupe Madge, Peru
I've worked for more than five years for international non-governmental organizations and United Nations agencies in Peru, a country with a strong concentration of media ownership by powerful elites. Independent and unbiased journalism is key to social development, for mobilizing and increasing the participation of a diverse population in an extremely unjust society.
Erica Ehiamah, Ghana
I’ve always wanted to serve as a voice for the voiceless and that’s why I'm interested in communications, especially with a focus on youth development. The IMS program offers me a great experience for learning more about communications. My goal is to set up a non-governmental organization for young people in the slums of Ghana.
Fotima Turgunboeva, Uzbekistan
As a PR and communications specialist for local NGOs, I've seen the significant role that the media play in the non-profit sector. I plan to bridge the gap between local media and NGOs to strengthen transparency and foster collaborative organization and public dialogue. The IMS’ diverse approach will greatly develop my core skills to respond to rapid changes in Uzbekistan’s media landscape.
Iosifina Tsagkalidou, Greece
I’ve worked for the past four years as a television journalist and content editor for various television productions. I'm particularly interested in digital media, content creation and media management. I’m hoping the IMS program will give me the chance to gain an even deeper knowledge in these fields and equip me with the skills needed for mastering them.
Jessie Bühler Sarmento, Brazil
After working for years in the media industry, with a special focus on advertising and marketing, I’ve become even more interested in how communications and media affect global development and social transformation. I see the IMS program and its multicultural environment as a unique opportunity to extend my knowledge and discover new opportunities to act in local or international initiatives.
Julius Agbeyakah, Ghana
I worked in visual communication design and PR and gained an appreciable understanding of the media’s influence. I believe the power to make or unmake a nation lies in its ability to use media. Media’s potency must be used for the good of all, irrespective of class, race or gender. That's what drives me to acquire more skills and professionalism to make positive impacts both locally and globally.
Laura Gutiérrez Rozo, Colombia
I’ve spent many years creating and producing content in the audiovisual industry in Latin America and the United States. I joined the IMS program because I’m interested in understanding and exploring media from different perspectives and fields. This international program will give me new tools to develop narratives and create conversations from a fresh point of view.
Leyla Tanrıverdi, Turkey
I’m confident that the IMS program is the right place for me. In this academic environment we will not only be learning from our professors about the media's technical, technological, theoretical and philosophical depths but also from the cultural diversity of our peers. I will definitely apply what I learn here.
María del Rosario García Escobar, Cuba
The IMS program offers me an inspiring atmosphere for sharing experiences and learning from students with different cultures and backgrounds. It gives me a unique opportunity to advance myself and to learn from professionals how to use communication techniques to inform and unite people from all parts of the world.
Mariam Zubashvili, Georgia
I have worked in various media formats and chose the IMS for its creative approach to media studies. It provides an opportunity to explore media diversity, especially in the context of developing and emerging countries such as my own, Georgia. I see my studies as a chance to gain a global perspective on a field requiring international awareness and ongoing knowledge advancement.
Kayonga Paul, Uganda
I’m a journalist and report and produce political and current affairs content for news and talk shows. I joined the IMS program with a desire to elevate my academic and media knowledge and to master the art of media management and development from a global perspective. The global village offered by the IMS classroom is an opportunity to develop peer-to-peer intercultural skills.
Sabina Nallim, Argentina
In these times, it's difficult to find truthful and unbiased information. In the era of “fake news”, our work as journalists is becoming increasingly challenging and relevant. As a journalist with an interest in human rights issues, I believe that the IMS program offers a unique environment that can enrich my work and my perspective.
Shamail Butt, Pakistan
Having a background in Public Relations and media in my home country, the Master’s program will further enhance my journalistic skills. I'm looking forward to learning and growing in a diverse environment with the IMS family.
Sousanda Ly, Cambodia
Women are creative in ways that bring out-of-the-box perspectives to the workplace. Still, the important roles women play are not adequately recognized, especially in the field of media and journalism. As a woman, I believe that the IMS program will equip me with new skills and techniques I need for my future career and for inspiring other women to take part in this field.
Tamar Merabishvili, Georgia
Despite regaining independence in the post-Soviet era, Georgia in the South Caucasus still faces many challenges. The media remain polarized, and the country is battling hybrid warfare. With the development of social media, fake news is the media’s main challenge worldwide. At the IMS I’d like to learn more from my colleagues and understand how international media are dealing with disinformation.
Yossra Ismail, Egypt
As a journalist in a developing country, I believe in the media's power. While it can be used to inform and educate, it can also control and manipulate. The IMS program is a privilege, and I'll be making the most of it to become an international journalist. I’m also interested in feminism and women’s rights and hope to promote women’s empowerment and gender equality, especially in the Middle East
Annis Teferri, Ethiopia
I'm aiming to develop better ways to reach people in Ethiopia with information that can change their lives. I believe the IMS is a great opportunity and will help me to become a professional communication expert and media manager. I look forward to broadening my horizons and gaining knowledge that will enable me to use the media for a positive cause in my own country.
Kawther Bahrouni, Tunisia
I did not join the IMS program by chance. I'd looked at its different aspects and then knew it was the right Master’s program for me. A friend of mine is an IMS alumni and said, “The program is like working at the UN. You’ll meet a lot of people from different countries all over the world.” That struck me and motivated me to apply. I’m excited about this opportunity and the next two years.