Franka Weinzierl, originally from Germany and currently based in Berlin, always knew the traditional academic path wasn’t her style. With a background in clinical psychology and a natural curiosity for hands-on learning, Franka found herself drawn to Hyper Island’s Digital Management Master’s program.

“My brother completed the same program in Manchester in 2018, and ever since visiting him, I couldn’t get the idea out of my head,” she shares. “I remember the visit vividly: colorful sticky notes everywhere, people bustling around and busy group work around large tables. It looked like something exciting I wanted to be a part of immediately.”

Fast forward to 2024, and Franka is living her Hyper Island dream in Stockholm, diving deep into digital innovation while honing her skills in areas she once found intimidating.


A Hands-On Approach to Learning

As someone with ADHD, traditional learning methods never fully resonated with her. “Sitting still, listening, passing an exam, and then forgetting it all the next day — it didn’t work for me,” she explains. Instead, Hyper Island’s practical, self-directed approach was exactly what she needed to thrive.

One standout experience? The Intelligent Machines module. “It involved projects and speakers covering complex topics like physical computing and blockchain—subjects I had always found intimidating,” she says.

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Hyper Island provided an accessible entry point, allowing me to explore these topics both mentally and physically. I experimented with physical computing using a MakeyMakey, engaged with the metaverse, and gained insights into blockchain technology. This experience, exemplifies Hyper Island’s strength in giving students the foundational knowledge needed to be self-sufficient and continue exploring on their own.’

 

MA Student - Franka
Adapting to the Hyper Island Method

Coming from a psychology background, the shift to Hyper Island’s learning style was initially disorienting. “It’s not like university, where you’re taught the theory first and then practice later,” Franka explains. “Here, you’re thrown into projects, learning as you go — mostly by collaborating with your teammates and researching independently.”

“It’s a system that can feel overwhelming at first,” she admits, “but Hyper Island’s approach forces you to adapt in real time. A lot of the learning happens through project work. Along the way, lectures and guest speakers might offer insights, but their input could be highly relevant — or just interesting without being directly applicable to your project.”

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The beauty of Hyper Island is that it challenges you to adapt, collaborate, and learn in real-time. Be prepared to be surprised by both what you’re capable of and what you still have to learn from yourself and others. For me, Hyper Island’s approach is both the most challenging and the most rewarding learning experience I’ve ever had.

 

Life in Stockholm: A Love-Hate Relationship

Adjusting to life in Sweden brought its own mix of surprises. 

“Coming from Germany, the culture shock was limited — except for the alcohol prices and regulations,” she explains. “Stockholm is stunning, spread across islands, full of art and breathtaking sunsets. Any city with ferries as part of its public transport system automatically wins my heart. Adjusting was tricky for an international student. I recommend learning about the Bank-ID early on — it’s essential, as Sweden runs on it.”

And then there’s the cinnamon buns. “They’re definitely worth the hype.”

MA students in campus
Reflecting on Growth

For Franka, the most profound impact of Hyper Island has been her personal growth. “Growing at Hyper sometimes feels like looking in the mirror one day and realizing you look different,’ she shares. ‘The changes aren’t always apparent day-to-day, but during project wrap-ups and reflections, I often notice how much I’ve grown.”

The program has also shifted her perspective on learning and career development. 

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For me, Hyper Island has solidified the idea that lifelong learning is truly the skill of the future. Staying engaged in the process — not just settling into the comfort of a solution — is the ultimate takeaway I hope to carry into my career.

 

What’s Next for Franka?

Though her Hyper Island journey isn’t over yet, Franka is already looking ahead to applying her new skills back in Germany. “The mindset I’ve gained here feels like a superpower,” she says. “I’m excited to see where it takes me.”

MA programs students
Franka’s Advice for Future Students

For those considering Hyper Island, Franka has a few words of wisdom: “I’d recommend gaining some work experience beforehand — it definitely helped me. Jumping straight from a Bachelor’s or a purely academic setting to Hyper Island can be tough to adjust to. Most of the learning here is self-facilitated, so internal motivation and a willingness to teach yourself are essential. Hyper Island won’t spoon-feed you knowledge, but it will teach you how to discover and grow for yourself. Don’t come here for the grades.”

Summing up her experience, Franka says: “I didn’t think I could do it; then Hyper made me do it, and it turned out great—and when it didn’t, I learned even more.”
Hyper Island
Hyper Island Shape Your Future
Article updated on: 18 February 2025
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