IS GERMANY 🇩🇪 RIGHT PLACE TO STUDY IN 2025 ? Current students share their thoughts

Summary

In this insightful discussion, students from diverse backgrounds share their experiences of studying and living in Germany. They discuss the pros and cons of their life there, from the benefits of a strong educational system to challenges like slow banking services and limited internet connectivity. They also explore work-life balance, taxation, and the personal sacrifices needed for a successful life abroad. The conversation emphasizes the importance of planning, managing expenses, and understanding one's priorities when considering studying abroad. Ultimately, each individual reflects on their unique journey, offering valuable insights for prospective international students.

Takeaways

• 😀 The banking system in Germany is slow, especially when transferring money between banks, and there are delays in transactions during weekends.
• 😀 The courier and delivery system in Germany needs improvement, as waiting for deliveries can take days or even weeks.
• 😀 The process of applying for documents like visa extensions or other university-related tasks in Germany can be time-consuming and requires dealing with a lot of paperwork.
• 😀 The tax system in Germany can be burdensome, with high tax rates reducing the overall income, which might lead some to reconsider staying long-term.
• 😀 The internet and telecom services in Germany can be expensive and not as efficient as one might expect, especially compared to other countries.
• 😀 Living in Germany offers a good work-life balance, especially in the corporate sector, but challenges like no domestic help and personal tasks like cooking and cleaning need to be managed.
• 😀 Germany provides a great educational system, which is seen as an advantage for students, but the financial aspect can make it difficult to save money while living there.
• 😀 Many students come to Germany for higher education, seeking exposure to a global environment and opportunities, but they should understand the challenges of managing finances and daily responsibilities.
• 😀 The work culture in Germany is well-regarded for its balance, but the personal experience of handling household tasks and finances varies for each individual.
• 😀 Before coming to Germany, prospective students should assess their priorities, such as lifestyle, job prospects, and financial implications, to make an informed decision about living there.

Q & A

Why is it important to have a solid reason for coming to Germany, according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that having a genuine and substantial reason for coming to Germany is crucial. Simply stating 'free education' is not enough, as employers and others will question the validity of your story. A clear, strong reason is needed to answer potential queries.

What challenges does the speaker mention about the banking system in Germany?

The speaker points out that the banking system in Germany is slow, especially when transferring money between banks. Transactions can take longer, and updates may not occur on weekends, making the process frustrating for those used to faster systems.

What does the speaker think about Germany's courier and transport systems?

While the speaker acknowledges some improvements, they believe that the courier and transport systems still need significant development. Deliveries often take a long time, especially when compared to systems in India, where getting things delivered is quicker.

How does the speaker feel about the paperwork process for visa extensions and other official tasks?

The speaker finds the paperwork process for tasks like visa extensions and university-related work cumbersome. They express frustration with the amount of time and effort required to go through numerous procedures and deal with multiple people.

What aspect of living in Germany does the speaker mention as a financial concern?

The speaker raises concerns about high taxes in Germany, where a significant portion of earnings goes toward tax payments, leaving little money for savings. This issue makes it difficult to manage finances, especially for those with entrepreneurial goals.

What do the students in the discussion feel about their work-life balance in Germany?

Some students appreciate the work-life balance in Germany, noting that it is better than in India. However, the speaker adds that even with a good work-life balance, there are sacrifices in other areas, like managing household tasks without domestic help.

Why does the speaker not see the corporate culture in Germany as a major benefit?

The speaker acknowledges that Germany has a strong corporate culture with a good work-life balance, but they do not find it appealing for themselves. They express that they value flexibility and autonomy more, rather than the structured corporate environment.

What does the speaker suggest to someone considering moving abroad for education?

The speaker suggests that individuals should clearly define their priorities before making a decision. Whether it's for a better lifestyle, global exposure, or academic goals, it's important to understand what one truly values. Additionally, they recommend preparing for the practical challenges of living abroad, like managing finances and daily tasks.

How does the speaker compare their experience in Germany to their experience in India?

The speaker notes that while life in Germany has its challenges, many of the same tasks they did in India—such as managing household responsibilities—are similar. However, they do recognize that the perspectives on tasks like cooking and house cleaning may differ from person to person.

What is the speaker's perspective on the financial and lifestyle trade-offs when living abroad?

The speaker believes that living abroad offers many opportunities for personal and professional growth, but it comes with trade-offs. They highlight that financial constraints and the need to manage personal tasks can be difficult, and it's important to weigh these aspects carefully before making the decision to stay long-term.