MY 1 YEAR EXPERIENCE IN GERMANY 🇩🇪|| INTERNATIONAL STUDENT || FULL REALITY

Harry in Europe

22 Sept 202409:39

Summary

TLDRIn this video, the host Harry Singh shares his one-year experience as an international student in Germany, focusing on the challenges of the German education system compared to India's. He discusses the importance of time management, the difficulty of finding accommodation, and the necessity of passing subjects to sit for exams. Harry also talks about his part-time job experiences, emphasizing the ease of finding jobs with references and the benefits of professional jobs over manual labor. He advises on financial management, the importance of learning German, and shares his thoughts on the German weather, including his preference for summer over winter. He concludes with insights on dealing with racism and the direct nature of Germans, encouraging viewers to share their experiences in the comments.

Takeaways

🎓 The speaker is a student in Germany pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science.
🏫 The study system in Germany is quite different from India, requiring students to complete each semester with continuous assignments and exams.
📚 Some professors in Germany are very strict and may not allow students to pass easily, while others are more lenient.
💼 The speaker advises international students to always focus on their studies rather than getting sidetracked with part-time jobs or making money.
🚫 Students are allowed only three chances to fail a subject in Germany, after which they cannot continue with that subject or degree program.
⏰ Time management is crucial for international students in Germany to maintain a schedule and avoid missing classes or falling behind in studies.
🏠 Accommodation can be a challenge in Germany, with some students still unable to find proper housing even after a year.
👨‍💼 Finding part-time jobs in Germany can be easier with references, as it operates on a reference-based system where recommendations can increase the chances of getting hired.
💰 The speaker has tried various part-time jobs, including warehouse work and kitchen assistance, and currently works as a delivery person for Domino's, finding delivery jobs to be relatively easy.
🌐 Learning the German language is very important for international students as it helps in interacting with the local community and can be essential for jobs and daily life.
💡 The speaker shares personal experiences about living expenses, suggesting that students manage their finances wisely, especially when they start earning from part-time jobs.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?
-The video is focused on the experiences of an international student in Germany, discussing various aspects of university studies, part-time jobs, and living conditions.
What does the student study in Germany?
-The student is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science.
What are the challenges the student faces with the study system in Germany?
-The student mentions that the study system in Germany is quite different from India, requiring continuous effort throughout the semester with assignments and exams, which can be difficult.
How does the student describe the teachers in Germany?
-The student says that teachers in Germany vary; some are very strict and rude, making it hard for students to pass, while others are quite helpful and lenient.
What advice does the student give to new international students in Germany?
-The student advises new international students to focus primarily on their studies and manage their time effectively to balance studies, part-time jobs, and other activities.
What are the student's experiences with accommodation in Germany?
-The student has had to change accommodations three times, including living in a shared flat and finally securing a student dormitory for the long term.
How does the student find part-time jobs in Germany?
-The student has found part-time jobs through direct applications and references, mentioning that having a reference can increase the chances of getting a job.
What kind of part-time job does the student recommend and why?
-The student recommends delivery jobs because they offer flexibility, a chance to explore the city, and a relatively relaxed work environment.
What financial advice does the student have for international students?
-The student advises students to manage their finances wisely, especially when starting out, and to save money for future needs.
How important is learning the German language for the student?
-The student emphasizes that knowing the German language is very important for interacting with the local community and for professional opportunities.
What are the student's experiences with visa extensions and block accounts in Germany?
-The process of visa extension and block account requirements varies by city. Some cities require students to show a certain amount of money in their block account annually, while others may rely on job contracts.

Outlines

00:00

🎓 Experiences of an International Student in Germany

The speaker, Harry Singh, introduces himself as a computer science student in Germany, discussing his first-year experiences as an international student. He talks about the challenges of the German education system, which is quite different from India's, emphasizing the need for completing assignments and attending classes regularly. He also shares his experiences with professors, some of whom are very strict and others who are more lenient. He advises new students to focus primarily on their studies and not to get distracted by part-time jobs or making money. He also highlights the importance of time management and the difficulties some students face with it, leading to missed classes and poor scheduling. Lastly, he touches on the issue of accommodation, sharing his own experiences of having changed homes three times and the challenges international students can face in finding suitable housing.

05:01

💼 Part-Time Jobs and Financial Management for Students

Harry discusses the importance of part-time jobs for international students in Germany, mentioning that while finding professional jobs can be difficult, especially with limited language skills, part-time jobs are more accessible. He shares his personal experience of having worked in various roles, including in a warehouse, kitchen, and as a delivery person for Domino's. He suggests that delivery jobs are relatively easier and provide a good mental break from being confined in a closed room. He also advises students to manage their finances wisely, especially when they start earning, as living expenses can increase. He talks about the need for international students to have a good command of the German language for various aspects of life, including interacting with the local community. He also discusses the process of visa extension and the financial requirements that may vary depending on the city. He concludes by sharing his thoughts on the weather in Germany, describing the summer as one of the best in Europe, and touches upon his personal experiences with racism, stating that he has not faced any significant issues.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Student Life in Germany

This refers to the unique experience of studying as an international student in Germany. The speaker discusses the academic system, part-time jobs, and accommodation challenges, highlighting how student life in Germany differs from India, particularly in terms of time management and the requirement to submit assignments throughout the semester.

💡Part-time Jobs

The speaker explains the importance of part-time jobs for international students in Germany. These jobs help students manage their living expenses and improve their financial situation. The speaker shares his own experiences working in a warehouse, kitchen, and as a delivery boy, emphasizing that finding a job through references is easier.

💡German Language

Learning German is crucial for international students to navigate life in Germany. The speaker stresses the importance of German in everyday interactions and dealing with local authorities. He also shares his challenges, as he initially relied on friends for help in situations requiring German communication.

💡Block Account

A block account is a special type of bank account required for international students in Germany to prove they have enough funds to support themselves. The speaker mentions the requirement to show a certain amount in the block account for visa extension, which varies by city. For example, in Regensburg, he needed to show €6000 annually.

💡Accommodation Issues

Finding accommodation is a major challenge for students in Germany. The speaker highlights the difficulty in securing long-term housing, sharing that he had to change homes three times due to various issues, including sublets and locations far from the city. He advises prospective students to be prepared for these struggles.

💡Study System

The academic system in Germany is different from India, as explained by the speaker. Students must study consistently throughout the semester, complete assignments, and meet attendance requirements. Unlike in India, where students might cram at the end of the term, continuous effort is essential in Germany to pass exams.

💡Visa Extension

Visa extension for international students in Germany is discussed in relation to the block account and job contracts. Depending on the city, students may need to show a certain amount of money or simply provide proof of employment to extend their visas. The speaker shares his experience with this process in Regensburg.

💡Time Management

Effective time management is critical for international students in Germany. The speaker emphasizes that managing studies, work, and personal life requires good scheduling. Poor time management can lead to missed classes and unhealthy habits, which is a common issue among many students.

💡Professional Jobs

The speaker briefly touches on the topic of professional jobs, stating that they are preferable for students in the long run because they offer better pay and valuable experience. However, he admits that his limited German language skills have made it difficult to secure such jobs during his bachelor's degree.

💡Weather in Germany

The weather is another significant aspect of life in Germany. The speaker compares the harsh winters to the pleasant summers, stating that summers are among the best in Europe. He mentions enjoying outdoor activities and socializing during the summer, in contrast to the challenges posed by the cold winters.

Highlights

The study system in Germany is completely opposite to India's.

Students in Germany must complete a full semester of study to be eligible to take exams.

Assignments are a continuous part of the semester with submission deadlines.

The quality of teachers varies; some are very strict and rude, while others are helpful.

The primary focus for international students should always be their studies.

Students are allowed to fail a subject only three times before they are unable to continue that subject.

Time management is crucial for students in Germany.

Accommodation is a significant issue for international students in Germany.

Finding a part-time job in Germany can be easier with references.

Delivery jobs are relatively easy to find and offer flexibility.

Professional jobs are more challenging to find due to language barriers.

It's essential to manage finances wisely, especially when starting with a blocked account.

Learning the German language is highly important for integrating into the local community.

The visa extension process varies by city, with some requiring proof of funds in a blocked account.

Germany's weather is a point of discussion, with harsh winters but enjoyable summers.

The speaker has not personally faced racism but acknowledges it can be an issue.

Germany's old citizens can be straightforward, showing their emotions clearly.

The speaker shares their personal experience of managing expenses and earning money through part-time jobs.

The speaker encourages subscribing to the channel for more student life videos.