Surviving Germany | The Hard Truths About Living in Germany as a student | What I Wish I Knew

Summary

In this insightful video, the speaker shares valuable lessons learned while living as an international student in Germany. Key takeaways include the importance of letting go of the sunk cost fallacy, embracing shared living to reduce expenses, and accepting the need to do menial jobs at the start. The speaker emphasizes living within one's means, building faith independently, and finding a supportive community that aligns with personal values. The video also addresses the common struggles of sadness, anxiety, and homesickness, reminding viewers they are not alone and encouraging open communication about challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 Avoid the sunk cost fallacy: Don’t feel compelled to stick with something just because you've invested time or effort. It's okay to cut your losses and move on when necessary.
• 😀 Living with others is normal: Shared accommodation, especially in expensive cities like Munich or Berlin, is a practical and cost-effective option while you’re a student.
• 😀 Be open to living with people of different genders: It's common to share living spaces with people of other genders in Germany, and it's generally safe as long as proper screening is done.
• 😀 Accepting entry-level jobs is part of the process: Even if you have a lot of experience, you might have to start with menial jobs to support yourself while you adjust and look for better opportunities.
• 😀 Don’t compare yourself to others: Social media often shows a curated highlight reel, and not everyone’s lifestyle is achievable or sustainable for you. Focus on your own goals.
• 😀 Set financial boundaries: Don’t stretch yourself thin trying to live the way others do. Live within your means, even if it means skipping some experiences like traveling or gym memberships.
• 😀 Build your faith independently: You may not have the same support system you had at home, but it’s possible to cultivate your faith on your own and find a community that shares your beliefs.
• 😀 Create your own community: Whether through hobbies, volunteering, or faith-based activities, it’s important to build a support network around things that matter most to you.
• 😀 It’s normal to feel lonely or homesick: Many international students experience sadness and worry, especially during the winter months, but sharing your feelings with others can help ease the burden.
• 😀 Mental health is important: Make sure to prioritize your social life and emotional well-being by finding people you trust and opening up about your struggles with them.

Q & A

What is the main challenge faced by international students when it comes to accommodation in Germany?

One of the main challenges faced by international students in Germany is the high cost of accommodation. Many students live in expensive cities like Munich, Berlin, or Frankfurt, where rent can be very high. To manage costs, living with others in shared flats is a common and affordable option.

What is the significance of 'cutting your losses' in the context of this script?

'Cutting your losses' refers to the idea of avoiding the sunk cost fallacy. The speaker advises making difficult decisions, such as quitting an unfulfilling path, even if you’ve invested a lot of time and effort, in order to prioritize long-term happiness and personal growth.

How does the speaker view living with people of different genders in Germany?

The speaker highlights that living with people of different genders in Germany is completely normal. They encourage not to be shocked by this and emphasize that landlords typically screen tenants carefully to ensure safety and compatibility.

What is a crucial lesson the speaker learned about doing menial jobs as an international student?

The speaker learned that, regardless of their previous experience, international students may need to take on menial or low-paying jobs initially. These jobs, known as 'minial jobs,' are necessary for survival while adjusting to life in Germany and finding better opportunities.

Why does the speaker advise against comparing your life to what others show on social media?

The speaker advises against comparing your life to others on social media because Instagram often shows only the highlight reel of people's lives, which may not accurately reflect their true circumstances. International students, in particular, may face different financial and personal realities than what is portrayed online.

What is the speaker’s advice on building community while living abroad?

The speaker suggests that building a community based on shared values is essential. They recommend finding people who share your beliefs, whether it’s through church, volunteering, or other activities. The speaker stresses that community should be built around things you truly value.

What emotional challenges did the speaker face during their first months in Germany?

The speaker faced loneliness, homesickness, and anxiety, especially during the winter months. They mention crying to their brother and feeling isolated when they were sick for a month, even though they were living with others. These emotions are common for many international students.

What does the speaker mean by 'cutting your clothes according to your size'?

This phrase means that you should live within your means and not try to keep up with others who may have different financial situations. The speaker stresses the importance of making decisions that align with your personal circumstances and delaying gratification when necessary.

How does the speaker suggest dealing with feelings of sadness or anxiety about the future?

The speaker encourages international students to talk about their feelings with trusted friends or mentors. They reassure that feeling sad, anxious, or uncertain about the future is normal, and sharing those emotions with others can help manage them.

What role does faith play in the speaker’s life while living abroad?

Faith plays a significant role for the speaker, who has learned to build and maintain their faith independently without the support of a local Christian community. They emphasize the importance of finding community around shared values and building a network that aligns with one's beliefs.