Drawbacks of Living in Germany || Expectations Vs Reality

Summary

In this insightful video, Dishant Gupta, an Indian student in Germany, shares his personal experiences and challenges of living abroad. From navigating cultural differences and adjusting expectations to dealing with practical issues like accommodation, transportation, and language barriers, Dishant offers valuable advice for international students. He highlights the importance of mental preparation, the need to learn German, and the reality of homesickness, harsh winters, and daily life struggles. Through his story, viewers gain a candid and informative perspective on what it's truly like to study and live in Germany as a foreign student.

Takeaways

• 😀 Plan your flight to Germany at least 1.5 to 2 months in advance to save on fares, and book student fares through travel portals like Sky Scanner or Make My Trip.
• 😀 Cities in Germany like Bremen may have limited airport connections. It's advisable to book train tickets through the DB app in advance for better fares.
• 😀 Lower your expectations when coming to Germany to avoid disappointment. It’s important to be mentally prepared for cultural differences and challenges.
• 😀 Learning German before arriving in Germany is crucial. While English may work in some cases, socializing and finding success in Germany is much easier with good German skills.
• 😀 Stay connected with your university or landlord before arriving. Inform them about your flight and arrival to ensure assistance and a smooth transition.
• 😀 City registration is critical for settling in Germany. Book your appointment well in advance, as delays in registration can hold up other important processes like bank account setup.
• 😀 Germans are punctual, but public transport like Deutsche Bahn trains can experience delays. Be prepared for occasional disruptions in service.
• 😀 Always book your accommodation in advance before arriving in Germany to avoid difficulties with city registration or temporary accommodation.
• 😀 Bring enough cash (300-350 Euros) for your first month in Germany, especially if accommodation is not arranged. Extra funds (500-800 Euros) are recommended if accommodation is still pending.
• 😀 Germany may be technologically advanced in many ways, but India leads in digital aspects like fast internet and e-commerce services, highlighting some of the differences between the two countries.
• 😀 Homesickness is common for international students, especially when away from family. Staying busy, joining activities, and socializing can help manage these feelings while adjusting to life in Germany.

Q & A

What are some of the challenges faced by Dishant Gupta as an international student in Germany?

Dishant Gupta highlights several challenges, including difficulty in socializing due to language barriers, dealing with harsh winters, navigating bureaucratic procedures like city registration, and adjusting to the pace of life in Germany. He also points out the struggle of managing expectations and the realities of daily life, such as limited public toilets and slow internet speeds.

What advice does Dishant give regarding booking flights to Germany?

Dishant advises booking flights at least 1.5 to 2 months in advance to save money, recommending the use of student fares on travel portals like Sky Scanner and Make My Trip for better deals.

What should international students know about the language when coming to Germany?

Dishant stresses the importance of learning German before arriving in Germany. He mentions that while English can be useful, knowing German is key for better socialization and integration. He regrets not paying enough attention to German beforehand, and urges others to improve their language skills to avoid isolation.

How can international students avoid feeling isolated when they arrive in Germany?

Dishant suggests informing key people, such as your university, landlord, or city registration team, about your arrival in advance to ensure you have support. He also recommends using public transport to explore the city and stay connected with the environment, which helps prevent feelings of isolation.

What are some common misconceptions about German punctuality?

While Germans are known for punctuality, Dishant points out that there are exceptions, especially with public transport. For example, Deutsche Bahn trains often experience delays, sometimes up to one hour or more, though other forms of public transport like trams and buses are usually on time.

How should students manage accommodation before coming to Germany?

Dishant strongly advises booking accommodation in advance, as finding housing after arrival can be difficult. Without accommodation, students will face issues with city registration and other official procedures, making it crucial to secure a place to stay beforehand.

What are some of the differences in expectations regarding the digital infrastructure between India and Germany?

Dishant compares the digital experiences in India and Germany, noting that while Germany is an advanced country, it still lags behind India in terms of digitalization. For example, Germany still relies heavily on paper-based systems, and internet speeds are slower compared to India. He expresses frustration with these inefficiencies.

What is Dishant's experience with food and cooking in Germany?

Dishant mentions that as a vegetarian, he struggled with cooking initially in Germany, especially due to the lack of a pressure cooker. He recommends bringing an induction pressure cooker from India to make cooking easier, as induction stoves are more common than gas stoves in Germany.

How does Dishant recommend handling homesickness?

Dishant suggests keeping oneself busy to cope with homesickness. He also mentions joining social platforms like Couchsurfing to meet people, and emphasizes that learning German will make it easier to socialize and feel more connected. Despite these efforts, he acknowledges that homesickness is inevitable but manageable with the right approach.

What cultural differences does Dishant observe regarding the availability of public toilets in Germany?

Dishant observes that public toilets in Germany are not as accessible as in India. He shares an incident where a German restaurant refused a customer access to the toilet unless they were a paying customer. This highlights a cultural difference in attitudes toward public amenities compared to India, where public toilets are often more readily available.