This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Amanda Mrokez, an American student in Cologne, Germany. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
In 2021, I withdrew from Central Michigan University and moved to Germany to pursue a teaching degree at the University of Cologne.
I grew up in a small town in Michigan and had never traveled outside the US before spending a semester abroad in Germany in 2019. It was during those months that I realized pursuing my bachelor’s degree in education overseas could broaden my career prospects after graduation. So, after attaining the C1 level in German — considered an advanced level of language proficiency — I made the move.
Three years in, there are many things I wish I had known before I moved. Some might say it’s my fault for not figuring them out, but I found that there was so much to navigate when moving countries.
Germany is lacking school culture
Participating in school culture was a big thing for me when I was in Michigan. My closet was full of Central Michigan University apparel, and everyone thought it was cool to wear hats and sweatshirts on campus. In Germany, I can’t remember ever seeing a student wear a shirt that says “University of Cologne.”
I was a member of the marching and basketball bands, as well as the cheerleading team. On game days, we woke up at four in the morning to get ready, and our school spirit really came out. In Germany, however, there’s nothing that compares.
The lack of school spirit might stem from the fact that we don’t live together in dorms. While I live close to the university, many other students commute hours by train.
Because of this, it’s been harder for me to socialize, and I find myself having less fun. Some people will say that learning is the main priority, but I learn better when I’m enjoying school life.
It takes time to navigate cultural differences
When I first noticed that no one really wanted to make small talk, I thought it was rude. But I learned that it’s just a different culture.
In the US, it’s also common to compliment people in the street. It took me a while to realize that I should stop because they might think I was lying or weird.
There are perks to studying in Germany
I like that the professors here don’t monitor everything students do and take attendance at every class. It’s not a big deal if you miss a lesson.
I took classes in the US where the final grade would drop if more than three were missed. In Germany, students learn what they must study and what’s best for them. Everyone can study at their own pace.
The grading system in Germany can be more stressful. In Michigan, you can do homework and essays and still get a good grade, even if you bomb the final. But at my school, at least, grades rely solely on the final exam. Students may study hard for the entire semester — but what matters is the score on that one exam.
Fees have been the biggest perk. Tuition in Germany is almost free for all students. I pay a social contribution fee of around $330 per semester, which goes toward public transport costs.
Students here don’t end up with thousands of dollars worth of debt. Everyone has a better chance of getting a higher education, and that’s something I don’t take for granted — especially after previously seeing the prices in the US.
Studying in Germany taught me to be independent
As a student in Germany, I had to make phone calls in German to book healthcare appointments or make restaurant reservations and go to these appointments alone. Even after three years of officially living here, it’s hard for me to do things like that.
I definitely cried a lot trying to figure out how to live in a different country and study in a different language. Still, it’s easier now than when I first moved here.
I have worked hard to be independent, and moving to a different country sped up that process. It would’ve been an easier transition with help, but it’s been really rewarding to be able to build up a life here on my own.
Do you have a story about choosing to attend college outside the US that you want to share? Get in touch with the reporter, Erin: [email protected].
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