7 Myths about Studying and Working in Germany

Living and studying in Germany as an international student is by far a pleasure. Be it quality education, beautiful landscapes or mind-blowing architecture Germany never fails to surprise. However, it is not all roses. There are many things that not many people will tell you. So here are the 7 myths about studying in Germany:

1. Life is easy

Ones you start your studies in Germany, you would realize that is not all that you need to do. Along with the study, you will need to take care of household work. Since the labor is costly and eating out expensive. You will spend a substantial amount of time doing everyday chores like cooking, shopping, and cleaning. If you are the one financing your studies, then add a 20-hour work week to make enough money.

2. University is fun

Universities in Germany are not fun. The coursework is hectic and assignments are grueling. There is barely any attention given to an individual student. This is not to say that German Universities lack quality education though. It is just to say a student needs to put in the extra effort.

3. It’s just like the USA

No, it is not! Talking in terms of education, like mentioned above, German universities have more rigorous coursework and there is no hand-holding. Ones the professor is done with his lecture, you are on your own. Same goes for day-to-day life, German people are not really outgoing. The language barrier further adds to it. If you like socializing and can’t live in isolation, you will not have a good time in Germany.

SEE ALSO: 7 things only who live in Germany understand

4. You won’t miss home

One might feel that living in an exceptional environment with state of the art infrastructure and education would make you forget home. There is nothing farther from the truth than that. When the initial excitement settles down, you will come to realize that being alone in a foreign country with no family around can take a toll on you. If you have not lived away from family before, it is much more challenging. You need to be mentally prepared for it.

SEE ALSO: 7 Tips to mentally prepare for studying in Germany

5. Living in Europe is glamorous

Life as a student in Europe is anything but glamorous. If you have watched movies and assumed that everyone in western countries is rich, then its time to debunk the myth. As a student, you will most probably live in a decent apartment, shared with few other students. Traveling would be on a budget and nothing like shown in movies.

SEE ALSO: 7 Reasons why living in Germany is awesome

6. You make loads of money

If you believe you will get an extremely well paying job after your studies in Germany like in the USA, then hold your horses. Germany has one of the toughest labor laws in the world, which makes employers shy to hire international students. Universities also do not put much efforts to get their students placed in a company, like they do it in India. So you are on your own when looking for a job. Add the substantially lower wages than in the USA, meaning you would be earning anywhere from 30-40% less. If making money and stocking up your bank balance is the goal in life. Head out to the USA and not Germany. However, earning less does not mean you won’t have a good life in Germany. The low wages are compensated by universal healthcare, unemployment insurance, pension insurance etc. which would provide you more security than the job in the USA. Needless to say, studying in Germany would cost you pennies compared to the USA.

7. Everyone will speak English

As soon as you step outside the University campus, apart from big cities, not many people will speak English. So if you are at a supermarket or at a restaurant, you will need to learn German. It is more important than you might have imagined before. In addition, when you apply for a job, having a good proficiency in German would help your chances of getting the job.

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