This narrative 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 left Central Michigan University and moved to Germany to study teaching at the University of Cologne.
I grew up in a small town in Michigan and had never traveled outside the United States before spending a semester in Germany in 2019. During those months, I realized that I got my bachelor’s degree in study abroad can expand My career prospects after graduation. That is, after reaching level C1 in German — it is considered advanced language proficiency — I made the move.
Three years on, there are many things I wish I had known before moving. Some may say it’s my fault for not figuring them out, but I’ve found that moving countries is a lot to handle.
There is a lack of school culture in Germany
When I was at Michigan, participating in school culture was a big thing for me. My closet was full of Central Michigan University clothes, and everyone thought it was cool to wear a hat and sweatshirt on campus. In Germany, I don’t remember any student wearing a T-shirt that said “University of Cologne”.
I was a member of the marching band, basketball band, and cheerleading team. On game days we would wake up at 4 a.m. to get ready and our school spirit really came out. But there’s nothing in Germany that compares to that.
The lack of school spirit may be due to the fact that we don’t live together in dorms. Although I live close to the university, many students commute hours by train.
Because of this it has become harder for me to socialise and I find myself having less fun. Some people will say that learning is the main priority, but I learn better when I enjoy school life.
Navigating cultural differences takes time
Mrokez learned that small talk is not common in Germany. Amanda Mrokez
At first I thought it was rude when I noticed that no one wanted to make small talk, but I learned that it’s just a different culture.
It’s also common in the US to compliment people on the street. It took me a while to realize that I needed to stop doing that because they might think I was lying or weird.
There are advantages to studying in Germany
I like that the professors here don’t keep track of everything the students do. Take and keep attendance in every class. If you miss a class, it’s not a big deal.
I bought Classes in the USA More than three misses will result in a lower final grade. Students in Germany find out what they need to study and what works 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 fail the final. But at least at my school, grades are just on the final exam. Students can study hard all semester long — but it’s the score on that one exam that counts.
The fees were the biggest advantage. Education in Germany is free for almost all students. I pay a social contribution fee of about $330 per semester, which goes towards public transport costs.
Students here are not taking on thousands of dollars worth of debt. Everyone has a better chance of getting a higher education, and I don’t say that lightly – especially if you’re a student before Looking at prices in the USA.
Studying in Germany taught me to be independent
When I was a student in Germany, I had to make phone calls in German and drive myself to make health appointments or restaurant reservations. Even though I’ve officially lived here for three years, it’s hard for me to do these things.
I definitely cried a lot trying to figure out living in a different country and studying in a different language. However, it’s easier now than when I first moved here.
I have worked hard to become independent and moving to a different country has accelerated that process. It would have been an easier transition with help, but being able to build a life on my own here has been truly rewarding.
Do you have a story to share about choosing to attend college outside the U.S.? Contact reporter Erin: [email protected].