8 challenges of studying in Germany and how to conquer them

1. Dealing with Institutional Heterogeneity

German universities always do their best to provide you with all the help you need. However, the level of assistance varies depending on the size of each university. That's why you shouldn't expect your university to be able to support you in all situations and at all times.

Moreover, universities find ways to leverage internal and external support so that students can make the most of their services. This outsourcing of support leads to a new problem, namely high-level bureaucracy and a lack of relevant information.

How to Overcome It!

A reasonable solution is to learn from others. Many students have gone through the same problems, so you can reach out to them for advice while waiting for a response from the university's international student support department. Make the most of your friendships and you'll get useful information.

The majority of professors at German universities are helpful and ready to respond to student requests. Besides excellent information on major subjects, students can access different perspectives and problem-solving methods provided by renowned professors. Don't try to solve problems on your own.

2. Getting Used to Homesickness and an Independent Lifestyle

According to a survey on the impact of studying abroad on mental health, half of the participants reported going through a phase of homesickness throughout their stay. They tend to call home more often and wait for their friends to be online on Facebook. However, in the long run, this has a counterproductive effect. You'll just be looking back at your hometown instead of exploring the new country and integrating into the community.

How to Overcome It!

Being busy with new activities will keep you away from negative thoughts and help you overcome homesickness. For example, you can pick up new hobbies like sports, dance, or join clubs at the university. Or you can travel around the country and visit the surroundings.

Most importantly, don't get caught up on social media like Facebook or Twitter, which will only make you miss home more.

3. Feeling Spiritually Drained

You can't avoid feeling lost when you live in a new community that can't satisfy all your emotional needs. You might be confused when everyone laughs at a joke you don't understand. Sometimes you also feel disconnected from the new environment, exhausting at first, unless you manage to master new cultural norms.

International students are afraid to step beyond their comfort zone. So they tend to stick to people from the same country rather than integrating into other communities. Such a tendency isn't harmful, but limited socialization will make you miss exciting experiences, future relationships, and precious cross-border friendships. Don't let a lack of confidence restrict your social circle.

How to Overcome It!

Spending time surfing the internet won't be enough to improve the situation. Instead, it's time to go out and make friends. Differences in appearance, fashion, and accent may make you feel uncomfortable around the people surrounding you, but everything will be fine after a few weeks.

Try to befriend at least one local resident. He or she will facilitate your integration into a new culture. However, it takes time to establish a lasting relationship beyond cultural boundaries, but it's well worth the effort.

4. The Language Barrier

The language barrier poses a real challenge for international students during their studies in Germany. Even if you've passed the DSH, TestDaF, and other language exams required for university admission, you can't be sure you can keep up with the pace, tone, and accent of native speakers.

Most people in big cities speak good English, so you can expect to encounter fewer obstacles in social activities. However, if you go to smaller towns, you'll have no choice but to address people in German. Consider this a good opportunity to learn a new language.

Moreover, writing in German is another challenge. Even native speakers find academic essays difficult to write. Not only the language, but the style also varies from one country to another.

How to Overcome It!

The old habit of speaking English is a common obstacle to mastering German. Therefore, students should refrain from using English as much as possible, even during their leisure time. This will maximize your integration process.

Keep notes on local cultural norms and jargon. Downloading foreign language apps on your mobile phone or carrying a translation dictionary can partly compensate for the lack of language mastery.

Here's what you can do to improve your language skills:

• Don't hesitate to befriend locals and ask them for advice.
• Never be afraid of making mistakes — we learn from our errors!
• Practice makes perfect — so keep working to improve your essays and don't get discouraged if your very first essay earns you a bad grade.

5. Overcoming Financial Obstacles

Pursuing higher education in Germany isn't affordable for all foreigners. You need to plan for several expenses, including tuition, accommodation, daily expenses, books, transportation, not to mention plane tickets and souvenirs you need to bring when you return home.

You need to set aside some money for emergencies. The total amount can quickly increase, much more than you think.

Having a part-time job isn't necessarily the best solution. Without good time management, it could harm your academic performance and social integration. Meanwhile, you'll have less time for extracurricular activities. Your low salary can in no way compensate for such problems.

How to Overcome It!

To avoid running out of money quickly, you need to prepare a proper spending plan in advance. Have your parents keep between 200 and 300€ in reserve so they can transfer it to your account when needed.

You can download money tracking apps on your phone to manage your expenses. Keep in mind to only buy real essentials. EDUBAO also has an article to show you some tips for saving money while living in Germany.

6. Lack of Time Management

You may need some time to get used to your new living and learning environment in Germany. The difficulties of adaptation are different for people with different personal and academic experiences.

On top of that, these students have to face challenges outside of their campus. So even if German institutions modify their structures to meet students' expectations, they can't solve all the problems. It's the students themselves who should find a solution.

Once you get used to studying abroad, you'll find that lack of time is a common phenomenon. There are so many things to learn, adapt to, and explore. You have to divide your time between attending classes, joining clubs, and traveling to new places. Sometimes, naturally, you won't feel energetic enough to do everything.

How to Overcome It!

Setting a schedule before the start of each week is a great way to find balance in your life and fulfill all your commitments. Stick to this calendar and don't let any unforeseen events disrupt it. Put aside everything that stresses you out.

We have an article on time management. Don't forget to check it out if you'd like to learn more about this topic!

7. Staying Motivated to Attend Classes

In Germany, you need to get used to fending for yourself. No one will tell you what to do or warn you when you're doing something wrong.

The final result is all that matters. Although your participation in class discussions or completing homework has some importance, the majority of German courses rely on the end-of-semester paper to determine your final grade.

Missing classes will seriously affect your GPA and, even worse, your visa. Don't wait to lose your scholarship or be expelled from your program to regret it and start studying properly. There's no use crying over spilt milk!

How to Overcome It!

Studying abroad requires students to make a great academic effort and have the willpower to resist the attractions of a new country. Remember that you must finish your courses before doing anything else.

Attending classes is a way to add color to your experience. Attending meetings, going to the university will maximize your learning potential abroad. The commitment to the core value of "studying abroad" will never leave you.

8. Dealing with Attractive Career Prospects for Students

International students enrolled in a Master's program have a higher chance of receiving spontaneous job offers. Some even register for it to extend their residence permit.

The student visa sets a time limit during which a student can work. Non-European students can only work 20 hours per week, or a maximum of 120 full days per year. So if you work under the table, you risk being expelled from the country.

How to Overcome It!

You'd better know in advance all your rights and responsibilities resulting from studying in Germany. Always put academics at the top of your to-do list, because that's the main reason that brought you to this European country. Otherwise, you risk violating one of the national laws without realizing it.

Click here to read an article about part-time jobs and the related legal regulations in Germany. Be well-informed to make the best decision!

All of the above are the common challenges you may face from the beginning of your journey to study in Germany. However, nothing is impossible to handle as long as you've made sufficient preparations and research on the destination country.

Also remember that you're not alone in this adventure. We're here with you! If you have questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to contact EDUBAO. We're here to support you throughout your stay!