Preparations Before the Leap

Embarking on the adventure of permanently migrating to Germany and studying psychology in a German-taught program as an International Student had been a dream I held for almost a decade. My passion for immersing myself in a new culture began with my first student exchange experience in the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) region during high school.

Determined to continue this journey, I completed a DAAD-scholarship-supported language course at the Universität zu Köln and participated in another exchange program at the Universität Hamburg a few years later. Concurrently, I continued to expand on my German language skills at my university in Sydney, Australia, while working for the DAAD.

However, amidst the dull and restrictive happenings of the pandemic in 2021, I realized it was finally time to make the leap from Australia to Germany. Pursuing my passion for psychology with a Master’s program and challenging myself in ways I had never imagined was just as I always dreamed. Yet, the reality of being the only international student in my German-taught course brought unexpected struggles that I hadn’t fully anticipated.

Stepping into the Unknown

The first day at university felt like walking into a different world, starting just a few days after my arrival with a new home and jetlag on top! Surrounded by new faces and engaging in complex conversations entirely in German, I was both excited and challenged by the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the language and culture. Although I held a C1 level in German, the fast-paced lectures and nuanced academic discussions initially felt daunting. I remember sitting in the lecture hall about to hold my first presentation, and I was shaking in my boots!

Academic Pressures & Social Struggles

Studying psychology in a language that isn’t my first added an extra layer of complexity to every assignment and exam. The specialized terminology, the depth of theoretical concepts, and the expectation to engage critically in discussions made the experience quite challenging. However, these challenges motivated me further to push against my fears and enhance my skills to thrive in the German academic environment.

All these academic pressures were further intensified by being the only international student in my German-taught Master’s program. While I received considerable empathy, kindness and support from fellow students during my unique journey, there wasn’t a single person in my cohort who could fully relate to my specific experiences, talk about being the lone wolf, right?

Discovering DEGIS

In my quest to find a sense of community who actually understood and could relate to my personal journey, I discovered DEGIS!  DEGIS is Germany’s largest International Student community, and offers the chance to dedicate ourselves to meaningful projects, connect with like-minded peers, and develop practical skills in areas like marketing, event management, and leadership. Volunteering with DEGIS can provide a supportive network and help bridge the gap between your academic life and personal well-being.

Additionally, after two semesters, you can earn an official certificate that not only acknowledges your dedication but also enhances your CV in Germany. Being part of the DEGIS community has been instrumental in building lasting relationships and enriching the international student experience, not only for myself but also for others!

Enhancing my German

Furthermore, I sought ways to enhance my German beyond the C1 level. I immersed myself in the language by attending local meetups with other language learners, speaking as much German as possible with my fellow native speaker students, reading German literature and diving into German news on politics and cultural happenings. If you want some cool tips on German language resources,  click here– and don’t forget to join Aarushi & Dhruv in their DEGIS German Learning Webinar 14. Nov 2024 at 7PM CET!

Just Do It!

Above all, taking action in your new life in Germany without hesitation is key!
Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, and remember that each challenge you overcome strengthens your resilience. I firmly believe that facing your fears front on and trying new things will be the biggest deciding factor for success for your journey in Germany!