Mid-Semester: The Reality of Studying Abroad in Germany

It’s totally okay to have expectations, so did I! The anticipation before coming to Germany was unmatched; I literally teared up from excitement just thinking about it. While I think it’s healthy to envision and plan for future experiences like studying abroad, I’ve learned it’s important to make sure those expectations don’t get too high. And honestly, how amazing is it when reality actually exceeds your expectations?

Disclaimer: Going into study abroad, I knew not everything would be perfect, but I did have super high expectations. So, in some ways these expectations might be exaggerated, but mainly to prove a point about reality. I hope this encourages you to step out of your comfort zone because honestly, this experience has taught me so much, and I am so thankful for it even if it hasn’t gone exactly to plan!

Expectation: I’m going to be super happy and excited all the time.

Reality: Studying abroad is a roller coaster of emotions. Yes, I’ve been happy and excited, but there have also been low moments: missing friends, family, and even just the little conveniences from back home. Our advisors warned us about the emotional ups and downs, but somehow I thought I was exempt from that silly little graph. Spoiler alert, I wasn’t.

Facing this reality: Two things that have helped me during the low moments are staying in contact with my family and friends back home and having a routine. Staying connected with the people who know me best has been so encouraging, and I can stay up to date on their lives for when I return to the States. The other thing is routine. Since the beginning of studying abroad here in Germany, I’ve been consistently running with two other exchange students three times a week. It’s been so sweet to get to know them and for us to keep each other accountable. As far as my day-to-day routine outside of running, I try to go to the gym as often as I can, study at cafes and libraries instead of my apartment, and consistently read my bible/journal everyday! Not much about my semester has been consistent because German class schedules are so different from American ones, but prioritizing consistency where I can has helped me!

Expectation: I’ll be traveling to a new country every single weekend.

Reality: I do travel a lot, almost every weekend actually, but I didn’t realize just how expensive these trips would be. People who previously studied abroad made it seem like train tickets, hostels, and food were super cheap. And they can be, to an extent. But through trial and error with last-minute plans, transportation mishaps, and surprise expenses, I’ve learned those costs can really add up.

Facing this reality: Although I have traveled to many other European countries this semester, I have also learned to embrace day trips and explore what Germany has to offer! And to help stay on top of my expenses, I have a fun color-coded spreadsheet where I break down all the costs of my trips into categories. This helps me plan in advance how much I can spend on each trip. Since one of my goals was to explore all of Germany this semester, I bought the Deutschland Ticket, which is only thirty euros a month and gives me access to regional trains all around the country. I’ve also saved money by opening a German bank account to reduce fees when pulling out cash, using a debit card that has no transaction fees, cooking most of my meals at home, and really just prioritizing what experiences I want here. I cannot do everything, and that’s okay.

Expectation: I’ll be best friends with everyone I meet abroad.

Reality: I genuinely enjoy talking with everyone I meet, but I’ve had to realize that I won’t be besties with everyone and that’s okay. That said, I’ve learned so much about myself this semester: how I make friends, what brings me joy, and how to push myself outside my comfort zone. Connecting with other exchange students who are going through the exact same thing as me and having German family friends just 30 minutes away have been a blessing. Getting plugged into those family friends’ church and joining an international Bible study has really helped me build community. Pursuing Christ daily without my usual Christian support system has been challenging, but it’s also deepened my faith in ways I didn’t expect.

Facing this reality: I feel like this aspect of study abroad is so important to talk about because as people from all over the world come together, there can be so many different personalities, interests, and worldviews. My best advice would be to embrace the differences. Even though you might not be besties with everyone, make an effort to talk with those who are different from you.

Expectation: I LOVE Germany.

Reality: I do love Germany for the memories, the culture I’ve studied for years, and the chance to speak the language, but there are parts that have honestly worn me down.

German bureaucracy. It’s the best way to sum up the German way of life. I appreciate order and attention to detail, but the hoops I’ve jumped through just to sit here in my bed in Mannheim? Insane. From months of paperwork and endless emails with a health insurance provider, to printing several documents just to register with the city, to surprise cash-only payments, to waiting weeks for letters to open a bank account, to paying random fees like the infamous radio tax or customs charges for care packages, it’s a lot. I’m a neat, organized, rule-following person, but even I’m overwhelmed. I feel like I’ve taken on a seventh course called German Bureaucracy. Right now, my reminders app is haunted by tasks like canceling my Deutschland Ticket and Bahn card before they auto-renew, and deregistering with the city. Exhausted just typing that out.
Class structure/exams. Not my cup of tea. No attendance policy and only one big final assignment (paper, presentation, or exam) means it’s easy to slack off until the end when everything hits at once. Even as someone who’s pretty disciplined, I can’t seem to keep up week-to-week. Now I’m cramming for my marketing exam next Friday and final slides for my EY tax project due next Saturday. That’s all I can focus on. I miss the U.S. system with its steady pace, frequent assignments, and multiple exams. It offers accountability and breaks learning into manageable chunks.
There’s more I could say, but I don’t want to keep listing negatives. Every country and study abroad experience has its pros and cons. These are just some of the realities that have changed my perspective. Still, I love the food, I’m fascinated by the history, and I’m doing my best to speak the language even though, wow, it’s harder than I thought.

Facing this reality: Germany will always have a special place in my heart because of the opportunity it gave my family and the way it opened my eyes as a fifth grader to a whole new world outside America. I will always be thankful for that, and I’m so glad I’ve gotten to experience living in Germany twice in my life, once as a military kid and once as an exchange student.

Thanks for reading! Next up: more travel adventures :)