A 27-year-old American woman studying at a medical college in Germany has shared why she decided to leave the US to pursue her education in Munich.
The woman, identified as Erika Roberts, told Business Insider that her she made the move due to several factors, such as enjoying an independent way of life, affordability, and embracing a new culture, her connect with Germany isn’t recent at all.
‘My connection with Germany began at 16’
Erika shared that she visited Munich for a student exchange program at 16 and instantly fell in love with the city. She shared that she was in awe of its safe, accessible public transport, lively cultural events, and a sense of youthful freedom.
After finishing high school, she explored doing volunteer work abroad but realised she lacked the skills many projects required.
She eventually followed the more traditional route: college in the United States. She studied biochemistry with pre-med in Massachusetts. But in college she felt constrained and didn’t feel like she was growing into the kind of independent adult she wanted to be.
“Unfortunately, I never settled into my college in Massachusetts, where I studied biochemistry with a pre-med focus. I didn’t have the independence I craved,” Roberts told the outlet.
In 2017, she finally decided to move to Germany, and her motivation helped her convince her dad.
US’ educational costs were a factor
Erika said a major factor behind her relocation was the soaring costs of pursuing university-level education in her home country. Higher education came with student-loans and high tuition, while Germany offered public-funded schooling.
Roberts says that she got admission to medical school at the Technical University of Munich. “I have a student residence permit, and the tuition costs $100 per semester.”
Despite occasional challenges, like adjusting to bureaucracy in Germany or missing her family in the US, Erika said moving was the right decision.
“I’ve made lasting friendships and feel confident about my future. It was a huge step, but I made the correct decision when I crossed the Atlantic at the age of 19,” she said.