Living in Germany was an incredible experience with countless upsides. Despite facing some challenges, I want to focus on all the things I loved and still cherish about Germany. From free education to low crime rates, Germany has so much to offer. I miss my time there and the whole Erasmus adventure, so this post is a tribute to my German experience.

Free tertiary Education for all

In Germany, universities are free for both German and international students. While pursuing a PhD in South Africa often requires securing a tough-to-get scholarship, German students typically pay only minimal registration fees. Those in financial need may even receive full state sponsorship. This makes higher education accessible and affordable.

Wine is cheap

Though Germany is famed for its beer, you can also find great, inexpensive wine. I attended a wine festival and discovered delightful Riesling wines that didn’t break the bank.

Efficient Public Transport

Germany’s public transport system is highly integrated, with apps covering buses, U-Bahn (underground metro), and trains (S-Bahn). Transport operates later than in South Africa, and university students enjoy free travel in their regions, saving on commuting costs.

Low Crime Rates

Germany boasts low crime rates, making it safer than South Africa. I felt much more comfortable walking around at night, although, like anywhere, crime does occur.

Delicious Chocolate

German chocolate is both affordable and high-quality. Brands like Ritter and Lindt offer delectable options that won’t break the bank—a real treat for any chocolate lover.

Vibrant Festivals

Germany is home to a wide array of festivals. From the Cherry Blossom Festival to Cologne Carnival, the country celebrates cultural, film, and book festivals, enriching your cultural experience

Central Location

Germany’s central location in Europe allowed me to travel easily by bus or train to neighbouring countries. Living in Essen meant I was close to the Netherlands, making it simple to visit friends.

Beautiful Greenery

Germany’s lush greenery was a joy. My route to the apartment cut through a forest, and I enjoyed the beauty of trees daily. The picturesque landscapes were a highlight of my stay.

Fresh Raspberries

I loved picking raspberries growing around my building. In Germany, picking wild fruit is permitted, allowing me to enjoy and freeze fresh berries for various dishes.

Book Exchanges

In Germany, I discovered book booths where people leave books for others to take. Although many titles were in German, I found a few in English, which delighted my inner bookworm.

Helpful Police

German police were exceptionally helpful and spoke fluent English. During a terrorist scare in Essen, officers managed the situation calmly and assisted me courteously, showcasing their professionalism.

Limited Catcalling

In Germany, I didn’t experience catcalling, which was a refreshing change. Although sexism exists, the lack of unwanted attention was a positive aspect of living there.

Germans love South Africa especially Cape Town

Germans find South Africa, especially Cape Town, exotic and appealing. Many of my German classmates had visited South Africa, and being from Cape Town earned me warm welcomes and admiration.

Quality Winter Jackets

German winter jackets are warm and well-designed, perfect for snowy weather. My parka, lined with sheep wool, felt like wearing a blanket.

Affordable Data and Airtime

In Germany, data and airtime are significantly cheaper. With a router providing free Wi-Fi, I spent less on data, a major perk compared to South Africa’s high costs.

Finding Shoes in My Size

I was thrilled to find shoes that fit my small feet easily in Germany. I brought back several pairs, appreciating the variety and affordability.

Financial Comfort

My Erasmus Mundus scholarship covered all living costs and left me with extra funds. I could afford new clothes, accessories, and even a few luxury items, along with saving and traveling.

Data Included in Tuition

Students benefit from included data in their tuition fees—500 gigabytes per month that roll over if unused. This is a great advantage compared to South Africa’s expensive data rates.

Indoor Heating

Unlike Cape Town, Germany’s homes are equipped with indoor heating, including in the bathrooms. This ensured a cozy living environment throughout the winter.

Ice-Cream Cafés

Germans love ice cream year-round. I enjoyed visiting local ice-cream cafés, including one just a short walk from my apartment in Essen.

Magical Christmas Markets

Starting in November, Germany’s Christmas markets are enchanting. With tiny kiosks selling ornaments, gifts, and seasonal treats like Glühwein, the markets are a festive highlight.

Historic Churches

German churches are free to enter and rich in history and artistry. Notable examples include the Gothic Cologne Cathedral and Aachner Dom, both worth visiting.

Stunning Castles

Germany boasts lots of castles, with Neuschwanstein Castle being a major tourist attraction. Its design inspired Disney’s iconic castle, making it a must-see.

Large Lakes

Germany features expansive lakes suitable for swimming, which are less common in South Africa. These natural attractions are perfect for relaxation and recreation.

Thriving Art Scene

Germany’s art scene is vibrant, with many galleries, opera houses, and ballet performances. I enjoyed discovering free art events, such as an outdoor orchestra in Göttingen.

IKEA

My friend Maria from Syria took me to IKEA for the first time and I must say it was fabulous. She took me within the first few days of me arriving. And showed me around. I love the home ware products which are colourful and inexpensive. And there’s a restaurant inside the store. I wish South Africa had IKEA stores.

Döner

In Germany, it’s called döner kebab whilst in South Africa, we call it a shawarma. This delicious it is a pita bread with meat inside of it and salad. There are many variations. I must say though I loved Germany’s version. As a student, it wasn’t expensive for me to buy it for around €5. It cost me roughly R75 which in South Africa it costs around R55. The thing about the German version though is that the portions are double the size. I could hardly finish my meal when I ordered döner

The social meet-ups

As an international student living in Germany, I had many opportunities to meet other students. Both locals and other international students. The university culture in Germany tends to incorporate events and places where students can meet each other.

Internet banking

used internet banking frequently in Germany for booking trips and managing finances. It felt secure and user-friendly.

The Charming Altstadt

Though I didn’t explore much of Germany’s natural beauty, the historic Altstadt areas with their gingerbread-like houses were captivating.

Thank you for reading my blog and supporting my journey. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share them below or email me. I’m open to discussions, feedback, and collaborations.

Wishing you happy travels!