This story relies on a dialog with Erika Roberts, a 27-year-old medical scholar from Philadelphia who’s finding out in Munich. It has been edited for size and readability.
Once I was 16, I took half in a high school exchange program to Munich.
I beloved all the things concerning the metropolis, particularly the liberty that it gave to children my age. Public transportation was protected and simply accessible, and I attended any cultural occasions that me.
I by no means anticipated to be dwelling right here a decade later.
Easy issues in Munich have been thrilling for a teen
Once I was a teen, my American and European buddies and I’d purchase contemporary bread from a bakery, sit by the river, and have a picnic. Even the only issues felt thrilling.
After graduating in June 2016, I needed to do one thing attention-grabbing earlier than school. I attempted promoting my dad on the concept of doing volunteer work in a creating nation, akin to Cambodia.
Then I noticed that almost all of these tasks want folks with talent units, not 18-year-olds with large desires.
Courtesy of Erika Roberts
I adopted the normal route of touring colleges within the US. There have been loads of conversations about discovering worldwide and various environments the place you’ll be able to problem your self to develop.
I felt I might already skilled that in Germany and considered going again. However my dad was towards it. We agreed that finding out within the US was the much less dangerous choice.
Sadly, I by no means settled into my school in Massachusetts, the place I studied biochemistry with a pre-med focus. I did not have the independence I craved.
I needed a piece/life steadiness
I wish to see completely different views, and I wasn’t connecting with folks. Although I obtained good grades, I did not really feel like I used to be changing into the grownup I needed to be.
Whereas I knew that getting into the medical career would require loads of effort, I additionally needed to take care of a steadiness between work and my private life. A part of my purpose was to turn into a high physician, however I longed to learn another language, journey the world, and see new cultures.
Courtesy of Erika Roberts
I lastly determined to maneuver to Germany in the summertime of 2017. An in depth pal informed me she’d utilized to switch to a different college, which helped make up my thoughts. I additionally could not cease worrying concerning the expense of faculty within the US and scholar loans hanging over me.
Dad gave his blessing after seeing how motivated I used to be. He was impressed by my analysis on the decrease value of training in Germany, which is attributed to the nation’s public funding mannequin.
Medical college tuition prices $100 per semester
I left the US within the fall of 2017 and spent a 12 months studying German at a language college. Then, as somebody from outdoors the European Union, I attended a preparatory school in order that the German authorities would permit me to check medication.
It was extremely exhausting work, however I achieved the best grades to realize admission to medical college on the Technical College of Munich. I’ve a scholar residence allow, and the schooling prices $100 per semester.
I am now in my second-to-last 12 months, balancing finding out for the boards with doctoral thesis analysis. I am additionally collaborating with Move OverSeas Now by sharing on-line recommendations on relocating to Germany.
Courtesy of Erika Roberts
In the meantime, the perfect issues about dwelling in Munich embrace the standard meals and easy accessibility to hiking in the Alps. There are quite a few cultural occasions, and touring to different elements of Europe is inexpensive and simple.
I miss my household
In fact, it has its cons like another place. I discover a few of the forms annoying, and you must get used to the shorter days in winter. I miss my household, too.
I’ve accomplished one of many three US medical licensing exams and should full a residency within the US to have full freedom to follow in America.
Nonetheless, I’ve made lasting friendships and really feel assured about my future. It was an enormous step, however I made the proper resolution after I crossed the Atlantic on the age of 19.
