After spending a gap year abroad, many Au Pairs will be confused about their future life - what should they do next? I am here offering advice: have you ever thought about continuing to study? Here I will talk about my study abroad experience and the reasons why you should study in Germany as an international student. The reasons are mainly in three areas: costs, education and career prospects.

Costs

Low tuition fees

All German universities charge very low tuition fees! Except for Baden-Württemberg, which charges non-EU students around €3,000 per school year. Generally, the semester fee is around €300 and is used for the administration and infrastructure of the university. Furthermore, this fee also includes the “Semesterticket”: with it, students can travel for free on any transportation within the city or state. For example, I can use my semester ticket to take all the buses in my city. But, if you are a student who studies in North Rhine-Westphalia, you can even take any public transportation to any city in this state. How convenient!

Scholarships

The German government and institutions offer many different kinds of scholarships for international students. For example,  the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Heinrich Böll Foundation, the Exchange Student Program (Erasmus Mundus), the HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, and many others.
If you can successfully apply for one or some of those scholarships, it will cover your tuition fees and even the living cost!

Lower cost of living

Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is moderate. Students can also use their student cards to get many discounts, such as cheaper public transportation, movie tickets, or half-price museum admission. If you know this information in advance, you can save a lot of money on your living costs.

Part-time jobs for students

The German federal government allows university students to work tax-free and, since August 2012, international students are allowed to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days a year, and up to 20 hours a week. In my personal experience, trying to find a part-time job or internship during the winter or summer vacation is a good way to earn some extra money. I personally worked in a factory for packing and in a restaurant before, the income is usually around 1000 Euros per month. By this way, to cover my living expenses was not a problem at all.

Education

Wide choice of majors

Germany ranks among the best in terms of university program options. German universities offer study programs in a variety of fields. As we all know, Germany is famous for its literature, technology and arts. So you can't go wrong if you choose your major in one of these areas

Programs in English or other languages

Many universities in Germany offer English-taught Programs. Therefore, a lack of German language skills will not be a hindrance for you to study in Germany. If you are not very confident in speaking German, you can totally choose a program entirely in English. For example, in my curriculum, I can choose the course according to my interests, in English or German.

Erasmus Programm

German educational institutions have exchange programs with universities all over the world, where students have the opportunity to go on exchange semesters or internships in different countries. The Erasmus program provides professional exchange opportunities for master students from various universities. The program is open to students of European nationality as well as to international students. Any student can try to apply regardless of their nationality!

Career prospects

Plenty of job opportunities

Germany is the third-largest economy in the world and has many well-known companies, located all over the world. Besides, the German government encourages the development of local small and medium-sized enterprises. Therefore, it is not difficult to find a dream job in Germany. What’s more, if you studied in Germany, it is also easier to have more job opportunities when you go back to your own country. To take my example, China has friendly trading relations with Germany, therefore, there are many German companies in China, and they need employees with a German background.
In terms of culture, Germany is a country of immigrants, with a very diverse culture and strong inclusivity. Many German companies need employees with foreign language skills and also welcome foreigners to work there. Therefore, it is not very difficult for foreigners to work and live here.

So, after an Au Pair year in Germany, why not consider studying here as an option. You will have more opportunities to get to know all aspects of German culture, the German way of life and German cuisine (not just sausages and beer)! You can study, travel and work here, while experiencing a different lifestyle! If this is not for you, click here to check more options and discover what else you could do after your Au Pair experience.