Amir Hamza Syed
WILLY BRANDT SCHOOL
Winning the DAAD scholarship made it possible for me to study in Germany. I had always wanted to study abroad but it was only when I was awarded a scholarship to study in Germany that I was able to turn that dream into a reality. Germany is a unique country. The experience and exposure one receives while attending a German university is life changing. Most of the time you feel you are an ambassador for your country— so you try to behave impeccably and make an effort to mingle with other students. It’s a well known fact that German engineering is considered among the best in the world. And that explains why so many students from across the world choose to go to Germany to pursue their education in engineering, along others who want to pursue various physical sciences, life sciences, applied and social sciences. Besides quality education one can get good financial aid in Germany. It offers students a plethora of opportunities and it does not cost a bomb unlike other countries as most of the institutions are publicly funded. Except in the case of management and business studies most of the courses here cost less than the same course in an Indian university. Internationally as well, a few German universities have received significant recognition. Every university organises weekly or fortnightly stammtisch ( an informal group meeting) that brings together students. I highly recommended that Indian students attend these sessions as it helps one to get to know people and make friends. These meetings have several other benefits. Fellow stammtischers go out of their way to guide new students, providing them with information on a variety of topics including logistics and university study routines.
A few airlines provide perks to students travelling to Germany, such as allowing them to carry extra baggage. Air India did this for me in 2009, and if you have an international student identity card, a few airlines may also offer discounted prices. Getting admission into a German university is simple. Just apply directly to the university or educational institution of your choice. One can also apply through a specific scholarship programme like DAAD.