Starting an educational journey in a foreign country often begins with doubt. For Karan, now a student of International Management at Hochschule Osnabrück, the prospect of studying in Germany initially felt overwhelming.
"At first, I was completely clueless about the education system there," Karan shared. He found himself confused by the differences between a traditional University (Uni) and a University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule or FH). Beyond academics, practical concerns such as visa extensions and finding accommodation added to his anxieties, making the entire endeavor seem daunting.
However, MEIEDU played a crucial role in alleviating these fears. Karan credits the team for handling the entire application process from A to Z, sparing him the stress of researching universities and managing complex paperwork alone. Their support extended beyond administration; when Karan faced a setback by failing the listening (Hören) section of his B1 German certificate exam, Frau Irene immediately stepped in to help him study until he successfully passed. Upon finally receiving his university acceptance letter (Zulassung), his family back home were the very first people he shared the good news with.
Living in Germany also introduced Karan to new cultural norms. He experienced a "culture shock" regarding the high degree of academic freedom. "Professors here don't mind if students skip classes, but in return, we must have a high level of independent learning," he noted. Additionally, he was surprised by the meticulous waste separation system in Germany, which he found to be vastly different and more detailed than what he was used to in Indonesia.