Should I choose Germany or an English speaking country like New Zealand?

Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who moved from India to Germany. Her journey, challenges, and reflections felt so real and relatable that I wanted to share them here.

Her Story in Her Own Words

“I wasn’t planning to move to Germany it just happened because I saw an opportunity. But the language has been a huge problem. I found it tough and irritating, and sometimes I wish I had gone to an English-speaking country instead.

I tried to convince my other friends to join me, but due to Covid, that plan fell through. I’m currently studying full-time, trying to balance and settle into this new life. My studies are technically over, but my enrollment has been extended, so I’m still on a student visa.

After my studies, I’ll get 18 months of post-study work visa. I have bigger dreams, but I’m getting depressed because I haven’t achieved what I thought I would by age 26. I’m homesick I cry every night before I fall asleep. The German culture is wonderful, but leaving family and friends behind is the hardest part.

I want to secure my family’s future too. Back home, career opportunities are tough to come by. I dream of bringing my dad here, and we’re even exploring investment visa options. I’m doing a Global MBA, but part of me wants to move somewhere else maybe through a shorter study program that leads to a work visa and then a longer stay. Honestly, I feel lost.”

The Reality of Moving Abroad

Reading her words, it struck me how much her situation mirrors what many students feel when they move to a new country whether it’s Germany, New Zealand, or anywhere else.

The truth is: the struggle is real. There will be times you feel confused, lonely, and uncertain about the future. And most often, life won’t go exactly the way you planned. That’s just part of the journey.

My Takeaway

If you’re heading to Germany (or anywhere abroad), here’s one piece of advice I took from her story:

👉 When in Rome, be a Roman

That means investing time and effort into learning the language, embracing the culture, and adapting to the environment. It’s not just about survival it’s about getting ahead of the curve, especially when competing with other international students for similar jobs.

In the end, success abroad doesn’t just depend on your degree or visa it depends on how well you integrate and how resilient you are when things get tough.

If you are studying in Germany and considering options of moving to New Zealand, contact me now.