An American woman has gone viral after sharing why she left the United States to study medicine in Germany. Besides paying only the equivalent of $100 per semester, she says the move allowed her to explore a new culture and enjoy a better quality of life as a student.
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A Life-Changing Decision to Study Abroad
27-year-old Erika Roberts, who is currently studying medicine in Germany, told Business Insider that her connection to the country began when she first visited at age 16 through a high school exchange programme.
She said she immediately fell in love with the freedom teenagers enjoyed there, the safe public transportation system, and the many cultural events that were easily accessible.
Why Germany Became Her New Home
Erika never imagined she would return to Germany for higher education. After graduating in 2016, she wanted to volunteer in a developing country but soon realized that most projects required specific skills — not just good intentions.
She then started touring colleges in the United States. Although she wanted to move back to Germany, her father wasn’t convinced. So she enrolled in a college in Massachusetts to study biochemistry with a pre-med focus. However, she struggled to fit in and missed the independence she experienced in Germany.
High College Costs in the US Became a Major Concern
Erika shared that one of her biggest worries was the expensive cost of American colleges and the burden of student loans. She said this financial pressure pushed her even closer to the idea of studying abroad.
Her father eventually supported her decision after seeing her thorough research on Germany’s publicly funded education system, which keeps tuition extremely low.
Studying Medicine at the Technical University of Munich
In 2017, Erika finally moved to Germany. She secured admission to the prestigious Technical University of Munich for medical school.
She now holds a student residence permit, and her tuition fee is only $100 per semester, thanks to Germany’s public funding model.
She is also preparing for the medical licensing exams required in the United States, keeping her future career options open in both countries.
Life in Germany: What She Loves and What She Misses
Erika says she enjoys almost everything about living in Germany — the safety, culture, education system, and friendships she has made. Still, she admits she misses her family and finds some bureaucracy frustrating.
Winter’s shorter days also took time to adjust to, but she says the overall experience has been overwhelmingly positive.
Conclusion: “I Made the Correct Decision”
Looking back, Erika believes moving to Germany at the age of 19 was one of the best decisions of her life. The affordable education, cultural experience, and personal growth she gained make her feel confident about her future.
She says that despite the challenges, she is certain she chose the right path by crossing the Atlantic to follow her dreams.