Finding “Slow Living” in Germany: Ray’s Journey as a Scientist Abroad

Heidelberg

With its red-roofed houses, the Neckar River spanned by the Old Bridge, and a castle nestled into the hillside — one of Germany’s most iconic university towns. For Ray, a young scientist from Taiwan, this city became the backdrop for a journey that reshaped not only his studies but also his outlook on life.

From Lab Work to Bigger Questions

Ray studied a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology at Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan. His daily life revolved around microscopes, experiments, and theories about microbes, immune responses, and viruses. For him, knowledge wasn’t just textbook material — each time he put on his lab coat and entered the lab, it felt like stepping into another world where he could almost “hear” the unseen life pulsing around him.

He joined an antibody drug development project and interned at a hospital’s clinical lab, where science met real-life impact. It was there that he realized: he didn’t just want to know how things work — he wanted to understand how people are changed by them.

At first, studying abroad wasn’t in his plans. Like many Taiwanese students, he saw education as a series of certificates and milestones, with a master’s degree simply the “next step.” But encouragement from his parents, combined with his experience as an international student ambassador — meeting researchers from around the world with different cultural perspectives — widened his horizons.

Dreaming of the US or UK felt too expensive. But then his uncle in Germany mentioned: “Education here is excellent, and tuition is almost free.” That single comment opened a new possibility: Germany — less flashy than the US, less famous than the UK, yet steady and quietly compelling.

Heidelberg: Turning a Dream into Reality

After weeks of comparing master’s programs, Ray found himself drawn to Heidelberg University. Known worldwide for molecular life sciences, it felt almost unreachable. But with TaiGer’s step-by-step guidance — from clarifying requirements to preparing him through tailored interview training — the process became clear and manageable. Their encouragement gave him the confidence to aim high, and when the acceptance letter from Heidelberg arrived, his dream finally caught fire.

No Standard Answers: The Classroom Shock

Ray arrived in Germany in October 2021, while COVID restrictions still lingered. Most courses were online, but labs were in person. Confident in his English and theory, he expected to adapt quickly — until his very first lab.

Unlike in Taiwan, professors didn’t hand out detailed steps. Instead, they asked: “Why design your experiment this way? How do you prove your method is valid?” There were no standard answers — and Ray felt thrown into the deep sea, stripped of familiar structures.

That night, he called home feeling discouraged — not because he couldn’t learn, but because he never imagined knowledge could feel so boundless, so uncertain. Slowly, he trained himself to question while reading papers, to propose alternatives in reports. Over time, he stopped chasing answers and instead learned to live with questions.

Old Bridge Gate Heidelberg

Close-up of the Old Bridge Gate in Heidelberg, where cobblestone streets and crowds intertwine, backed by old town houses and church spires. The city’s everyday student rhythm mirrors Ray’s journey of studying, living, and adapting in Germany — extending the theme of studying abroad in Germany.

Rebuilding Rhythm, Living in the City

Life outside the classroom also became an education. Cooking was a necessity — from burnt pasta and watery rice to eventually planning balanced weekly meals. Supermarkets turned into field studies: watching how Germans chose food, queued, or exchanged silent glances.

He explored museums, concerts, and student-discount cultural events. Art, once distant to him, became a quiet companion — standing before a painting in silence, he found a new kind of stillness.

For Ray, studying abroad became less about building a CV and more about building a dialogue with himself. He admired how Germans lived by their values — whether in veganism, family life, or balance between work and leisure. “My favorite thing about Germany is that no one forces you to be someone else. They care whether you are true to yourself.”

He learned the meaning of “slowing down” — not falling behind, but making clearer choices.

From Science to Industry: Internship at Roche

Ray also expanded his horizons through an internship at Roche in the Diabetes Care division. He analyzed user feedback for Roche’s blood glucose app, tracked competitors’ features and trends, and mapped potential new markets using global GDP and health expenditure data.

From data to strategy, he learned how science could drive business decisions.

He was impressed by Roche’s culture — flexible work, excellent benefits, and strong support for employee growth. Managers encouraged interns to share ideas, gave constructive feedback, and created a professional but approachable environment.

Ray encourages other students: “If you get the chance, try an internship like this. You’ll discover whether you thrive in a large company or prefer the pace of a startup. It’s an amazing way to explore yourself.”

Facing the Unknown, Step by Step

During his time at Roche, TaiGer consultants also checked in with him — ensuring he felt supported even after arriving in Germany. Looking back after graduation, Ray said: “Studying in Germany was the best decision I’ve made so far. I’m very grateful for TaiGer’s support and care.”

He doesn’t know yet where he’ll eventually settle. But he knows this: studying in Germany taught him how to face uncertainty — not by rushing, but by walking steadily, learning along the way, and becoming more complete in every step.

Are You Thinking About Your Own Journey?

Reading Ray’s story, are you imagining your own path? Whether you come from medical science, life sciences, engineering, or another background, TaiGer helps you:

• Choose the right university and program

• Prepare strong application documents

• Handle scholarships, visa, and enrollment with confidence

• Get pre-departure support and join our community

• Shape your career path through coaching and internships

At TaiGer, we believe good decisions don’t have to be rushed — but they do need the right methods and support.