Six Months to a German Bachelor’s Dream: Jenny’s Overseas Symphony

From a vague idea to reality, Jenny finally achieved her dream of studying in Germany.

A Dream Realized in Just Six Months

Dreams can sometimes meander like a slow-moving stream, or strike suddenly like lightning. For Jenny, her dream of studying in Germany — from a hazy idea to actually breathing German air — materialized in only six months. This almost unbelievable speed was the result of a blend of careful calculation, heartfelt longing, and TaiGer’s dedicated support.

Not a Top Student, But Driven by Aspiration

Jenny admits that from elementary through high school in Taiwan, she was never the “academic top student.” She joined a few clubs and the school band, but wasn’t the overachiever type. Yet, deep down, her strong desire to go abroad and see the world acted as a powerful invisible force pushing her forward.

Why Germany? Tuition-Free Degrees and Friendly Work Visas

At first glance, Jenny’s choice of Germany seemed impulsive, but it was actually a practical decision.

• Financial factor: Bachelor’s degrees in Germany are tuition-free. The biggest cost lies in living expenses, which are still generally lower than in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.

• Career pathway: Graduates receive an 18-month job-seeking visa, plus favorable conditions for permanent residency or even an EU Blue Card. With attractive high starting salaries for graduates, Germany offered not just opportunity but stability. For Jenny, these long-term prospects made it the ideal place to put down roots.

With thorough preparation, Jenny was able to convince her parents — and set her dream of studying in Germany in motion.

Preparation That Won Her Parents’ Support

Jenny transformed an idea into action with remarkable speed. It all began when her mother casually mentioned Germany’s tuition-free policy after hearing it from a colleague. What seemed like a joke ignited Jenny’s passion. That very evening, she spent hours doing preliminary research.

Within three days, she compiled everything — possible university majors, estimated living costs, forums, and blogs — into a detailed Notion document. She then sat her parents down, presented her findings, and explained the opportunity costs and benefits of studying abroad. After a three-hour discussion, her parents surprisingly gave their approval. Jenny describes the moment as unbelievable, proof that her thorough preparation and her parents’ trust formed the solid foundation of her journey.

From there, TaiGer stepped in to help her turn plans into reality — guiding her through the application process, securing her admission into TUM’s Bachelor in Management and Data Science, and helping her find an apartment in the city. With that support, Jenny could arrive in Germany not only with her parents’ confidence behind her, but also with the reassurance that she had a clear place to land and the freedom to focus fully on her studies.

Academic Challenges: The German Exam Gauntlet

Once at TUM, Jenny faced an academic reality check. Exams emphasized conceptual mastery plus high-volume problem sets under strict time pressure. Initially overwhelmed by calculus and data science, she struggled with how deeply to study. Her results were not ideal at first.

She soon realized the key was to master the core concepts and practice calculations and programming until they became second nature. With this adjustment, she adapted to the rhythm of learning. She also applied to the Information Engineering program, intending to use the new semester to test whether to pursue a double degree or focus on one major.

Cultural Shocks in Daily Life

Beyond academics, life abroad brought its own challenges. Cultural differences made her shy when approaching foreign classmates, and her lack of confidence affected her learning. She often translated English slides into Chinese, which slowed her down.

She also noticed how her European peers were proactive in internships and career planning — many had practical experience right after high school. Coming from Taiwan, where hands-on experience often means only science fairs or competitions, Jenny felt the gap.

Finding Belonging in a Local Wind Ensemble

Amid the struggles, Jenny found warmth and community by joining a nearby wind ensemble. Most members were older Germans, yet they treated her with care. They explained musical notations in English, tried their best to converse with her, and encouraged her attempts at simple German.

Through the ensemble, Jenny felt genuinely included, even being invited to a member’s wedding — a rare glimpse into local life and traditions. These moments allowed her to experience community life and find a sense of belonging in Germany.

Lessons and Reflections: More Than a Degree

Jenny’s journey is a story of pragmatic choices, lightning-fast decisions, resilience in the face of challenges, and the search for belonging abroad. Her experience reminds us that studying overseas is not just about academic prestige — it is a test of adaptability, resilience, and courage to integrate into a new environment.

By remembering your original goals, managing daily life well, and bravely stepping into new communities, you too can create a unique and meaningful study abroad journey.

If you’re ready for your next step, Germany could be where your story begins — and if you will, let TaiGer be by your side every step of the way.