From High School Exchange Student to Master’s Student: Chanel’s Study Journey in Germany

From Business Management and Hospitality to Digital Technology

Chanel’s inspiring study abroad journey started as a high school exchange student — and grew into a pursuit of innovation in Germany.

Chanel’s study in Germany story didn’t start with an ambitious plan, but rather with a youthful spark of curiosity.

After finishing junior high school, she was inspired by her older brother, who had prepared to study abroad when she was in her first year. That experience planted a seed in her — the desire to explore the world. To her, travel could only touch the surface, but exchange meant truly living and breathing a new culture.

At first, she was fascinated by the French language, but since her brother had already chosen French, she decided to take a different path — German. Influenced by a German musician she admired, this mix of romanticism and youthful boldness eventually led her to Germany.

Her exchange year brought many “firsts”: the first time living with a host family, the first time noticing that the seat beside her on the tram always stayed empty, the first time feeling both welcomed and isolated at once. Her host family’s warmth showed her kindness, but everyday details reminded her she was still an outsider.

These experiences, though not always comfortable, became the foundation for her later understanding of cultural differences.

Back in Taiwan: Building a Bridge Between Knowledge and Reality

After returning from her exchange, Chanel studied Business Administration at National Chung Hsing University. It was a seemingly calm period, but one that built her professional foundation. She learned about economics, finance, accounting, and marketing — and, through practice, patience and adaptability.

After graduation, she joined the hospitality industry, interning at the Howard Hotel Taichung and later working full-time at Regent Taipei. She learned how to communicate with clients and coordinate across departments to solve problems. These “behind-the-scenes” experiences gave her resilience and confidence in facing pressure and challenges — essential skills for her next journey.

A Second Departure: Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Germany

The real turning point came when Chanel decided to apply for a German master’s program.

Her first attempt was entirely self-directed, but the results were disappointing — she didn’t get into her target school. Like many international applicants, she struggled with uncertainty: How should she write her motivation letter? When were the right deadlines?

After some reflection, she decided to seek professional help and turned to TaiGer Consultancy.

Her consultant helped her refine her strategy, improve her motivation letter and essay, and make her story more coherent and persuasive.

On her second attempt, she succeeded — Chanel was admitted to her dream program: Master’s in Management and Digital Technology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM).

“Effort and direction are equally important — and TaiGer helped me build the bridge between them.”

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Renowned for its innovation and excellence, TUM combines cutting-edge research with real-world impact — empowering students like Chanel to shape the future through management and digital technology.

Life in Germany: From Dependence to Independence

Years later, Chanel returned to Germany — not as a wide-eyed exchange student, but as a self-reliant master’s student.

She chose “Management and Digital Technology” for both practical and visionary reasons. She wanted to combine her business background with digital technology — a growing global trend in areas such as data analytics, digital transformation, and innovation.

“Digital technology is future promising. I didn’t want to walk the same old path again.”

She also appreciated that studying in Germany was so affordable that she didn’t even need scholarships, allowing her to focus fully on learning without financial stress, a reason why many international students choose Germany as their study abroad destination.

Administrative Challenges and WG Life: The Reality of Everyday Living

However, the real challenges were not academic, but administrative. From registration, visa extension, residence permits, to vaccination appointments — every process had to be handled independently.

“It was really painful,” she recalled, “because no one was there to arrange things for me anymore.”

Thankfully, with TaiGer’s assistance, she managed to secure the last WG (Wohngemeinschaft – shared flat) spot in Heilbronn. Her roommates were Taiwanese students or fellow TaiGer alumni — they supported each other, shared meals and trips, and made the foreign city feel like home.

“It wasn’t just solving the housing issue,” she said with a smile, “it made me feel like I had a family abroad.”

Student accommodation in Germany

WG living, common in Germany, not only saves costs but also helps international students develop social connections and intercultural skills.

Growing Amid Uncertainty: Challenges and Rewards in a New Campus

Academically, Chanel experienced what she called a learning curve in a new system. Since the TUM Management and Digital Technology program at TUM Heilbronn Campus was relatively new, its curriculum and administration were still evolving. Class schedules sometimes changed, and courses were being tested in different directions.

“It felt a bit like bumper cars,” she laughed.

Though chaotic, this gave her a unique opportunity to witness and participate in the growth of a new academic environment. Compared to the structured education at home, she learned to stay flexible and proactive in uncertainty and to find her own rhythm in life and learning.

“In Germany, I learned to be alone — and to find my own pace amid uncertainty.”

This phase helped her better understand herself and the kind of life she wanted to lead.

Conclusion: The Courage to Keep Moving Forward in Solitude

Looking back, Chanel has come a long way — from a romantic teenager choosing Germany out of fascination to an independent graduate student navigating life abroad.

Her journey is not only about crossing cultures but also about self-growth.

She plans to return to Taiwan for a short break at the end of the year — but deep down, she knows her journey is far from over.

She has learned to find strength in solitude and to keep moving forward, even when the road ahead is uncertain.

Are you ready to start your own journey to Germany?
Reach out to us — we’ll be with you every step of the way.