Study Across Berlin’s Top Universities: Susan’s Admission to the Joint Master’s in Statistics
The historic main building of Humboldt University in Berlin — one of three prestigious institutions where Susan now studies through the Joint Master’s in Statistics program.
From Taiwan to Berlin: A Journey Shaped by Statistics
Susan, a graduate of National Chengchi University, Taiwan in Statistics, had long been drawn to international experiences. By her early twenties, she had already explored the world through a working holiday in Australia, a six-month internship in Berlin, and even a high school exchange year in Germany. These experiences, along with brief work at the German Trade Office in Taiwan, set the stage for her eventual return to Germany for graduate studies.
First Encounters with Germany: High School Exchange
Susan’s connection to Germany began in high school when she joined a Rotary exchange program. At just 18, she found herself in a Berlin classroom, taking courses in German, English, biology, physics, and chemistry — all taught entirely in German. At first, she struggled, often sitting silently in class, unable to follow along. But the challenge became an opportunity.
During that year, she lived with three different host families. Each exposed her to a new side of German culture — from hearty potato-based meals to seasonal asparagus dishes and health-conscious fruit-heavy diets. More importantly, they welcomed her like family, bringing her to Christmas gatherings, forest walks, and tennis matches. Although her German improved slowly at first, moving into a household that spoke little English accelerated her progress dramatically.
Growing Independence: Exchange and Internship
Her German ties deepened in university. She returned to the University of Mannheim as an exchange student and later to Berlin for an internship supported by a DAAD scholarship. Unlike her high school exchange, this time she had to live independently, managing everyday life and navigating a German-speaking workplace.
Though she found it difficult to keep up with the rapid German spoken in the office, her role in data processing allowed her to focus on her technical skills. These experiences highlighted both the challenges and rewards of living abroad — and reinforced her desire to pursue graduate studies in Germany.
The Decision to Pursue a Master’s Degree
In early 2023, Susan committed to applying for a master’s program in Germany. With deadlines looming in May, she dedicated the first half of the year to exam preparation, application essays, and gathering documents.
She had first reached out to TaiGer Consultancy in 2022. What began as a short consultation quickly turned into a turning point: TaiGer’s advisor provided a detailed analysis of her GPA, course background, and program fit. While her GPA was average, TaiGer identified schools and programs where her chances of admission were strongest. The clarity and structure of TaiGer’s online portal also made the application process more manageable.
Lessons from a Previous Setback
Susan’s determination was shaped by experience. In 2022, she had applied to German master’s programs independently but was rejected due to course mismatches. Only after consulting TaiGer did she realize how crucial course alignment was in the German system. Unlike language tests, which can be retaken, GPA and course credits form a non-negotiable foundation. With TaiGer’s guidance, she learned to distinguish between “dream schools” and “safe schools,” ensuring a more balanced application strategy.
Applications and Results
Her applications spanned actuarial science, data science, and statistics, including:
While top schools like the University of Mannheim and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) proved out of reach due to strict prerequisites, Susan still achieved impressive results. She received offers from Lancaster University (UK), HU Berlin, and the University of Trier, ultimately choosing the prestigious Joint Master’s Program in Statistics at Humboldt University of Berlin. The program allows students to study across three of Berlin’s leading universities, offering unparalleled academic and professional opportunities.
The Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm Center at Humboldt University, one of the key campuses where Susan pursues her Joint Master’s in Statistics.
Key Takeaways: Course Matching and Independence
Reflecting on her journey, Susan emphasizes two lessons:
Course matching is critical — and with years of experience and insider knowledge, TaiGer helps students get it right.
Independence is essential — but with TaiGer’s guidance on paperwork and preparation, students are better equipped to take charge of their own path.
Looking Ahead
Now enrolled in HU Berlin’s M.Sc. Statistics program, Susan continues to build on her international journey. With German-language instruction (requiring at least B1 level proficiency) and a rigorous curriculum, the road ahead is challenging but rewarding.
Her story highlights the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and seeking the right guidance. With TaiGer’s support, Susan successfully turned past setbacks into a new beginning at one of Europe’s most respected universities. If you’re considering a similar path, TaiGer would be glad to walk alongside you on your journey.
