The Reality of Studying Abroad: Highs and Lows

Erasmus or any exchange opportunity is something most of us dream about during our school years, partly due to media representation and largely because we fantasize that another town, country, or continent will fulfill all our desires and dreams. While some of these notions are fantastical, the experience of studying abroad certainly has its ups and downs.

When I was in high school, I dreamed of studying in America, envisioning myself as the mysterious exchange student everyone instantly loves. Later, in college, I began to aspire to study in Germany, hoping to escape my less glamorous home country. However, many of my dreams and expectations have been challenged. I’m not saying Erasmus is horrible; far from it. It pushes you out of your comfort zone and teaches you to think on your feet, but it’s not all about parties, traveling, and making friends. Adapting to a new country, culture, and people can be quite difficult.

In college, most of us have loyal friend groups back home, and while we’re open to meeting and befriending new people, nothing compares to the friendships we’ve cultivated over the years. Making friends who live thousands of kilometers away can be daunting, especially knowing that these connections might fade when the semester ends. This is just one of the challenges we face as exchange students. Many obstacles arise even before we arrive in the new city, including mountains of paperwork and the stress of finding accommodation, especially for those who aren’t fortunate enough to secure student housing.

Leaving home behind is another significant hurdle. Since I’ve opted to study in my hometown, I’ve never been away from my parents for more than a few weeks, so saying goodbye for several months was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. No one warns you about how tough it can be to get out of bed during the first week of being alone, no friends to go out with and no classes to keep you busy. Once the initial shock wears off, you begin to adapt: learning to cook for one, going grocery shopping, navigating the currency, and mastering public transportation. Each of these steps can feel like a grueling challenge on this journey we’re all on.

Being from Romania has also posed its own difficulties, not because of discrimination, but because most exchange students tend to befriend peers from their home country. Unfortunately, I haven’t found anyone from Romania at my university, as most of them attend different colleges or don’t participate in Erasmus semesters in Germany.

That said, I’ve shared enough about the struggles; this could be just one perspective, as everyone adapts differently. Moving on to the positives, one of the most important lessons we learn here is how to fend for ourselves, along with a dose of discipline. Grocery shopping and cooking may not fit neatly into our daily schedules, but they are essential tasks that we learn to manage alongside classes and trips.

Money management is another skill we must develop since the funding from home often doesn’t cover the monthly costs in Munich. Being alone can be both a delight and a struggle. I enjoy the solace of retreating to my room for some much-needed downtime, though there are times when solitude can feel overwhelming. Exploring a new city is always a thrill, getting to know Munich over several months offers a depth of experience that a short city break cannot match.

In conclusion, despite the challenges and unexpected difficulties, my time in Munich is shaping up to be a transformative journey. This city is not just a place I’m visiting; it’s becoming a second home where I am learning to navigate life independently, embrace new experiences, and appreciate the beauty of both solitude and connection. Ultimately, this adventure is not just about the destination but about the growth that comes along the way.

Photo: Borbely-Kubina Hannah