A Piece of My Germany

2021

A PIECE OF MY GERMANY PERSPECTIVE OF INDONESIAN STUDENTS IN GERMANY

WWW.MERYLSDREAMFACTORY.WORDPRESS.COM

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BACHARACH

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BACHARACH

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10 THI NGS I WISHED I KNEW BEFORE DECIDED TO STUDY IN GERMANY

A review of an ex-indonesian student.

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PEOPLE

PEOPLE

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Before I went to Germany, of course, research was what I needed to do.

Went to many seminars about "Study in Germany" and here's what I learned: f ree education with excellent quality, free visa travel in Schengen countries, and German food. All the perks of studying in the football and beers country certainly intrigued hopeful and curious students in this nation.

Although many preparations have been done, some things may still be shocking for many foreign students when they have to face the hardship of living far away from home. These are few things that I learned throughout my study in Germany.

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT COURSE

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TThis is something that I discerned too late after I finished my Bachelor degree.

In Germany, what you studied or trained is what you will be doing in life. If you get a job offer that is irrelevant to what you studied, you might get difficulty gaining your job visa. So this is my number one reminder for you prospective students: choose your study course wisely.

Of course, just reading the modules in the prospectus is hardly enough. You might experience it for yourself first to understand whether the field is what you expected and passionate about or not. Be brave and switch course or University if it's the best for you before it's too late or too far in the semesters.

In fact, about 25% of Indonesian students have done this to survive their education.

Some have doubts and pressure to ever considering doing it because of family and financial issues, but you have been warned: you cannot easily switch lanes in the professional world as you can in colleges.

GETTING INTO UNI'S DORMITORY IS HARD

Highly influenced by what you see from Hollywood movies, I thought living in a dorm would be spectacular. There you would encounter a lot of people from diverse cultures, honing your german language and vibrant social life. But I did not expect that get into one is very challenging.

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Once you applied for a room, it simply means you are on the waiting list for min. 1 year. I, myself, didn't get a chance to live in the dorms. This type of accommodation is very sought after because they mainly were furnished, cheaper, convenient and close to your friends. Though the number of students both from the country and overseas is increasing, the university's offer for accommodation is still lacking making this a real concern.

Of course, there are many other options. There are private student apartments and flat-shares. Though people still prefer university housing because of its perks, when we are in desperate measures we lean to these alternate choices. Just remember, you can't have your hopes up for a room in the dorm instantly.

TIPS: Some said if you are in an emergency, you can go to the Uni's accommodation office every day, and they may take your circumstances into account.

3. MENTAL HEALTH AND HOMESICKNESS

You cannot imagine how someone is feeling during mental struggles until you feel it yourself. Especially in winters when some of your friends fly back home to enjoy the holiday with family, loneliness and homesickness are something that you can barely avoid.

Being away and living in a foreign country itself might be challenging as you have to adapt to new surroundings and cope with hindrances independently.

PEOPLE

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Over 70% of Indonesian students in Germany struggle with mental issues.

Many end their study or taking a break to go back home because of this occurrence. In Berlin, there have been some reports of suicide in student housings. But overall, Germany has acted to tackle this problem by offering students seminars and counselling available at many universities.

One way to cultivate better mental health is by engaging with social groups like students organisation and cultural events. Often you just want to feel at home and interact with other Indonesian scholars. This Indonesian Student Organisation or PPI in many regions of Germany is one example that you can reach out to and get involved. There you can make new friends and be active in various events like arts, sports, educative seminars, and many other projects where you can aspire to do your hobby.

A N EXTRA MILE TO BEFRIEND A GERMAN

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Be initiative and give extra efforts to show them that you care about them.

Once you are friends, they are very helpful and friendly In fact, they are some of the nicest people you meet in your life.

5. REDUCE TRAVEL COST

BY LOANING YOUR BAGGAGE

Not all Germans care about your culture 6 . and it's normal. Indonesia is considered a very distant and exotic country.

Interestingly, many Germans are even astonished to know that Bali is part of Indonesia. They are very reserved and aloof at first, but who can blame them. Put it this way, when you are starting your university life and you would try to befriend other people of your own kind and mindset. That's human. People want to feel comfortable and safe by finding someone familiar.

Another thing is, they don't want to be offensive. They may not be able to be themselves because they have to be cautious not to step into our boundaries as well.

During the holiday some of the students will probably want to visit their homeland. Because you don't need those whole 30kg baggage, you can save about 300 euros of travel by loaning your baggage kilos for people who need to send something from Germany to Indonesia or vice versa.

You can do this easily by writing an ad for this offer in Facebook forums (PPI in your region for example).

But remember, be cautious of what you put in your baggage. You have to be allowed to see what the people are sending to avoid any mishaps.

WORKING STUDENTS EXPERIENCE IS BENEFICIAL

Not only it pays more than your regular part-time jobs in local cafes, as a working student you can put this in your resume. It makes it easier to attain the required internship later in the semesters and later when you are applying for full-time jobs.

One of the many reasons that Indonesian students did not do this is time management. They are concern by working part-time in a company would not disturb your study process.

The fourth Semester is the ideal time for you to look for one as you are already accustomed to the university's workload and schedule.

Don't be scared and just send those applications!

PEOPLE 7. LONG DURATION OF STUDY

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YYou would be surprised with this notion: it's easier to get in than to get out.

Studying in Germany cannot be equalled to studying in Indonesia. In Indonesia to study longer than what was programed may already raising a question. In Germany, however, is very common. Over 80% of Indonesian students completed their study longer than what the University expected. There aren't extra points that you can collect throughout the semester. Theoretically, you attend lectures, study, test. If you fail you have to do it again subsequent semester.

One other difference is attendance is not recorded. Students have to know what their needs are, be smart about time management and be independent. Loss of motivation and coping with side-jobs are what the students constantly struggle with.

8. FACEBOOK IS AN ACTIVE SOCIAL MEDIA

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In Indonesia, many people have moved on from Facebook. But in Germany, Facebook is a platform that you need. Many universities even use this as an information platform for students. There you can also sell your secondhand stuff, look for rent, and look for social events.

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9. TRAVELING WITH EASE

Travelling is quite an easy thing when you have your residence permit in Germany. You have so many destinations reachable on budget.

You can book a roundtrip for min. 20 euros by plane. Airbnb and Hostelworld are two recommended services that you can look into for low-budget with great quality.

Other than that, most cities in Europe have a convenient tourist information lounge where you can get a city map and info about the tourist attraction.

Be brave and adventurous!

10. YOU ARE PAYING OVER 30% TAX AS WORKING PROFESSIONALS

When you plan to work in Germany, please don't be surprised that you have to pay nearly 40% tax (figure may vary). But fret not because the tax is also for pension security. You can also benefit from the tax from the real improvements in infrastructures and services throughout the country.

CITY'S CORNER DARMSTADT

In the cities of Germany.

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CULINARY

WOODRICH - $$

ELISABETHENSTRASSE 17, 64283

Ready to have a delicious brunch? Woodrich invites you to enjoy their speciality coffees and slow food cuisine. This rustic corner bistro offers healthy sandwiches and Hawaiian poke bowls with vibrant and fresh ingredients. There's a menu for vegetarians and vegans as well so anyone can enjoy this!

COCCOLA - $

SCHUSTERGASSE 7, 64283

This hidden ice parlour locates just behind the Marktplatz in Darmstadt.

Very beloved by the locals because of its innovative flavours of ice cream and sorbets in an affordable price range.

Once there's a wasabi ice cream! Ready to try those combinations?

Tips: You can have mix flavours in a scoop without extra charge

JIN'S HOUSE - $ ELISABETHENSTRASSE 41, 64283

Want to warm your body? Chinese restaurant Jin's House is a choice for you. They offer hot pot with mala seasonings. You get to choose your ingredients yourself from the refrigerator shelves and you will be charged depending on the weight. You can also choose your spiciness level. To complete your delicious steaming pots, there's also sauce shelves that you can mix yourself. Convenient, easy, satisfying!

(Psst, this place is beloved by students)

PHOTOS FROM GOOGLE REVIEWS

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AUTUMN

In the cities of Germany.

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INTERMEZZO

It smells like rain. Wet and humid.

Sometimes there are fresh drips of rain and dews. The morning begins with fog and mist and what you see is beautiful colours. Colours of the trees. In Summer they are in unison, bright green and in Winter they whither, only leaving the branches to hibernate. In Autumn, they variate all shades of red and green and brown. Sometimes it is more to the red. Sometimes it is more to the yellow. As if one tries to stand out above the rest. They look so lively before they fall.

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And when they fall, they stack up. Beds of them, miles away. Walking through the leaves, feeling soft landings and sometimes drowning in them. They soak the feet and the breeze makes the body all more cold and distant. One puff to the air, feeling the heat leaving your body in mists. People start to warm their body with ginger teas and pumpkin soup. Some get together and enjoy the closeness with beers and cheerful shouts and songs.

People complain about autumns.

Gloomy, depressing and wet they say. But this is what makes the season all more comforting.

Despite the coldness, a bit of warmth of freshly baked pretzels is like bits and crumbs of joy. A cup of steaming coffee is like every good feeling you ever have.

Fireplace not only warms the face but also the heart.

The season marks the beginning of layers of clothes and warm beverages. It also the end of sundresses, shades and sandals.

Autumn marks a beginning of an ending to a chapter.

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BREMEN

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SKI N CARE IS NOW STUDENTS' NECESSITY

Polls taken from Instagram Polls.

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BEAUTY

ABOUT 70% INDONESIAN STUDENTS IN GERMANY FEEL THAT SKINCARE IS A NECESSITY

As we were younger, skincare is considered complimentary.

Meaning it is not exactly a necessity, but pleasant to have. In Indonesia, the climate keeps our skin moist and humid. This might be problematic to certain people with oily or sensitive skins. But as Indonesian students go to Germany to pursue their study, they all soon realise that the different climate taking a toll on skin health. The climate can be described as very dry and always changing season after season. It may result in skin's dryness and dehydration. This becomes an issue for all skin types.

Some of those students use their skincare products when they were in Indonesia, But as they were formulated according to a tropical climate, it doesn't have the same efficacy in Germany.

They have to then switch their products which more agreeable with high moisture. For some, they still keep ignoring skincare basics and soon having their skin falling out and broken, even bleeding out of dryness. Some opinions stated that skincare products are a luxury and with a cost.

Find fitting skincare products can be quite challenging. About 50% stated that they have had bad experiences with certain products. Even something as simple as a moisturizer. Some resort to pharmaceuticals rather than cosmetics or retail stores to get moisturisers that have been approved by medical professionals.

Though most students also agree that UV protection is a necessity, unfortunately, it is quite hard to search for cosmetics products with SPF, of course except for sunscreens - designed for sport or sunbathing, not daily use.

Many people resort back to Asian cosmetics products, mainly Korean and Japanese. Over 60% feel that they are more compatible with Asian products and nearly 80% would go the extra mile to import them from Indonesia, Hong Kong or other regions which offering worldwide shipping.

But finding the right products for you requires a try-and-error process and reading about the effects of ingredients used in the products. If you go into deep research you may find yourself even more bewildered. With all the toners, serums, vitamins and masks, you don't even know what you need.

SKINCARE AND BEAUTY CULTURE IN GERMANY IS STILL LOW THAN IN ASIA/INDONESIA

OVER 80% AGREE

THIS IS BASIC PRODUCTS TO SURVIVE IN GERMANY:

+ CLEANSER

Adjust to your skin type

+ MOISTURIZER

UV PROTECTION

Little tips from these ladies to start your skin care journey: 1. Determine which skin type you belong to is the first thing you ELISA, need to know. With this FRANKFURT knowledge, you can make your Her skin type: search for correct products Dry to normal skin easier.

2. Don't start with too many products, begin with basic skincare and get to know your skin first to know what it needs.

3. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to look for dermatologically approved products. In Germany, you can easily go to the apothecary and ask the salesperson for a VERO, LUDWIGSHAFEN recommendation.

Her skin type: 4. If you have normal skin, you can Dry to normal skin seek products with great reviews and reliable testimonies.

5. In some stores in Germany, you can ask for sample products that you can try it first to see if it's good for your skin before you buy the full-size one.

6. Be patient to see the effect of the products. Wait for at least 1 month before you decide if you GRIYANA, should change or keep the DARMSTADT product. Stop immediately if you Her skin type: have irritations and allergic Oily to sensitive skin reactions.

7. Do the research and reading about skincare diligently. Some ingredients cannot be mixed so you have to be mindful of them.

KENDRA, GIEßEN

Her skin type: Normal to combination skin

HER RECOMMENDATION

" At the moment, I use products from the Ordinary and La Roche Posay (LRP) . They are somehow really compatible with my skin and very affordable. Sometimes at night my skin is a little bit prickly so I use Salicylic Acid + Azelaic Acid from the Ordinary. But, I have to say LRP Cicaplast B5 i s quite the wondercream. It can make your scars disappears and has calming effect."

"My skin is compatible with most of skincare products, but my skin is very dry during winters therefore I have to optimise my regime. To moisturise, I use Biotherm Aquasource Rich Cream Dry Skin (Pink) and have bought it multiple times. For serums, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a little bit pricey but the result is amazing. La Roche Posay B5 is something I would recommend for dry skin!"

"Itotally recommend Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream . Using this you can directly see the effect of glowing skin. Amazing! For sun protection, it is hard for us, the oil skinners, to find the most suitable SPF for our skin. And I finally found one!.

This La Roche Posay Anthelios is really good on me both in summer and winter. It doesn't feel so greasy on my face and blends up perfectly with make up!"

"My daily routine I use from products from Laneige. For days I use Laneige Water Bank Moisturizer Cream . Before sleep, I put on L aneige Sleeping Mask in Lavender . I used these because they are really compatible with my skin. For nights I also add the Ordinary Niacinamide serum."

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ANDECHS

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WRITTEN BY

ASIKA MERYL

I am an ex-student in Germany and completed my study in 2019. My experience in Germany nurtures me to be more open-minded and appreciative of other cultures and my own.

Culture is something expressive and vibrant that gives you new perspectives. There I learned to enjoy german cuisine, values and arts. I get to travel to other European countries as well where I enjoy culinary adventures, historical journey and picturesque architecture. I hope by this writing I can give you an insight into my perspective on the world.

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