From Mumbai To Germany: A Transformative Journey Of Learning, Independence, & Self-Discovery
· Free Press Journal
When I first left Mumbai for Germany, I expected culture shock to hit me hard. Surprisingly, my transition felt smoother than I had imagined. Maybe it was the warmth of the people I met, or maybe it was the excitement of finally living a dream I had nurtured for years. Yet, every few days, something small would happen that made me instinctively compare life back home with life here.
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Chasing a dream, finding a new perspective
My first Sunday in Germany was unforgettable — not because of an event, but because of the absence of one. In Mumbai, Sundays are vibrant. We step out, meet friends, run errands, and squeeze life into every hour. In Germany, Sunday is almost sacred. Shops are closed. Streets are quieter. It’s officially considered a “silent day.” That calm felt unsettling at first, but slowly, I began appreciating the collective pause. Another striking difference was social interaction. In Mumbai, smiling at strangers or casually striking up conversations is natural. Here, people value personal space. Conversations are meaningful but reserved. I learned that warmth doesn’t always have to be loud; sometimes it’s subtle and steady.
A classroom that encouraged questions, not competition
As a Master’s student at Technische Universität Ilmenau, pursuing Media and Communication Science, the academic shift transformed me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Coming from India’s exam-driven system, I was used to structured syllabi, fixed answers, and constant evaluation. Germany introduced me to a different philosophy. Here, education isn’t about racing toward ranks. It’s about questioning. In seminars, discussions often matter more than lectures. There isn’t always a rigid right or wrong answer. Every perspective holds value. Professors don’t dictate conclusions; they guide inquiry. They push us to research deeply, to read critically, and most importantly, to form our own opinions.
Sitting in a classroom filled with students from across continents feels like travelling the world daily. A discussion about media ethics can suddenly include perspectives from Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. These exchanges reshaped my understanding of communication itself — not as a fixed discipline, but as a constantly evolving dialogue shaped by culture. The biggest transformation has been internal. I now ask more “why,” “how,” and “what if” questions. I no longer accept information at face value. This shift from passive learning to active thinking has been the most valuable takeaway of my academic journey.
Homesickness: The silent companion
No matter how exciting the journey, homesickness is real. There were days when the distance from Mumbai felt overwhelming. Simple things — the noise of traffic, familiar food, spontaneous family conversations — would suddenly feel irreplaceable. On those days, my family became my anchor. Latenight calls stretched for hours. I vented, cried, and questioned my choices. They listened patiently, reminding me of my strength when I temporarily forgot it. I also found comfort in friendships here. Shared home-cooked meals became therapy.
Game nights, coffee breaks, long walks, and emotionally honest conversations created a new support system. These moments made Germany feel less foreign and more familiar. Sometimes, I chose solitude. Sitting by a quiet lake, breathing in the crisp air, I would reflect on my purpose. Those silent moments grounded me. They reminded me why I had taken this leap in the first place. In the early months, therapy also played a crucial role. Having a professional guide to help untangle my thoughts gave me clarity and resilience. Seeking help wasn’t a sign of weakness; it became a pillar of strength.
Learning to live independently
Securing a student dorm room was a blessing. Private housing in Germany can be expensive and legally complex. Dorm life helped me manage costs significantly. However, shared living brought its own lessons. As a vegetarian, adjusting to an apartment that often smelled of meat and fish leftovers wasn’t easy. It required patience, communication, and compromise. Over time, I learned that coexistence is an art — one that demands empathy from everyone involved.
The language barrier was another reality. While my course is in English, daily life runs largely in German. Booking appointments, opening a bank account, or even navigating a supermarket can feel intimidating without basic language skills. Slowly, I realised that learning German wasn’t just practical — it was empowering.
Money: The discipline of independence
Living abroad teaches financial responsibility quickly. Rent, utilities, health insurance, groceries — these are non-negotiables. I learned to prioritise essentials before indulgences. I began tracking expenses meticulously. Small impulse purchases add up faster than expected. Building emergency savings became a priority. Financial planning stopped being theoretical advice and became daily practice. Germany didn’t just teach me academic discipline; it taught me economic mindfulness.
What i would tell future students
If I could offer advice to prospective students, it would begin with language. Learn German — at least up to A2 level — before arriving. Even basic proficiency transforms daily life. Keep an open mind. Germany will challenge your comfort zone, but in ways that help you grow. Let go of stereotypes. Every culture is layered and nuanced beyond social media portrayals.
At the same time, stay rooted in who you are. Authenticity is respected here. You don’t have to dilute your identity to belong. And finally — enjoy the journey. There will be moments of chaos and doubt, but also immense growth. Celebrate small victories. Laugh at mistakes. Learn continuously. Moving from Mumbai to Ilmenau didn’t just change my location; it changed my mindset. Germany didn’t simply give me a degree. It taught me how to think — independently, critically, and courageously.
(The author is currently pursuing Masters in Media and Communication Science from Technische Universität Ilmenau, Germany)