Independence, serene views: What it’s like studying a BSc Renewable Energy in Germany

Feel Good

14 Oct 2020

Independence, serene views: What it's like studying a BSc Renewable Energy in Germany — Cultivating independence and responsibility, Trisha Yow Wai Fung looks forward to getting settled in Germany. Source: Trisha Yow Wai Fung

Trisha Yow Wai Fung expected her study abroad experience in Germany to be hard and lonely – it’s turning out to be the opposite. “For me, being able to travel with friends without having to ask for permission [from my parents] is a great taste of independence,” she says.

Yow is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy at Hochschule Trier – Umwelt Campus Birkenfeld, located close to the borders of Luxembourg and France.

The German Educare programme s pre-university leavers to study and work in Germany, receiving world-class education in the heart of Europe at a relatively lower cost compared to other popular study destinations.

Find out more on what she has to say about the programme, opening a bank account (in German!) and trying to replicate local Malaysian dishes below:

How has the German Educare programme helped you with your life in Germany?

The University Preparation programme helped me learn a new language, which allowed me to apply to a course conducted in German. It also helped me in making new friends and learning more about the culture here and how different it is from Malaysia. Learning German has definitely helped and I don’t know how I could study here without knowing the language.

What do you like most about studying in Germany?

The thing I like most about studying in Germany is the freedom I have to choose my subjects. The system here also helps me cultivate independence and responsibility. The ability to travel easily across the country and visit other countries in Europe is also a big plus.

The most exciting trip was a visit to Nürnberg with a group of friends where we walked around the Christmas market and had good food together.

What was the biggest culture shock moment for you?

One thing that took me much by surprise was that everything in Germany is closed on Sunday. That means you have to plan your grocery shopping ahead of time. As a student, that’s quite a challenge.

Do you have any advice for students looking to take a similar path?

I do recommend studying hard to learn and understand German as it will definitely help with connecting to your peers. Another important thing is to learn how to cook before coming to Germany as restaurants here are expensive.

I currently live in a tiny village in Rhineland-Palatinate, where there’s not much to do. However, having visited the beautiful national park, I recommend all nature lovers to come here for some countryside sightseeing. It has such a serene view and wonderful fresh air.

Yow at her university in Germany. Source: Trisha Yow Wai Fung

What are your plans for the future? Do you see yourself living and working in Germany?

My plans are to get a job in the renewable energy sector and to pursue a master’s degree. I do see myself living and working in Germany as I really like the lifestyle and work environment. The pay is reasonable and there is a good work-life balance.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

German Educare is a tertiary education specialist founded by a group of Malaysians who graduated from Germany with the hopes of providing other Malaysian students the opportunity to study, live, and work in Germany. To find out more, please visit germaneducare.com