23M from the USA studying my masters in energy engineering in Munich, Germany.
I have enjoyed Munich so far (1 year in) and made some occasional, hang out sometimes on the weekends type friends, but no close friends I can talk to daily or every other day about anything deeper than surface level stuff. I am scared this will just continue if I choose to live here long term, as making friends in Germany without speaking German is notoriously hard. If I were offered an internship or full time position, I would make it a priority to learn German.
I was planning to go back to the US to start looking for jobs after graduating, but I might have an opportunity to intern and then maybe work at a famous Bavarian automotive company as a battery engineer. I love the benefits of working here and work-life balance, even at a lower salary. The salary at this company is also a bit higher than other companies in the region for my position.
This has got me thinking where would you guys recommend to stay?
Weather is not an issue for me as I really enjoy Munich’s weather — it is pretty similar to the Northeast where I’m from.
Thanks!
Stay. As someone who is in your age and still in the states looking to get that kind of opportunity, stay there and make us proud. Also make Americans look good so that they will want more. The filth and embarrassment of dealing with the American system just brings me to my knees every day after work. I have friends in Austria and every time we meet, I always realize how much of my life I’ve already wasted on corporate bullshit greed, and the American mentality of burying your head in the sand on weekend football after gettign your measly 5% raise. I beg to question if you would ever want to come back once your constants offering you a place to stay and work vehicle and when you start having minimal expenses. Along wit the fact that you have 50€ train ride to a different country for the weekend as opposed to a 400$ plane ticket to another state that is just as shitty
There is a distinction in German(y) between Freund and Bekannter (aquaintance). In different parts of the US it is quite easy to meet people and call them friends immediately. Not so in D. Germans can be quite social (gemütlich), but less quickly. However if you make friends they more easily can be friends for life, that’s my take. Hang out, make a language effort, be gemütlich, friends will come.
I think you should stay in Germany.
Just learn some German - it doesn’t have to be much, just make a start. I worked near Munich for a while and then lived in Hessen for many years - many/most Germans I met spoke English and many Germans were keen to practise their English with a native speaker. Also, Munich has residents from many different nations - your friendship group doesn’t have to be entirely German.
GO to the Netherlands, most people speak English and with your study you certainly will find work.
That would be amazing on your resume to work as a BMW engineer. Do a year and see how you feel after that.
I would stay. Quality of life in the US sucks. I was a manufacturing engineer, and the lifestyle and pay were not worth it. I was an exchange student to Germany after high school and ended up living there for 5 years, ending a decade ago. I’d go back in an instant. Learn German regardless of how long you stay. Once you find a circle of friends you will have the kind of friendships you are looking for. Since you have until now not intended to stay in Germany, the locals probably won’t get too involved with you. If you become more permanent, so will your relationships.
dude u earn less because u are living in a social state. why is this so hard to get for us americans… really your are getting annoying
I’ve spent some time D- Land. It was hard making friends, however my German improved and I was able to converse. It took time but I managed to meet wonderful people. So many years later I still have contacts there and I see them as a second family. I’ll suggest you give it a try for your career. Like others mentioned, you can always return to the States.
International work experience is always going to add to your value as a worker. I’d try and go back after a few years of work experience or if securing a job won’t work out.
Having worked for a German company, I would recommend staying. There are drawbacks, but since you are starting your career it is a good move.
I vote stay. US is only getting crazier and worse than ever. Just left the US permanently myself about 2 weeks ago now
Learning German … for that you indeed have to be at least an engineer!
I 'm suprised, because young people and the ones who studied do speak English. But okay.
How easy is German? Lesson one, translate the word “the”. That is easy in English but can be in German … der, des, dem, den, die, das. Depending … see the German gramar. Germany, German people too do not take many new modern English words in their language. Take a motorbike, the carburator. In Dutch language (spoken in the Netherlands and part of Belgium, it is carburateur. In German they invent their own word, here it is called Vergaser. Dutch, the television is de tv, in German der Fernseher (Far looker). But, from own experiences, just learn some of the language and the mistakes you make will be forgiven, because you have the sympathy that you invested time and energy to learn at least some basic. So … good luck.
Several perspectives to offer from another American living in Europe:
- Always at least TRY the extreme thing! If you don’t like it, you can always “relax” back into the “normal”/mainstream thing.
- You’re young, with no responsibilities. Enjoy that while it lasts! Soon enough you could have restraints on you.
- Understand that Europe is very tribal. The societies are all local and heavily emphasize conformity (to a much greater extent than the US, anyway). So, yeah, you’ll need to proactively seek-out the more “fringe” folks who could be interested in friendship with a foreigner. But there are expat communities everywhere, so you’ll be fine. It could just take a while. Get an active, outdoor hobby (tennis, sailing, motorcycling … anything), and join a local group. You can find online forums for any interest and locale. Basically, just start doing stuff that you like to do, then check-out who else is out there doing it also! Good luck to you!
I just spent a year in Germany but I had to reconsider my decision to stay …….Germany is a wonderful and beautiful place……if you’re German. You will be expected to adapt to the German ways of life (in addition to learning very fluent German, no small feat) As an American I feel more individualistic, which doesn’t quite fly there……if I don’t feel like sweeping the front of my house on Saturday morning like everyone else I don’t want to be shamed into it……I recently moved to Bansko, Bulgaria ……at least people mind their own damn business……
On Saturday morning German WOMEN have to sweep their house inside and outside their house the front. MEN … wash and clean their cars, check oil, and check airpressure of the tires (Reifen), check if all lights are working, clean interior of their cars etc. And yes, I say cars. In Germany it is said, better a second car then a second child. Our son has two children … but three cars LOL
Your English isn’t exactly perfect. Communication is what’s important. And, English is a Germanic language and French is a Romance language so you seem to be confused.
Bruh what 😭 are you talking about lmao
Come to Augsburg, then become a regular at Neruda.
Super strong community vibe. Welcoming. I tell all my friends to go there if they want to meet people, you can talk to anyone
Bonus: it’s a musicians bar. Live music every day. Locals come and jam. You never know what you’re gonna get.
Professionals in town? They drop in to Neruda.
Bar sing sing alongs we all know the words to? We got that too
I was thinking about Augsburg since the rent prices are much cheaper, thanks!
I advise “Bielefeld”. The bread (das Brot) sings a song about Bielefeld on Television, every night.