In the previous episode, we learned from Spranjal Kulkarni about the difference between the academic systems in India and Germany, her preparedness for a new language and how she embraced the German lifestyle. In this episode, we will capture the documentation process in Germany, her experience with her education loan provider and her valuable insights and tips for study abroad aspirants.
Key highlights:
- Documentation Process in Germany
- Her Experience With Her Education Loan Provider
- Her Valuable Insights and Tips for Study Abroad Aspirants
Documentation Process in Germany
Spranjal stressed that staying organised and prepared for the administrative processes is crucial. He shared her experience with a German residence permit, which allows you to legally stay and study for longer than 90 days, even if you have a student visa for entry. Because official documentation and residence permits can take time, she advised students to visit the registration office on their very first day. Even though her own residence permit process has taken several months, she maintains a positive outlook, noting that being proactive from day one is the best way to manage such processes.
Ultimately, she believes that Germany offers a wonderful environment for those who come prepared. She suggested that you should be observant, stay on top of finances, and initiate the paperwork related to your resident permit immediately. She encouraged newcomers to view these cultural nuances as part of a learning curve essential for seamless integration into Germany.
Her Experience With Her Education Loan Provider
Spranjal highlighted a very crucial point that although Germany is famous for tuition-free education, certain top-tier institutions, such as the Technical University of Munich (TUM), have introduced fees for specific programmes. Her tuition cost is 4,000 EUR per semester, for which she decided to opt for a reliable education loan.
She initially explored several financial institutions. However, lengthy timelines for sanction and disbursement discouraged her. Therefore, she decided to prioritise efficiency and clear communication, which she found lacking until she approached Avanse Financial Services through a friend’s recommendation.
She was impressed by the speed of the process. Initially, she was promised a sanction within five days, but Avanse exceeded expectations by sanctioning her loan in just four days. She shared that Avanse representatives provided her with guidance in terms of the overall process, the loan amount, disbursement, and repayment, which proved to be instrumental in her planning.
What further fascinated Spranjal was that, unlike other financiers who requested exhaustive documentation, she appreciated that Avanse representatives asked her for a specific list of documents right at the beginning.
Even after moving abroad, Spranjal kept in touch with the Avanse team and trusted their insights for her disbursement. She appreciated the team for being insightful and interactive, noting that their support has been a cornerstone of her successful transition to studying in Germany. Based on her seamless experience, she enthusiastically recommended Avanse Financial Services to any student looking for a stress-free path to financing their academic aspirations.
Her Valuable Insights and Tips for Study Abroad Aspirants
- Part-Time Jobs: Spranjal offered practical advice for aspiring students. Part-time work in Germany is manageable and comes with fair remuneration that can support your student lifestyle. She highlighted that students can turn to digital platforms to find part-time work opportunities. For those interested in working at restaurants or local stores, the traditional approach is to walk in personally to drop off your CV.
- No Language Barrier: Many part-time roles are available for English-speaking candidates as well. So, you don’t have to worry if you are not proficient in the German language.
- German Work-Life Balance: Spranjal expressed a strong desire to remain in Germany for at least 5-10 years to gain global exposure. Her motivation is rooted in the country’s renowned work culture, which is super manageable. She pointed out that Germany attracts professionals from all over the world, including the US, because it prioritises employee well-being, avoiding unnecessary long hours at work and ensuring ample time for family, vacations, and self-care.
Her Tips for Study Abroad Students
- Plan Your Finances: Plan your funds early and maintain a realistic monthly budget for fees and living costs.
- Research: Conduct extensive research to find the right university and country that offers you a great student life.
- Documents in Place: Sort through essential documents like visas and insurance well in advance to avoid the stress.
- Mindset: She encouraged students such as you to step out of your comfort zones and adapt to the new environment while prioritising your well-being. So, you must focus on balancing your studies, part-time work and health.
- Utilise the Power of Networking: She emphasised that networking starts on day one. Connecting with peers, seniors, and professors is not just about enhancing social life but is also essential for securing future career opportunities in Germany.
So, this wraps up Spranjal’s academic journey planning. If her inspiring story has motivated you to begin your own study abroad education journey, don’t let the lack of finances stop you. You can turn your academic dreams into reality by opting for an education loan. If you have any queries, please feel free to get in touch with us. Please remember that we are here to walk alongside you as you pursue your academic goals. All the best!
Also Read: Students Speak - Spranjal Kulkarni’s Shift to Self-Paced Learning – Part III
