Studying Chemistry in Germany: Student Profile

Chemistry student Chris Pezley explains what motivated him to move from the US to study in Germany, and why he'd recommend the choice to others.

Originally from the US, Chris is currently completing a BSc in chemistry at RWTH Aachen University, Germany.

As a child, he lived in Germany for a brief period – a period which, it seems, stamped the country indelibly into his mind.

A later visit as an exchange student consolidated his interest, leading him to decide that he wanted to attend a German university.

“After getting to know so many people and the culture of the country, I thought it would be nice to study here. The low tuition costs played a part in my decision too!”

Practical approach

It is a decision that he is glad that he made, and a few years on, he feels that the experience has been extremely rewarding.

“I would recommend it. Not only are the tuition fees much lower than in the US or the UK, there’s also the culture, which is similar enough that you don’t get you too homesick, yet different enough to still feel like that of a foreign country.”

He adds, “Things that I enjoyed back home, I have been able to do in Germany as well.”

German universities are renowned for their academic strength, and Chris feels that he couldn’t have asked for more this regard.

“The courses here are very industry-oriented. In chemistry, for instance, they offer technical and macromolecular courses which are not offered in most universities.” 

RWTH Aachen’s practical approach to education – which also encompasses things like ample laboratory time and opportunities to do internships – gives him, he feels, a distinct advantage: “This will position me above other applicants who have studied at a more traditional universities.”

Lower tuition fees aside, how has he managed to support himself? He replies that his father is funding him, with a part-time job at the university helping him to meet his day-to-day expenses. The latter has, however, the disadvantage of disqualifying him from applying for a scholarship.

Settling in

Socially, Chris was lucky in that many of his friends from back home also to choose to study in Germany. But he has made many German friends too, which has helped him to appreciate his host country a lot more – local knowledge is worth a lot.

“I have made a lot of friends and I really enjoy the various aspects of the German culture that they’ve introduced me to. There are quite a few culinary specialities, for example, which cannot be found in any other part of the world. There’s a lot about Germany that’s really interesting,” he reflects.

Chris recommends that other prospective international students are as receptive to the subtleties and ways of their host country as possible, and that they follow in his footsteps and try to make as many friends as possible.

“Try to befriend the locals or somebody who has spent a considerable time in the country. If you can’t find anyone, then check out different forums online,” he says.

When it comes to Germany, learning the language (regardless of what language teaching takes place in), the customs, and the administrative ins-and-outs are things which international students should throw themselves into wholeheartedly Chris says – it will be to their own advantage after all!

“I would definitely suggest reading up on what you should do when you arrive in Germany. You have to register your residence in the city, for example. Learning German is also important and certainly recommended,” he says, insisting that there is no point in living in a country if you “can’t speak with anybody”.

Chris isn’t sure what he wants to do with the rest of his life yet. As far as the near future goes though, he intends to do a master’s degree, and, depending on how that goes, a doctoral program. Will he stay in Germany to work, or will he trying his luck back in the US?

“That depends wholly on what job offers I receive…and how much the salary is!”