Erika Roberts, a 27-year-old Philly area native, reflects on her nearly eight-year experience living in Germany. She is now living and surviving the rigors and demands of medical school. Her journey began with a two week exchange program in Munich, as a high school student. This experience whetted her appetite for living abroad. Since then, she has completely immersed herself in all things German—from culture to education. This passion has led her to a career as a dermatologic surgeon.
After finishing her first year of college in 2017, Roberts decided to move back to Germany for good. She enrolled at a language academy and mostly stayed in a dormitory for under a year. At first, she moved in with her boyfriend’s family. Afterward, she moved into a group apartment with fellow participants, which allowed her to stay in the program—and in that apartment—for five years.
Roberts’ detailed account of her housing search in Germany is a testament to her resilience. When she first moved into her shared apartment, her rent was 565 euros, about $648 a month. By the time she left, her rent had gone up to 659 euros ($751). Overall, she runs a very efficient overall cost of living in the face of big increases. Aside from rent, her total monthly expenses come to 749 euros, or about $859.
Low or free tuition at German medical schools has been a huge plus for Roberts. Until now, she only had to pay 85 euros each semester. That very low tuition fee is only achievable because public universities are backed by taxpayers. This financial relief allows her to focus on her studies without the burden of exorbitant tuition fees that many American students face.
It’s no surprise that Roberts loves to socialize. He allocates about 200 euros a month to eating out and socializing with friends. As someone who has lived these realities, she developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for her own experiences living in Germany. I never dreamed 10 years ago that I would still be in Germany a decade later. In the case of climate change, bridging that gap improves profitability, she said. I’m still a little shocked by how all of this has come together. When I look back, I couldn’t have imagined what I’m doing now 10 years ago.
She feels a strong connection to the safety, access to healthy food, and overall lifestyle found in Germany. What I think was really interesting was just like how in the long course of time, I’ve been really taken on the German culture. I am who I am in large part because I’ve been able to grow up here. I’ve just really grown into the person that I am today,” Roberts continued. She appreciates how this new space pushes her to rethink her own identity and gives space for her continued evolution.
Though thrilled to be in Germany, Roberts is the first to admit that the road to arrive here was not an easy one. “I was a young adult who was curious and wanted to try everything the world had to offer and learn from it,” she added. Her story was one of realizing that she didn’t want the things that she thought she wanted after getting disappointed by the traditional American education path. She remembered traveling to so many destinations while in high school. They all sold me on lofty ideals of diversity, community, personal growth. Instead, there was a sea of unhealthy competition. And so I resolved that if I was going to really taste this, I needed to go looking for my own challenges.
To Roberts, knowing and comprehending the world around you is key to doing well. Military and veterans leaders say it’s important to mind your surroundings. In order to thrive, you have to know how to play the game and the rules that shape it,” she continued. Yet this recognition has helped her ethically and responsibly cross the boundary into her new, life-altering world of education.
As she looks ahead to life beyond her fellowship, Roberts is hopeful that she will be able to stay in Germany permanently. Unlike my long-term planning colleagues, I wouldn’t even attempt to guess where I’ll be living in a decade. At this point, I’m very pleased to be here, and I wouldn’t rule out being here for a long time.
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