College in the US didn’t give me the independence I wanted. I moved to Germany, where medical school costs me $100 per semester.
**From Philadelphia to Munich: Erika Roberts’ Journey to Medical School and Cultural Exploration**
Erika Roberts, a 27-year-old medical student from Philadelphia, has transformed her life by relocating to Munich, Germany, where she is pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. Her journey began at the age of 16 when she participated in a high school exchange program in Munich. Captivated by the city’s vibrant culture and the independence it offered, Roberts found herself drawn back to Germany after a lackluster experience studying biochemistry in the U.S. Despite her father’s initial reservations, she made the bold decision to move to Germany in 2017, where she discovered a more fulfilling educational environment and an affordable tuition model that costs her just $100 per semester.
Roberts’ transition to life in Germany involved overcoming significant challenges, including mastering the German language and navigating the preparatory requirements for medical school. After a year of intensive language study, she successfully gained admission to the Technical University of Munich. Now in her second-to-last year, she balances rigorous academic responsibilities with her personal life, making time for outdoor adventures in the nearby Alps and enjoying Munich’s rich culinary scene. Despite some bureaucratic hurdles and the occasional pang of homesickness, Roberts has built a supportive community of friends and is committed to her goal of practicing medicine in the U.S. after completing her studies.
In her reflections, Roberts emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and cultural exploration, which she values deeply. She has embraced the opportunity to travel across Europe and immerse herself in new experiences, all while laying the groundwork for a promising medical career. Her story serves as an inspiring example for others considering a similar path, showcasing how pursuing one’s passion in a different country can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. As she continues her medical education, Roberts also shares insights on relocating abroad, helping others navigate the complexities of moving to a new country.
Erika Roberts jokes around wearing national dress at the Munich beer festival.
Courtesy of Erika Roberts
Erika Roberts moved to Germany to study, partly because she didn’t enjoy college in the US.
She attends medical school in Munich and plans to become a doctor.
The 27-year-old pays the equivalent of $100 per semester for tuition.
This story is based on a conversation with Erika Roberts, a 27-year-old medical student from Philadelphia who is studying in Munich. It has been edited for length and clarity.
When I was 16, I took part in a
high school exchange
program to Munich.
I loved everything about the city, especially the freedom that it gave to kids my age. Public transportation was safe and easily accessible, and I attended any cultural events that interested me.
I never expected to be living here a decade later.
Simple things in Munich were exciting for a teen
When I was a teen, my American and European friends and I would buy fresh bread from a bakery, sit by the river, and have a picnic. Even the simplest things felt exciting.
After graduating in June 2016, I wanted to do something interesting before college. I tried selling my dad on the idea of doing
volunteer work
in a developing country, such as Cambodia.
Then I realized that most of those projects need people with skill sets, not 18-year-olds with big dreams.
Roberts visiting the German city of Hamburg.
Courtesy of Erika Roberts
I followed the traditional route of
touring colleges
in the US. There were a lot of conversations about finding international and diverse environments where you can challenge yourself to grow.
Do you have a story about relocating to a different country? Please send details to Jane Ridley at jridley@insider.com
I felt I’d already experienced that in Germany and thought of going back. But my dad was against it. We agreed that studying in the US was the less risky option.
Unfortunately, I never settled into my college in Massachusetts, where I studied biochemistry with a pre-med focus. I didn’t have the independence I craved.
I wanted a work/life balance
I like to see different perspectives, and I wasn’t connecting with people. Even though I got good grades, I didn’t feel like I was becoming the adult I wanted to be.
While I knew that entering the medical profession would require a lot of effort, I also wanted to maintain a balance between work and my personal life. Part of my goal was to become a top doctor, but I longed to
learn another language
, travel the world, and see new cultures.
Roberts eyes the desserts at a café in Munich.
Courtesy of Erika Roberts
I finally decided to move to Germany in the summer of 2017. A close friend told me she’d applied to transfer to another school, which helped make up my mind. I also couldn’t stop worrying about the expense of college in the US and student loans hanging over me.
Dad gave his blessing after seeing how motivated I was. He was impressed by my research on the lower cost of education in Germany, which is attributed to the country’s public funding model.
Medical school tuition costs $100 per semester
I left the US in the fall of 2017 and spent a year learning German at a language school. Then, as someone from outside the
European Union
, I attended a preparatory college so that the German government would allow me to study medicine.
It was incredibly hard work, but I achieved the right grades to gain admission to medical school at the Technical University of Munich. I have a student residence permit, and the tuition costs $100 per semester.
I’m now in my second-to-last year, balancing studying for the boards with doctoral thesis research. I’m also collaborating with
Move OverSeas Now
by sharing online tips about relocating to Germany.
Roberts is in her second-to-last year of medical school.
Courtesy of Erika Roberts
Meanwhile, the best things about living in Munich include the quality food and easy access to
hiking in the Alps
. There are numerous cultural events, and traveling to other parts of Europe is affordable and straightforward.
I miss my family
Of course, it has its cons like any other place. I find some of the bureaucracy annoying, and you have to get used to the shorter days in winter. I miss my family, too.
I have completed one of the three US medical licensing exams and must complete a residency in the US to have full freedom to practice in America.
Still, I’ve made lasting friendships and feel confident about my future. It was a huge step, but I made the correct decision when I crossed the Atlantic at the age of 19.
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