Truths about exchange in Germany that nobody tells

Get ready to discover some “problems” that nobody tells you about German student life. Spoiler: by the end of this article, you'll realize that these problems are actually the best aspects of living in this incredible country!
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The German recycling system

Just imagine: you have to carry your empty bottles every time you leave the house! In Germany, there is the Pfand system, where each plastic bottle is worth between 8 and 25 euro cents when returned. Does it seem laborious? In fact, it's a gold mine for students!

This environmental tradition means that you can easily earn between 20 and 50 euros a month just by returning your packages. For a Brazilian student, this represents significant extra money for their monthly expenses. In addition, you actively contribute to one of the most efficient recycling systems in the world, where more than 97% of bottles are reused.

What initially seems like an inconvenience quickly turns into a source of extra income and environmental awareness that you will carry for a lifetime. Many international students report that they are able to pay for their weekly grocery shopping with just the money from the returned bottles!

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German punctuality

Germans have an obsession with punctuality that may seem exaggerated at first. If a class is scheduled to start at 9 am, at 8:58 the room will already be full. For us Brazilians, who are used to the famous “little way” and tolerance for delays, this may seem like a significant culture shock.

But here's the secret: this temporal precision completely transforms your productivity and quality of life. When everyone respects the schedule, you can plan your day with maximum efficiency. There's no time wasted waiting for late teachers, classmates who don't arrive, or events that start an hour later than scheduled.

This German time discipline is reflected in every area of life: public transportation that works like a Swiss clock, services that meet strict deadlines, and a society where you can trust that commitments will be honored. For a student, this means more free time, less stress, and greater study efficiency.

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The main “challenges” of being a student in Germany

Practical aspects of everyday life:

• Bicycles everywhere: The country has more than 75,000 km of bike paths, making it practically mandatory to have a bike (which you can buy used for 50-100 euros)
• Language with giant words: Terms like “Donaudampfschifffahrtsgesellschaftskapitän” (captain of the Danube shipping company) will test your linguistic patience
• Stores closed on Sundays: You will need to plan your purchases, as almost every store is closed on Sunday (except pharmacies and gas stations)
• Strict garbage separation: Five different types of bins for paper, plastic, organic, glass and scraps - but which results in 68% of domestic recycling

Unexpected financial advantages:

• Traditional freibier: Free beers at inaugurations, festivals, and corporate events (perfectly normal for people over 16)
• Universal student discount: From 25% to 50% in transportation, culture, restaurants, and even international travel
• Public health insurance: Only 110 euros per month cover practically all necessary medical procedures
• Allowed work: Up to 20 hours a week during the course with Study and Work in Germany

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The complex German social life

Making German friends may seem challenging at first, as they tend to be more reserved compared to Brazilians. Don't wait for someone to invite you for a beer after just a “Hallo!” in the university corridor. Germans value genuine and lasting relationships, preferring quality to quantity.

That apparent initial coolness actually hides a culture of deep and trustworthy friendships. When a German considers you a true friend, you can count on unconditional support, brutal honesty (in the best sense), and lifelong loyalty. Many Brazilians discover that their German friendships become the strongest and most lasting they have ever had.

To break the initial ice, join university groups, sports clubs, or cultural activities. Germans love to share their hobbies and connect easily through common interests. Once you show genuine interest in your passions - whether craft beer, soccer, or philosophy - you'll discover incredibly welcoming and interesting people.

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The limitations of the German education system

Rigid academic structure:

• Fixed schedules: Classes start punctually and follow specific schedules without flexibility in the “Brazilian way”
• Rigorous evaluations: Grade system from 1.0 (excellent) to 5.0 (failed), with well-defined approval criteria
• Mandatory presence: Many subjects require a minimum attendance of 80% for approval

Extraordinary academic benefits:

• State-of-the art laboratories: Access to equipment and technologies that cost thousands of euros
• Active research teachers: Professors who publish international research and work on innovative projects
• Worldwide recognition: German diplomas are respected globally, with 49 universities among the best in the world

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The geographical location

Being in the heart of Europe may seem like a problem because you're going to spend too much money traveling! With low-cost flights starting at 10 euros to destinations such as Paris, Rome, Barcelona or Amsterdam, it's practically impossible to resist the temptation to explore the continent every weekend.

Germany borders nine different countries, offering easy and cheap access to an impressive cultural diversity. In just a few hours by train or car, you could be tasting pasta in Italy, admiring architecture in Prague, or relaxing on the beaches of France. This ease of getting around transforms each vacation period into an opportunity for cultural and linguistic expansion.
The “complications” of the German labor market

Apparent challenges:

• Detailed red tape: Employment contracts precisely specify your responsibilities, hours, and rights
• Respected hierarchy: Clear organizational structures where each person has a well-defined role
• Required quality: High work standards with clear delivery and performance expectations
• Professional language: Technical German required for more specialized positions

Real opportunities:

• High minimum wage: €12.82 per hour in 2025, allowing for a decent life even in initial jobs
• Robust benefits: 24-30 vacation days, health insurance, transportation assistance, and job stability
• Heated market: Over 2 million vacancies available, especially in technology and engineering
• Valued international experience: Brazilians are among the 10 nationalities with the highest salaries in the country

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Why These “Problems” Are Actually Incredible Perks

The truth is that each German peculiarity mentioned represents a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. Punctuality teaches discipline, the recycling system develops environmental awareness, and the rigorous educational structure prepares you for the real challenges of the international market.

Study in Germany through the program University abroad offers a transformative experience that goes far beyond academic training. You develop intercultural competencies, language fluency, international networking, and a global mindset that will be competitive differentiators for the rest of your career.

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Be Easy

A Be Easy is your ideal partner to transform these German challenges into real opportunities for growth. Our team of experts is thoroughly familiar with the peculiarities of German student life and is ready to prepare you to embark on a journey to Germany. Contact us and discover how we can make your dream of studying in Germany a perfectly planned reality!

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