I wanted to live in the US, then had a game-changing visit to Europe. Here's why I chose Germany.
An Indian national shares his experience of choosing to study and work in Germany over the United States, citing the high cost of US education and the availability of free tuition in Germany. He highlights how his European experience provided better career stability and personal satisfaction.
Why it matters
The narrative reflects a growing trend of international students prioritizing affordability and quality of life in Europe over the traditional American dream.
Ishansh Gupta, an Indian national, works at BMW and lives in Munich. Courtesy of Aditya Sharma Ishansh Gupta dreamed of studying in the US — until he heard about free education in Europe. Drawn by Germany's manufacturing strengths, he did his master's degree there instead of the US. Gupta now works at BMW. He's glad he didn't take the risk on an expensive US education. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ishansh Gupta, 29, who lives in Munich. The following has been edited for length and clarity. Growing up in India , I knew I wanted to live in the US one day. I had relatives who'd moved there, and the way Bollywood movies portrayed the American dream resonated with me. I was interested in technology, and some of the biggest opportunities were there.
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