For the first time I thought about applying for a master's program in Europe in my 4th year of study. I didn't put it off and applied. In the summer, after I had already received my bachelor's degree, I received an invitation. A year after graduation I worked in Russia, because I was waiting for my wife. She was finishing medical school.
Why Germany?
My research interests are plasma physics, photonics, and X-ray research. Several people from our research group went to Austria for internship and postgraduate studies. Then I decided to consider European countries with free and accessible education. Naturally, Germany made the list. The University of Jena was simply the first to respond to me. And the study program suited me very well.
Why did the idea of European education come up? I started working from the second year of university. First in a university laboratory, then in a research institute, the Kurchatov Institute. During my studies I devoted 60% of my time to scientific activity, tried to become outstanding in my field. But the advanced age of teachers, their endless passivity, indifference and lack of interest led to the fact that I had almost no publications. I stopped seeing prospects in Russia.
Language requirements
For admission you need to prove your knowledge of English at B2-C1 level, IELTS 6.5 or other equivalent certificate will do. As I understood, this is not the most important document, I could provide it after admission. Besides, on my course there is a guy with IELTS 5,5. But I can't say for sure whether the consulate will accept the documents if this condition is not fulfilled.
I took the language exam during the pandemic. I signed up for it a month in advance. The exam was face-to-face and everything was well organized.
There are no problems with the language during my studies. I used to have to read a lot of articles in English, because there is very little specialized literature in Russian, and there is simply no literature on certain topics. So you involuntarily come across terminology and quickly pick up specific vocabulary. Many things become clear intuitively.
Papers
Collecting all the documents for the visa took several weeks. By that time, I had been studying at a master's program in Russia for six months and was receiving a scholarship. I had to pick up my documents at the moment when the restrictions related to the coronavirus started. Since I lived in St. Petersburg, everything had to be done remotely. There were some misunderstandings: some library debt from 2011 came up, even though I was in school in another city at the time.
Also for admission I needed a transcript of records, which my university didn't provide, so I had to translate it myself, but everything was accepted without questions.
The problem was the price of notarized translations.
For a long time there was uncertainty about obtaining a visa, because of the pandemic the consulate was closed for appointments. It was unclear when it would reopen and whether I would be able to leave at all. I also inquired many times whether my wife needed a certificate confirming her knowledge of the language at the A1 level. The answer was always unambiguous: no. However, when I applied in Ekaterinburg, it was required. Christina had to take the exam on an emergency basis. It was one of the most nervous moments.
Estimates
To be honest, I don't know how my grades could have affected my admission. The average grade was somewhere around 4.35-4.5 (Russian grades).
Here it is more important that my field of scientific interests coincided perfectly with the program. This is photonics, research related to light: design of industrial lenses, optical systems, lasers, research of materials, X-rays, plasma, etc.
Pros and cons
In the first semester there is a rather conditional freedom of choice. We were told which subjects to «choose». Two theoretical and two practical subjects. At theoretical classes super logical and lucidly present the material. There is control in the form of assignments, surveys. The young guys who lead the seminars are PhDs.
There are difficulties with engineering subjects. They are designed for students who already have experience with industrial optical systems. During lectures, some points are presented as obvious. When the lecturer asks if there are any questions, you have none. You basically did not understand what was discussed.
The education was hybrid, distance and face-to-face. Preparatory courses in German and science were very helpful. Complete theory programs to level all students before the first semester. Now, as of December 1, the classes are online only. Looking forward to things getting back to normal as it is much easier and more enjoyable to work in the classroom.
Bottom line: so far I like almost everything, except for the unmotivated teachers. Their subjects are usually incomprehensible. Perhaps they have been in the subject so long that it is not obvious to them the existence of people who have this knowledge at a non-intuitive level. Hopefully understanding will come with experience.
Expenses
There were very big expenses at first. I tried looking for accommodation from Russia, making appointments with realtors before I moved, but this tactic proved unviable. When I arrived in Germany, I found an apartment literally within a week. But for the first time I had to live in a hotel and buy furniture, as the apartments are rented empty, sometimes even without kitchens.
We live in Gera, not far from Jena and Leipzig. The town itself, although small, is very nice, with a beautiful old part. The surrounding area and the whole region is very picturesque. The apartment is about 40 m2, in an old house with high ceilings, quite central location.
So, uh:
- The rent is 350 euros plus electricity and internet.
- Student health insurance is 100 euros. Christina is included in my insurance.
- 17.5 euros compulsory TV and radio fee, even if you don't own a TV and radio.
- Accident insurance 10 euros per month.
- Meals are approximately 300 euros.
So for two people a month goes about 850 euros, if you do not count the initial expenses.
Work
Since January I have found a job in a student laboratory. The pay is 12 euros per hour, up to 20 hours a week.
You can find such jobs on the university bulletin boards. I submitted my CV, they approved my candidacy and prepared a contract. The work is not too creative and intellectual yet, more routine tasks.
Friends
A comfortable social circle had not yet been formed. At first, my head was occupied with how to find accommodation, fit in with my studies, get a job, and take into account all the legal and bureaucratic nuances. Besides, I came with my wife, so there was no loneliness.
Back home
I have no thoughts of returning to Russia for the time being. I like the organization of life here very much. If we get bored, maybe we'll try living somewhere else.
Taxes in Germany are, of course, high, but there is an understanding of what they are spent on. You are insured from all sides, if something happens, you will not find yourself alone with your problems. And even when taxes are taken into account, you can provide yourself with a comfortable life in any profession.
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