I am often asked, "Why do you study in Fulda?" or "Where is Fulda?" Fulda may be a small city, but it is full of charm and unique attractions. Hi! I'm a new blogger, and I'm currently pursuing my master's degree "intercultural communication and European Studies" at Hochschule Fulda. Fulda is located in the heart of Germany — some of you might have passed through it by train without even realizing it. Today, I’d like to share two reasons why I chose to study here!
My classmates come from all over the world, including countries like Italy, Thailand, Japan, and the USA.
Discussing various topics with international students helps me develop my global perspective and enhances my competence as a global citizen. Additionally, I’ve noticed some differences in values between Japan and Germany regarding what it means to be a “good student.”
In Japan, being a good student often means following the teacher, sticking to the textbook, and not disrupting the atmosphere. As a result, speaking up during lectures requires courage.
In contrast, in Germany, it’s important to develop and express your own opinions. Lectures often involve open discussions, and students are encouraged to share their thoughts.
I’m grateful to have noticed these differences and now enjoy participating in discussions in Germany!
The cost of studying is affordable. Hochschule Fulda does not require students to pay tuition fees, not only for EU citizens but also for students from outside the EU. Students are only required to pay a semester fee of €362.50 per semester. Compared to my home country, Japan, this is incredibly cheap and makes the cost of living more manageable.
Moreover, because of the low cost, the number of students from the Global South has been increasing! I think this is amazing because, in some countries, including Japan, education is seen as a way to earn money for certain people. However, in Germany and at my university, education is seen as an important investment for the future.
The rent is of course cheaper than bigger cities such as Berlin. I used to live in Berlin and I paid for the rent (shared apartment) 600 Euro monthly. In contrast, in Fulda I pay 370 Euro for rent. It is much easier to find an accommodation in a small town like Fulda!
