Mikaela

About Mikaela

Coming to Germany to start my master’s degree in food engineering was both exciting and challenging. I clearly remember the mix of nerves and excitement when I landed in a completely new country, with a language I was just starting to learn and an educational system very different from the one in my home country, Ecuador. One of the first things that surprised me was the punctuality and structure. From day one, schedules were strictly followed and everything was clearly organised. At first, it was difficult to adapt to the more independent learning style, but I’ve come to appreciate how it encourages responsibility and time management—skills I continue to develop every day.

Living in a small city has also been a blessing. It allows me to focus more on my studies and enjoy a peaceful environment. I’ve also found welcoming international communities, which has helped me avoid feeling lonely and has improved both my English and German. One of the biggest challenges has been the language. Although many classes are in English, daily life—grocery shopping, speaking with the landlord, or going to the doctor—requires at least basic German. I’m taking language courses and try to practice every day. Watching shows in German and speaking with classmates has been helpful.

Another thing I truly value is the connection to the industry. In my programme, we have technical visits, access to well-equipped labs, and professors with real-world experience. It motivates me to start thinking about my thesis and future job opportunities in Germany. To sum it up, studying in Germany is not only giving me high-quality academic training, it’s also changing me as a person. Every day I learn something new about my field, about other cultures, and most importantly, about myself.