All you need to know about studying, working, and living in Germany
About
Hi! Welcome to my blog!
I am Sindy. This blog is about how I moved to Germany. I was born in Hong Kong and grew up there.
Like many people, I had a very normal life in Hong Kong. I went to school, then university, then I found a job and started working in Hong Kong.
As a certified public accountant, I was working at an audit firm.
Going to work, hating my job, working overtime and overtime, going home and sleep, and the days were repeating.
I was not happy. I knew this was not what I want. Not the job I like, not the environment and culture that I would like to live in.
I had a dream, to see other places, to do something that not most people are doing. To do something “not normal”. To chase for my dream. To find the meaning of life.
Finally, in 2010, I made up my mind. I quit my job and enrolled in a master’s program at a German University. This was the decision that changed my life, forever.
Here I am now. I have moved to Germany.
I found a job in Germany. My company also sent me to work in the U.S. for a year as an expat. Afterward, I met my husband in Germany. We make a small family and have two lovely girls. We bought a house here. We settled down here.
I got often many questions from people:
Why do you move to Germany?
Why Germany?
How is life there?
Do you speak German?
How did you make up this decision to quit your job and move?
How did you make this alone?
What is the difference between Germany/Hong Kong/ US?
How did I manage to stay in Germany?
The question list goes on…….
I have always a dream, to write a book.
I love to write. And here in my blog, I can achieve my dream for writing. I am going to tell you all about Germany.
The difference between Germany and Hong Kong (and also the U.S.).
How you can do the same to change your life.
How you can chase your dream.
It is not that impossible like you think, and you don’t need a lot of money. I did not get any financial support, no loan, no money from parents.
Thanks for coming and I am sure you will enjoy reading my blog.
You are welcome to ask me any questions, or just write me anything!
*Update: I decided to take another adventure and moved to the US from Germany at the end of 2022. But don’t worry! I am still supporting you with your life in Germany via this blog. I call Germany home and plan to be back within a few years. Check out this post to learn more 🙂
27 Replies to “About”
I don’t know but i like the US better than here in Germany. For example it is much easier to find a job in the US. You did not live there for more than a year though and your German employer sent you there, so its not the same as living there and looking for a job.
Solem, you are very right that it is easier to find a job in the US. This really depends on the person. If someone can speak German fluently, they will find a job in Germany much easier. To decide which country is best for someone to live, there are many factors: the language, the culture, where your friends and family are, the jobs, etc. It is only my personal opinion that I like Germany better. I do admit that USA is better in some aspects (in terms of shopping, food, jobs, language, etc.) So, I guess it all depends on the person what they want. Thank you a lot for reading and leaving your valuable comment!
We love living in Germany, too. And so glad that you managed to move out. Europe is really a great place to live in. We have friends in the US but we haven’t been there so far. Good luck on writing that novel one day!
Hi Sindy! So glad to find out your blog. I’m going to take a master program in Germany this September and I also have great concerns about living and getting a job there after graduation. Your articles are very easy to read and practical. Please keep up your good work! I’m looking forward to your new posts.
From Kim
Hi Sindy!
Great story and kinda scary as well, I guess like every one in here we are thinking to do the same as you, sounds exciting but difficult.
One question for you(thank you for sharing your experience and being so open). Is age a problem when you want to start a master or MBA in Germany and then find a job, do you remember your class profile?
Also, after you finished your master how much time you had in order to get a job?
Thanks for reading my story. In Germany, people are pretty relaxed regarding the age. In my master program, we have students who were beginning of thirties. I have also friends who was 30 years old and were still studying their bachelor. On average, most people finished their master and started working around 25, 26 years old. One thing to keep in mind is that the older you are when you come to Germany, the harder it is to adapt to the new language and environment. It may not be true for everyone, but it is like that in general.
After finishing your master, you can apply for a job seeking visa for 18 months if you are eligible. In my case, I got my job immediately after graduation. So, I didn’t need to apply for this visa.
I guess that I share a lot of similarities. I also grew up in Hong Kong and also lived in various countries overseas. Canada and UK to name a few. Also met my husband and settled in Germany for now…oh gosh…14 years. I share a lot of your frustrations and difficulties. It all gets better!
Fantastic articulation. I”m sure others who are in the state of making wedding decision will find this thought provoking. As far as Germany vs US is concerned, needless to say if you don’t know German, the US is way better (I have lived there for 10 years and had moved from India). However, Germany is special in many ways. I’m hoping like Whiskey it grows on me with time….
Yes it is much easier in US, especially if one doesn’t know German. But there are many things that I like Germany better than in USA, once I get used to it 🙂
Hi,
I want to settle down in Germany with my 14 years old girl as she want to study in Germany. As I belong from Pakistan , so but confuse how I can settle down,, already I visited germany 3 times. Please suggest..
I assume you mean she wants to study in a university in Germany when she finishes her school? If so, she can get a study visa if she is accepted by an university. However, I have only heard about family visa for kids and spouse, but not parent.
Hi Sindy, great blog with lots of information. Out of curiosity, I’d like to know which part of Germany you are/were based after your master’s program and also what you studied in the master’s program. I understand some places in Germany are harder to stay than others.
Tony, thanks for your message! I work in Munich area. There are more opportunities here, especially for international people. My studies were in business/consulting/accounting.
Dear Cindy,
I just come to Germany in the beginning of August 2021 since both my husband and I had retired and we decide to settle in Germany for good. I just happen to see your blog and it is very useful to me. I will take time to read all your information and thanks a lot for your detailed information. My life in Germany has just started now.
Thanks a lot for your comment!
I am very glad to hear that you find my blog useful 🙂
Germany is a very nice place to live, and to retire.
Don’t hesitate to ask in case you have any question.
I am a Singaporean living in Germany but have called Hong Kong my 2nd home for more than a decade! Just wanted to drop a line to say I really enjoyed your blog and updates on Living in Germany with tips and updates. It would be great to be able to meet one day and talk about Hong Kong over Yum Cha. Thanks again and keep it going!
Sindy’s journey from Hong Kong to Germany is inspiring. Her decision to pursue her dream, leave her job, and enroll in a master’s program showcases courage. The blog promises insights into the cultural differences, life in Germany, and offers a platform for readers to learn from her experiences. Looking forward to more posts!
Hi Sindy, I really love your blog!
I’m living in Germany for almost 4-5 years and feeling really depressed because it’s really hard in term of socializing here. Meanwhile when I traveled to US, I kinda discovered another world. I’m not really that young but I have thought of moving from Germany to US. However I felt so afraid when considering things such as Visa, Tax, transportation, healthcare in US. I really would like to know your experience comparing the Germany VS US, I know what I value, but I’m feeling really concerned about certain things and hope we can schedule a time to chat if you are available 👍🏻
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I don’t know but i like the US better than here in Germany. For example it is much easier to find a job in the US. You did not live there for more than a year though and your German employer sent you there, so its not the same as living there and looking for a job.
Solem, you are very right that it is easier to find a job in the US. This really depends on the person. If someone can speak German fluently, they will find a job in Germany much easier. To decide which country is best for someone to live, there are many factors: the language, the culture, where your friends and family are, the jobs, etc. It is only my personal opinion that I like Germany better. I do admit that USA is better in some aspects (in terms of shopping, food, jobs, language, etc.) So, I guess it all depends on the person what they want. Thank you a lot for reading and leaving your valuable comment!
We love living in Germany, too. And so glad that you managed to move out. Europe is really a great place to live in. We have friends in the US but we haven’t been there so far. Good luck on writing that novel one day!
Hi Sindy! So glad to find out your blog. I’m going to take a master program in Germany this September and I also have great concerns about living and getting a job there after graduation. Your articles are very easy to read and practical. Please keep up your good work! I’m looking forward to your new posts.
From Kim
Thanks a lot Kim! I am glad to hear that you like my blog 🙂
such an amazing blog sindy..looking forward to more of it and m coming next year there in germany for masters
Hi Sindy!
Great story and kinda scary as well, I guess like every one in here we are thinking to do the same as you, sounds exciting but difficult.
One question for you(thank you for sharing your experience and being so open). Is age a problem when you want to start a master or MBA in Germany and then find a job, do you remember your class profile?
Also, after you finished your master how much time you had in order to get a job?
Thank you for writing and sharing your story.
Best,
Victor.
Victor,
Thanks for reading my story. In Germany, people are pretty relaxed regarding the age. In my master program, we have students who were beginning of thirties. I have also friends who was 30 years old and were still studying their bachelor. On average, most people finished their master and started working around 25, 26 years old. One thing to keep in mind is that the older you are when you come to Germany, the harder it is to adapt to the new language and environment. It may not be true for everyone, but it is like that in general.
After finishing your master, you can apply for a job seeking visa for 18 months if you are eligible. In my case, I got my job immediately after graduation. So, I didn’t need to apply for this visa.
Hope it helps,
Sindy
Minor correction: For graduates in Germany, it would be 18 months job seeking visa:)
You are right. It is 18 months now. I think it used to be 6 months. I have corrected it now 🙂
Thanks a lot for your comment!
I guess that I share a lot of similarities. I also grew up in Hong Kong and also lived in various countries overseas. Canada and UK to name a few. Also met my husband and settled in Germany for now…oh gosh…14 years. I share a lot of your frustrations and difficulties. It all gets better!
It is good to hear that someone shares similar experience! Thanks for reading and your comment 🙂
Fantastic articulation. I”m sure others who are in the state of making wedding decision will find this thought provoking. As far as Germany vs US is concerned, needless to say if you don’t know German, the US is way better (I have lived there for 10 years and had moved from India). However, Germany is special in many ways. I’m hoping like Whiskey it grows on me with time….
Yes it is much easier in US, especially if one doesn’t know German. But there are many things that I like Germany better than in USA, once I get used to it 🙂
Hi,
I want to settle down in Germany with my 14 years old girl as she want to study in Germany. As I belong from Pakistan , so but confuse how I can settle down,, already I visited germany 3 times. Please suggest..
I assume you mean she wants to study in a university in Germany when she finishes her school? If so, she can get a study visa if she is accepted by an university. However, I have only heard about family visa for kids and spouse, but not parent.
Hi Sindy, great blog with lots of information. Out of curiosity, I’d like to know which part of Germany you are/were based after your master’s program and also what you studied in the master’s program. I understand some places in Germany are harder to stay than others.
Tony, thanks for your message! I work in Munich area. There are more opportunities here, especially for international people. My studies were in business/consulting/accounting.
Dear Cindy,
I just come to Germany in the beginning of August 2021 since both my husband and I had retired and we decide to settle in Germany for good. I just happen to see your blog and it is very useful to me. I will take time to read all your information and thanks a lot for your detailed information. My life in Germany has just started now.
Tina,
Thanks a lot for your comment!
I am very glad to hear that you find my blog useful 🙂
Germany is a very nice place to live, and to retire.
Don’t hesitate to ask in case you have any question.
All the best,
Sindy
I LOVE YOUR BLOG AND EXPERIENCES.
AMAZING SINDY
Glad to hear that! Thanks for your comment 🙂
Hi Sindy,
I am a Singaporean living in Germany but have called Hong Kong my 2nd home for more than a decade! Just wanted to drop a line to say I really enjoyed your blog and updates on Living in Germany with tips and updates. It would be great to be able to meet one day and talk about Hong Kong over Yum Cha. Thanks again and keep it going!
Jean,
Thanks a lot for your comment.
I am glad to hear that you like my blog!
Feel free to share my blog with your friends too 🙂
Just write me if you have any questions about living in Germany.
I hope we can meet one day too and go Yum Cha together <3
All the best,
Sindy
Sindy’s journey from Hong Kong to Germany is inspiring. Her decision to pursue her dream, leave her job, and enroll in a master’s program showcases courage. The blog promises insights into the cultural differences, life in Germany, and offers a platform for readers to learn from her experiences. Looking forward to more posts!
Hi Sindy, I really love your blog!
I’m living in Germany for almost 4-5 years and feeling really depressed because it’s really hard in term of socializing here. Meanwhile when I traveled to US, I kinda discovered another world. I’m not really that young but I have thought of moving from Germany to US. However I felt so afraid when considering things such as Visa, Tax, transportation, healthcare in US. I really would like to know your experience comparing the Germany VS US, I know what I value, but I’m feeling really concerned about certain things and hope we can schedule a time to chat if you are available 👍🏻
Weena,
Thanks for reaching out. I have replied to your email 🙂
Sindy