Madhvesh pursued his Master's degree in Computer-Aided Mechanical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University. We invited him to share his unique journey of studying abroad in Germany with our readers.
What is your name and age? Where are you from?
My name is Madhvesh, I am 23 years old, and I hail from Bangalore, India.
What is the name of your university, study programme? When did you start studying?
I am currently a student at RWTH Aachen University, enrolled in the Master’s program for Computer-Aided Mechanical Engineering, which I began in September 2016.
What were your main priorities when choosing your university and your programme? How did you decide?
My priorities were finding an international environment with high-quality teaching and a supportive academic atmosphere. RWTH Aachen checked every box, making it an easy choice. Encouraging feedback from alumni and seniors also solidified my decision.
What were the main challenges you had to face before being accepted to your university? How did you overcome it? What would you recommend for the current intake’s applicants?
Many students struggle with limited information about their prospective universities and host countries. I relied on resources like Online Result and DAAD to conduct my research, and I highly recommend that my friends do the same.
What are three things you like most about the university? State the reason.
- Examination pattern – Since it is very friendly and flexible. Also, learning materials can easily be accessed online.
- Scope for research activities – The university has hundreds of research institutes and high funding.
- Atmosphere – Aachen is a student city and is very diverse with many international students.
If you could improve anything about the university, what would it be? How do you plan to improve it?
With a massive student body of over 40,000, some administrative hiccups are inevitable. Personally, I find the examination season quite long and believe it could be improved with more strategic scheduling.
What are three things you like the most about the city? Why?
- Atmosphere – With more than 40,000 students, the city gives me a healthy and enjoyable atmosphere.
- Vicinity – The city is small and accessibility is very good to all the places around. Public transport is good.
- Hospitability – People are friendly and is very easy for international students to gel with the locals.
If you could improve anything about the city, what would it be?
The local weather can be quite unpredictable at times; I find myself wishing for more sunshine!
What was the biggest surprise in your study adventure? Did you like it?
Initially, I experienced daily culture shocks, but I gradually adapted and learned a great deal. The standard of education here is impressively efficient, and I have grown to appreciate it deeply.
How would you rate your experience on a scale from zero to ten (0 – It is/was a total disaster, 10 – I have/had the time of my life)?
Overall, I would rate my experience an 8 out of 10. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey so far.
Is there anything that you would do differently if you could do it over again? Why?
If I could do anything differently, I would make a greater effort to expand my social circle and meet more people. Friends truly transform every experience for the better.
What are your future plans after graduating?
My goal is to remain in Germany after graduation to gain valuable professional experience in my field.
Share your favourite spot, at the university and the city with us! Please let us know why do you like it.
My favorite spot in the city is Pontstraße, famous for its vibrant selection of food—it’s a paradise for foodies. On campus, I love the Sports Centre, as its world-class facilities easily meet international standards.
Were you inspired by Madhvesh's journey?