Pooja pursued her Master's degree in Software System Engineering at RWTH Aachen University. We invited Pooja to share her unique perspective on the study abroad experience.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your name? How old are you? Where do you come from?
Hi, I'm Pooja, a 24-year-old international student from India.
What is the name of your university, study programme, which discipline? When did you start studying?
I am currently a Master’s student at RWTH Aachen University, where I have been studying Software System Engineering since October 2015.
What made you choose this programme? How did you decide?
My Bachelor’s degree in Information Science provided a strong foundation, aligning perfectly with my current curriculum. The courses offered at RWTH are highly engaging and helped solidify my academic direction.
Did you find your study programme on Online Result? If so, how then did Online Result help you in your decision process?
The program filtering tools made my search incredibly efficient. Rather than spending hours browsing, I could quickly identify the best programs based on country, university, and specific academic interests.
What were the main challenges you had to face before being accepted to your university?
It is still surreal to look back on my journey; receiving a rejection letter initially was discouraging, but getting my admission email just weeks later felt like a true miracle.
Did you take a language test (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) when applying for the programme? If yes, which one did you choose, why and how was your experience with it?
Yes, as an international applicant, taking an English proficiency exam was a mandatory requirement. I chose the IELTS, which was quite manageable given our daily exposure to English in school. While scoring 100% is challenging, passing is very achievable without specialized coaching.
What are three things you like most about the university? Why?
The program's greatest strengths include the rigorous weekly assignments that deepen subject knowledge, the welcoming classroom environment fostered by approachable professors, and the university's well-equipped campus facilities.
If you could improve anything about the university, what would it be?
While the academic quality is high, I do believe the exams could be slightly more balanced in their difficulty.
What are three things you like the most about the city?
Aachen is easily one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and serves as an ideal environment for students.
The city is vibrant, lively, and student-focused. Locals are incredibly friendly, and the free semester ticket allows us to explore the entire state affordably, uncovering beautiful hidden gems.
What was the biggest surprise in your study adventure?
The most significant challenge has definitely been the examinations. Compared to my previous university experience, the assessments here are much tougher, and the emphasis on consistent, serious work for assignments is significantly higher.
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)? Why?
I would rate this experience an 8 out of 10. Moving here provided me with a profound perspective on life and its priorities; I truly feel that my personal growth began here, and my dreams continue to expand.
What would be your advice for students from your country that consider studying abroad?
For those planning to study in Germany, I recommend gaining at least one year of professional work experience first; it simplifies the process of securing internships and student jobs. Most importantly, stay open-minded and enjoy every part of your experience.
What are your future plans after graduating?
I hope to build my career here for a few years. As a passionate blogger, my future goal is to travel extensively across Europe to document and share insights on its diverse cultures.
Share your favourite spot, at the university and the city with us!
I adore the fairy-tale charm of Monschau, a nearby town. On campus, I love the Super C building, and for social outings or dining, Pontstrasse is the place to be.
Has Pooja’s inspiring journey motivated you to pursue your own studies abroad?