From Romania to Germany!

Hi, my name is Ingrid and I’m from Romania! I’m currently studying IT&Business at Karlsruhe University in Germany, which is an Applied Sciences University. I’m beginning my third year soon and this is my international journey until now, opening up about my high school experiences, admission criteria and what I’ve learnt along the way!

A New High School Model

I am part of the German minority in Romania, as my father is German, so I also spoke this language at home. Therefore, I attended a German kindergarten and later the German high school in Timișoara, my native city, called `Nikolaus Lenau High School` – the only one of its kind in the city. Here, all subjects are taught in German, not Romanian; besides this, there is a special section where we have exams in German, German history, and mathematics, along with the Romanian exam. Starting from ninth grade, we had teachers brought from Germany who taught only in this language, following their curriculum.

For example, in mathematics we did not solve the same types of exercises as in Romanian high schools, but rather problems applied to real-life situations. This is why the German Baccalaureate prepares you not to memorize, but to think critically. In history, for instance, we weren’t just asked what happened in 1918, but had to compare how the Nazi system came to power in Germany with the way the Communists took power in the GDR after 1945.

These years shaped me not only academically but also personally. I grew up between two cultures, without fully belonging to either, but this gave me a unique perspective upon both. For me, the German system was more engaging and applied, making learning more relevant to real life.

Extracurriculars

Aspire: Where Leadership Meets Business

Until 10th grade, I didn’t realize the importance of extracurricular activities or the fact that they could help me figure out what I wanted to study. Then, by chance, I came across Aspire Academy on Instagram, which is a leadership program that also activates in Romania. I didn’t fully understand what it was about, but since I had heard of Ivy Leagues by then, it seemed interesting, so I applied. At the time, I was vice president of the student council and a national Olympiad participant in Spanish and German, but I wasn’t aware that there were opportunities outside of school that could contribute to my development.

At Aspire, I discovered the extraordinary opportunities that other students my age had, and I understood that they don’t just appear, but you have to create them. Back then, I was convinced I wanted to study biology or biotechnology, but discussions with colleagues and professors from there broadened my horizons. The most valuable aspect was the network I built: we shared activities, ideas, and jobs with each other, and grew together in ways far beyond what simple information could provide.

The greatest impact came from joining the Aspire organizing team, where I quickly became co-lead of logistics. I organized the Christmas Ball, the summer events, and Aspire High School two years in a row, handling professor introductions and supporting speakers. I coordinated events with over 200 participants, some even remotely in other cities; I learned how to request price quotes, manage a team, and lead a full team. This experience showed me that I want to work with people, not in an isolated laboratory.

At the end of 12th grade, I was recommended for a marketing role, which led me to register as a sole proprietor. I spent the entire summer working in marketing, learning how to automate workflows, create campaigns and visuals, manage social media. This experience greatly changed my direction. Although I had initially planned to apply for biology, just a week before the deadline I decided to switch to business informatics and economics. That’s how I found the right path for myself, and I continue to study in this field today.

I believe the most important skill I gained was learning how to learn properly – adapting to any context and turning theory into practice. My commitment to Aspire was daily; many times, I learned more through Aspire than I did at school. This experience went far beyond what I could have expected and contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth.

Curiosity in the Biology Lab

Still, I also had some research experience, back when I was still sure I wanted to study biology. To find a place for practice, I wrote to more than 20 researchers until, eventually, a laboratory director from Bucharest replied. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to learn, but I was eager to see what life inside a research laboratory looked like.

The lab was studying the use of nanoparticles for treating atherosclerosis (this disease involves the buildup of plaques in blood vessels, blocking circulation and causing inflammation). The idea was that nanoparticles could be injected to directly target the inflammation, thereby reducing the side effects of drugs administered systemically. The research was conducted on laboratory mice, but before reaching that stage, tests were performed on cell cultures.

For the first time, I had the opportunity to maintain my own cell culture: changing its medium and observing the cells and their behaviour under the microscope. It was an intense and such a fascinating experience!

At the same time, I became aware of the more challenging side of a research career. Securing projects is not easy; it requires competition, motivation letters, and a constant struggle for funding. Moreover, lab work is highly solitary: just you and your cells, with limited opportunities for interaction or broader collaboration.

This experience helped me understand that, although I enjoy the field, I don’t see myself in the long run in such an environment. For me, it is essential to be able to interact, communicate, and contribute directly to the development of other people, not just work quietly in a laboratory.

About Feeling Behind

I have always had the feeling of being “behind,” and even now, I sometimes feel this compared to others. I think it’s a natural feeling: constant growth and the standards we set for ourselves always generate this sensation, and for this reason, I find it essential to take time to practice mindfulness and actively reflect on the past.

This year at university, I served as team leader for Formula Student in management. At the same time, I worked intensively for my own company and clients, while also trying to maintain a personal life and continue learning. My grades dropped a little, but my GPA didn’t reflect just studying, but also my involvement in multiple projects. It’s easy to compare achievements with others, but that’s an imaginary competition; everyone has their own path.

I find it more valuable to explain real experiences than to list impressive achievements. For example, three weeks of internship at a small marketing firm taught me how to communicate with people, analyze their needs, and develop appropriate business strategies. What matters is not just the tools you’re given, but how you use the information and your connections with those around you.

Application Process

The application system in Germany is relatively straightforward and is primarily based on high school graduation grades, especially for the field I chose. For other programs, such as medicine, different criteria apply, and for biology, completing an internship before starting the studies would be necessary.

In my case, the high school diploma and a motivational essay explaining why I wanted to study the chosen field were the most important factors. The German diploma makes a significant difference, similar to the Numerus Clausus system in the Netherlands (a fixed maximum number of entrants admissible to an academic institution), where you must meet a certain grade to apply. The CV plays a minor role, but the high school performance can create significant pressure: for example, I had an average of 1.2 in the German system and 9.70 in the Romanian system.

Another essential aspect is language. Without a German language certificate, you cannot apply in Germany. Most programs require a C1 level, while some accept B2, but proficiency is crucial for full integration. Even for programs taught in English, I think the knowledge of German is necessary for daily life and to truly integrate into the community.

Why I Chose Karlsruhe

Contrary to how things work in the US, for example, private universities in Germany are generally for those who need special aid to study or who want distance learning. I chose a public university, an Applied Sciences type, which offers a much closer relationship with professors. At traditional universities, there are hundreds of students in a lecture, the interaction with the professor is limited, and you become just a number on a list.

In contrast, at Applied Sciences universities, we have small groups – in my first year, there were 120 students divided into groups – and we have labs where professors know each student’s name, answer questions, and work through exercises together.

In my program, we have a six-month paid internship semester, where you can work at companies like Porsche, Mercedes, or SAP. Performance and communication skills are just as important as technical preparation: if you integrate well and demonstrate competence, you can remain employed.

Living Expenses

In Germany, there is no tuition fee, only administrative taxes that are 200€/semester. However, I am a scholarship recipient through the Hanns Seidel Foundation, a merit-based and academic excellence award. For the application, I needed two letters of recommendation from high school teachers, my high school and university grades, a CV listing my activities, and proof of social engagement. The application process was very rigorous because I had to concretely demonstrate my achievements.

Phase 1 consisted of submitting the documents, and Phase 2 was a weekend at the foundation’s headquarters in Bavaria. There, I took a test on political knowledge, gave a presentation on my social engagement, and wrote an essay on illegal migration in the European Union. I also participated in group discussions, debating political and social topics such as the underrepresentation of women in the German Parliament and potential solutions.

However, that wasn’t my first time being tested in such an environment. In 11th grade, I completed a two-week internship in the Romanian Parliament with the National Minorities Group, where I learned how to draft bills and assess political issues strategically. My political mentor taught me to think critically and analyze problems in complexity, not just as true or false.

In my case, I wanted to fit my expenses within a budget, so I live in my University’s Housing place, where I pay around 300€/month for rent, and almost 250€/month for food, given the fact that I also eat regularly at my university’s canteen. I also pay 170€ for my travelling card, which is available for six months. I can say that living in Karlsruhe is pretty affordable and I’m satisfied with the prices.

Friendships Across Borders

The international community at the university is very active. There are many Romanian and Erasmus students, and the university offers regular groups and activities, from weekly meals for Spanish speakers to parties and events organized by the faculty councils. There are always opportunities to get involved, meet people, and build connections! This network of students and activities makes the university experience in Germany much more well-rounded, both academically and socially. In my case, I also met again with a lot of past Aspire members, as well as high school classmates through Erasmus programs.

Studying Beyond the Textbook

What is specific to my university is the combination of theory taught by professors and the practical, interactive component. Classes are more discussions than traditional lectures, and the subjects focus on the practical application of concepts. For example, in the course “Business Process Automation,” we learn how to plan the operation of an app or website, and structure processes.

The practical part includes access to SAP systems, where we create our own system and automate simulated processes, checking whether the plan designed by the professor works and correcting mistakes.

Our group is small, about 20 people, and projects are done in subgroups of four throughout the semester. We choose a topic from a variety of options and divide tasks according to each person’s skills. I handled marketing, visuals, and strategy, while classmates more skilled in programming focused on that. In this way, we support each other: where some know less, others fill the gaps. Unlike large universities, where you are just a number among hundreds, here there is authentic interaction with professors and peers.

Burnout: The Hidden Cost of Ambition

I am still in the process of learning about time management, but I have discovered that clear planning helps me a lot. I set exactly how much time I will dedicate to each activity: preparing for sessions, completing assignments, work for clients, university or Formula Student projects, and even personal and household tasks. Planning also includes a buffer for unexpected situations, so I can manage everything without excessive stress.

I have started living the life of a busy, creative, fast-paced adult and have learned that only through organization can I achieve all my goals. However, I realized that planning must also include time for rest. This year, I was very sick because I didn’t allow myself enough recovery time and pushed myself too hard. It is essential to have moments to do nothing, exercise, or relax to calm the nervous system. Otherwise, constant stress affects sleep and health.

I have learned that planning is not only about activities but also about thoughts. If you don’t know what needs to be done, you get even more stressed. I set clear tasks, priorities, and time limits to avoid overload. I tend to say “yes” to every project that comes up, which can be dangerous. This discipline has helped me better manage multiple responsibilities and maintain a balance between activities, work, and rest.

Building Cars at Formula Student

Formula Student is an international project in which universities build a functional prototype car each year inspired by Formula 1, but on a smaller scale. There is no fixed construction blueprint; there are only rules and requirements that the car must meet. We create the entire concept, with each component designed, including aerodynamics, suspension, and other technical systems.

The first semester focuses on planning: designing the car, defining the software, and the electronic boards that control acceleration and braking. From March, the actual construction begins: the carbon chassis, wiring, and all components are built by the team. We must also create business plans, cost reports, and justify “make or buy” decisions, explaining why certain components are purchased or produced in-house. The project is fully sponsored, and the supporting companies gain visibility through logos on the car and promotion at competitions.

Companies such as Mercedes,SAP, and Porsche sponsor us, and through the project, we have direct contacts with these companies. In Germany, the concept of internships during university is standard; students typically work around 20 hours per week for these companies. Each summer, the Formula Student season finale takes place, with international races at Hungaroring (Hungary), Red Bull Ring (Austria), Hockenheim (Germany), as well as in Spain and the United States. The cars must pass disciplines such as endurance, autonomous driving, and various technical criteria, and before any competition, and they undergo strict technical inspections for safety.

All know-how is passed down between generations of students; we learn from each other without direct intervention from professors. The supervising professor is only there for guidance, but we are responsible for the complete construction of the car.

The International Mindset

I have always asked myself how I want to live, not how much money I will have or how many luxuries. I focus on what suits me, what makes me feel good, what stimulates me enough. I don’t start from theory; I always try things practically to see if I like them or not. I believe the most important thing is to know yourself, to discover your limits and preferences, so that you can live in harmony.

You don’t want a job you hate, to work more than necessary, or to be in an environment that doesn’t stimulate you. That’s why it’s essential to know what you like, what you don’t like, and where you feel good, so that you can truly flourish as a person. It’s important to define your priorities and the lifestyle that fits you.

My experience as a Self-Made CEO

I have currently completed the fourth semester of university, and at the beginning of 2025, I launched a marketing company in Germany, alongside my studies. I have clients both in Germany and Romania, and most of these collaborations came through Aspire. 

My business idea started in my second year. I knew from the start that I wanted to work with clients, particularly helping small companies that had no online presence or didn’t know how to reach customers in the digital era. I offered advice on strategy, budgeting, effective marketing, and processes that could be automated between sales and marketing, so their business could grow without wasting resources.

Over time, I realized that what I was doing genuinely helped people. I treated my clients’ businesses with a lot of care, aiming to understand their full structure, not just the marketing aspects. This meant that my advice was practical and results-oriented, focused on tangible outcomes like signed contracts and real clients, not just growing social media numbers.

I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with others. I don’t believe in gatekeeping information: if someone had kept everything to themselves, I wouldn’t be where I am today. In turn, I was helped by more experienced people, and now I feel it is my responsibility to pass on what I have learned.