29-Year-Old Ditches US Dream For Free Education In Germany

Ishansh Gupta, a 29-year-old Indian national, had always dreamed of studying in the US. However, a game-changing visit to Europe altered his plans. Gupta, who works at BMW in Munich, initially wanted to pursue his master's degree in the US, but he eventually chose Germany due to its free education and manufacturing strengths.

Gupta's journey began when he completed his bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering in India. He applied for internships worldwide to increase his chances of getting accepted into a US university for his master's degree. In 2017 and 2018, Gupta interned in Poland for two six-week stints. This experience in Europe opened his eyes to new opportunities, and he began to consider alternatives to the US.

During his time in Europe, Gupta discovered that international students could receive free tuition at public universities in Germany. This, combined with the country's strong manufacturing industry, drew him to pursue his master's degree there instead of the US. Gupta also had the opportunity to work on an assignment in South Carolina in 2022, but his experience in Europe had already solidified his decision to stay in Germany.

## Why it matters Gupta's decision to choose Germany over the US is significant, as it highlights the appeal of European countries offering free or low-cost education to international students. This can be a major factor for students who are hesitant to take on large amounts of debt to pursue their higher education goals. Additionally, Germany's strong manufacturing industry provides a unique opportunity for students like Gupta to gain practical experience and build a successful career.

Gupta is now living in Munich and working at BMW, a leading German automobile manufacturer. He is glad that he made the decision to pursue his master's degree in Germany, citing the benefits of free education and the country's strong industry connections. Gupta's story serves as an example of how a chance experience can lead to a new and unexpected path, and how countries like Germany are attracting international students with their unique offerings.