Today, I want to answer a common question that many students have regarding the block amount of money they need to show while studying abroad. It’s a concern whether they can repay or recover that amount later, either by taking a loan or borrowing from relatives. While I can’t give you a straightforward yes or no, I can share two real-life stories from students who faced similar situations.
The Students’ Background
In 2021, two students arrived in Germany to pursue their education. Both were from the IT field and had only a few months of experience. They enrolled in universities located in two major cities in Germany. The difference in their experiences highlights how varied the journey can be for international students.
Student A: A Proactive Approach
Initial Steps:
- Upon landing in Germany, Student A had already arranged for temporary accommodation.
- He began searching for a job immediately after settling in.
Job Search Journey:
- Student A registered his apartment and waited for his tax ID, which is crucial for employment. After two to three weeks, he received it.
- He continued applying for jobs and secured a position at an Amazon warehouse after a few weeks.
Earnings and Expenses:
- Working night shifts allowed him to earn more; he made about 14-15 euros per hour compared to 12-13 euros during the day.
- After working for a month, he made 2500 euros, enough to cover his accommodation and living expenses for three months.
Career Transition:
- After a month, he decided to leave the warehouse job to focus on his studies and find a job related to his field.
- Within two months, he secured a position related to IT, earning around 14-15 euros per hour.
Financial Independence:
- With the money he earned, Student A was able to send some of his block amount back home each month.
- He had become financially independent and was saving money while managing his expenses effectively.
Student B: A Different Experience
Initial Steps:
- Student B arrived in Germany and immediately purchased an iPhone 13.
- He made an effort to connect with the international community and promote Pakistani culture through food.
Job Search Journey:
- Instead of focusing on his studies, Student B spent six to seven months exploring various countries in Europe.
- He opted for a more expensive studio apartment, which strained his finances.
Academic Challenges:
- After eight months, Student B realized he had not completed many of his subjects. He decided to focus on his studies for two months before looking for a job.
Financial Difficulties:
- As his block amount started to run out, he had to borrow 2000 euros from home to support himself.
- Eventually, he started working in a field-related job but was delayed in finding employment.
Key Takeaways
These two stories illustrate different approaches and outcomes regarding managing block amounts.
| Student | Approach | Financial Independence | Job Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student A | Proactive; focused on job | Achieved independence | Secured job in IT field |
| Student B | Laid-back; focused on culture | Needed to borrow money | Delayed job search |
Conclusion
The main takeaway from these narratives is the significance of a proactive attitude toward financial planning and job searching. If you adopt a mindset like Student A, you’re more likely to send money back home and manage your block amount effectively. However, if you find yourself in Student B’s situation, it may take longer to achieve financial stability.
This serves as a reminder that the path for each student can differ significantly based on their choices and strategies.
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences! If you found this helpful, consider liking or commenting below.