“You get really well prepared for your later work life”
Andree Bapong Djon from Cameroon is studying at RWTH Aachen University. In our interview she talks about her experiences and impressions.
Interview: Johannes Göbel,
28.08.2025 
Ms Bapong, why did you choose to do your degree in Germany?
I was already interested in production technology as a schoolgirl. Germany, being a nation of engineers, is particularly strong in this field - as can also be seen from international university rankings. The cost of living here is also reasonable, so together with my family I decided to begin my studies in Germany. I’m now in my sixth semester of a mechanical engineering degree at RWTH Aachen University, specialising in production technology.
How important is it to be able to speak German for your studies?
Germany offers a choice of many degree courses taught in English, but I can really recommend learning German. I already had German at school in Cameroon, so that helped. It makes life easier, you get to know people more quickly - either out and about or if you do something like going to a festival. The language can also help you land a job with a German company.
Students in Germany are expected to be independent.
In your opinion, what should you pay particular attention to if you want to study in Germany?
It’s important to find out about the bureaucratic requirements in good time and not underestimate how long everything will take - from applying for a visa to opening your own bank account in Germany. Students in Germany are expected to be independent. People here communicate very directly, both at university and at work. You shouldn’t necessarily expect people to couch everything in very polite terms.
What do you like about studying in Germany?
I especially appreciate the fact that the course isn’t too theoretical but has lots of practical relevance, such as contact with companies. You get really well prepared for your later work life. And I like how international it is here. Even in the early stages of my degree course in Aachen I worked on a project with students from many other countries, such as Morocco and Turkey. Currently I’m also working at the RWTH’s international office. You can learn a lot about other cultures and grow on a personal level.
