Looking to study overseas? Germany, ranked the fourth best country to study abroad in, should be at the top of your list. With its clean air and charming old towns, the country is easy to fall in love with. Add to that its strong economy and safety (#20 on the 2024 Global Peace Index), and it’s no wonder 469,485 international students made it their study destination in 2023-24.
Major cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich offer fast-paced urban experiences. However, the country is also home to many smaller cities that provide an equally rich, yet more relaxed, student life. One example is Fulda.
Located between Frankfurt and Würzburg, Fulda may be small, but it’s full of surprises. Whether it’s paragliding or enjoying the local nightlife in the Bermuda Triangle, where pubs, bars and restaurants are lined up, this city has much to offer. Just ask Maria Laura Lopez Aguirre, who’s studying at Fulda University of Applied Sciences.
Aguirre went to a German school in Bolivia and earned her degree there. As a result, Germany became her number one choice. Source: Fulda University of Applied Sciences
Your home away from home
Aguirre always knew she wanted to study in Germany. “Studying abroad can be expensive,” she says. “But I knew that I could get a high-quality education in Germany without that extra financial stress.”
Fulda University, like many German public universities, doesn’t charge tuition fees.
Coming from a big city, Aguirre wanted something “less chaotic”, and Fulda offered exactly that. “Fulda is peaceful, welcoming, and affordable. Rent here is so much cheaper than in cities like Munich, and it’s easy to make connections,” she says.
That’s not to say she didn’t have second thoughts. At first, she was surprised by how small Fulda is and assumed there wouldn’t be much going on. But her worries didn’t last long. “From cultural festivals like Hochschultage to student gatherings, Fulda is the perfect mix of calm and fun,” she says.
It didn’t take long for her to find her favourite hangouts either. “There’s a cosy café up in Frauenberg and the sunset views are beautiful,” she says.
Aguirre also found a community in the McFit gym. “I teach Zumba classes there, and it’s amazing how dance has helped us connect, no matter where we’re from!”
Another thing she likes about Fulda? How simple it is to get around. The ICE (Intercity Express) trains make city-hopping easy: three hours to Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, and Munich, five to Paris and Brussels, and eight to London. “And with the Deutschlandticket, all I need is my student ID,” she says. “I’ve been to cities like Aachen, Mainz, Frankfurt and even Prague.”
That comfort and convenience have made her want to stay longer in Fulda. “I love having a Mensa (cafeteria) and the student-friendly environment,” she says. “That’s why I decided to do my master’s degree here.”
Fulda is surrounded by low mountains, with lots of green spaces where students can relax and hang out. Source: Fulda University of Applied Sciences
A world of possibilities for you
Aguirre first pursued a BSc in Dietetics — one of only two programmes of its kind in Germany. “It stood out to me because it combined nutrition therapy theory with hands-on clinical experience,” she says.
However, she soon realised she “wanted to explore a different direction, one that combined food with business.”
That’s when she found Fulda’s MSc in International Food Business and Consumer Studies. “At first, I liked the programme because it meant I could stay in Fulda,” she says. “But then I saw the food markets, consumer behaviour, and sustainability modules, and I realised how much they matched my interests.”
Aguirre is just as impressed with whatever Fulda offered beyond the classroom. “My class has students from at least eight different countries. It’s interesting to learn about different cultures just through day-to-day conversations or class discussions,” she says.
As a tutor in the International Office, Aguirre gets to help run orientation week. It’s her favourite part of the job. “It’s a great way to meet new students and help them settle in,” she says.
As an international student, Aguirre knows how important such initiatives are. From day one, she has received full support from faculty and staff here. She highlighted how without Helga Keil, a student coordinator, her journey here would not have been as seamless.
“She’s so passionate about what she does and is always there for us,” Aguirre says. “And since our programme is about 98% international students, the support is tailored to our needs, which is great.”
The university encourages networking with alumni to help students gain insights and open doors for future job opportunities as well. Thanks to this, Aguirre now feels more confident about her future. “I’m really interested in consumer behaviour and sustainable food marketing,” she shares. “I’d love to work in the marketing department of a food company.”
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