23M from the USA studying my masters in energy engineering in Munich, Germany.
I have enjoyed Munich so far (1 year in) and made some occasional, hang out sometimes on the weekends type friends, but no close friends I can talk to daily or every other day about anything deeper than surface level stuff. I am scared this will just continue if I choose to live here long term, as making friends in Germany without speaking German is notoriously hard. If I were offered an internship or full time position, I would make it a priority to learn German.
I was planning to go back to the US to start looking for jobs after graduating, but I might have an opportunity to intern and then maybe work at a famous Bavarian automotive company as a battery engineer. I love the benefits of working here and work-life balance, even at a lower salary. The salary at this company is also a bit higher than other companies in the region for my position.
This has got me thinking where would you guys recommend to stay?
Weather is not an issue for me as I really enjoy Munich’s weather — it is pretty similar to the Northeast where I’m from.
Thanks!
I think you should stay in Germany.
Just learn some German - it doesn’t have to be much, just make a start. I worked near Munich for a while and then lived in Hessen for many years - many/most Germans I met spoke English and many Germans were keen to practise their English with a native speaker. Also, Munich has residents from many different nations - your friendship group doesn’t have to be entirely German.
GO to the Netherlands, most people speak English and with your study you certainly will find work.