Germany vs Italy: Which is good for international students?

Question

Germany is a popular study destination but Italy also seems to get more attention amongst international students. So can anyone please tell between which country is relatively better for international students among Germany and Italy? Considering the aspects like student life, cost of living, career opportunities, etc. #Germany #italy

Arjun Aravind · Answer

Hi Ashlesha!
It is quite true that both Italy and Germany are quite famous for international students, but the reasons are pretty different. The universities in Italy excel at courses which are quite different from that of Germany. Its quite well known by now that Germany is a powerhouse for Engineering, Science and Technology. Italy on the other hand is very good in terms of literature, arts, fashion, philosophy, music, history, food and culture. Not to say that either of those are bad in any other topics, but this is what they excel at, and the students go to these countries to pursue what they are truly interested in.
Germany is a great country when it comes to balancing social life and studies and so is Italy. Student life is something that you really can not compare, because it is self dependent. You will have to get used to learning their local language in order to fit in better however. 
Cost of living is kind of a mixed bag. Some aspects are costlier in Germany like housing and rent, whereas restaurant and groceries cost more in Italy. Again, this isn't a major difference like comparing USA and India, since they are both well developed countries in Europe, it would differ by a few Euros that is all. In terms of career too, for the fields that each country is popular in, you are bound to find good opportunities. Germany has large industries and is great for mechanical, automobile, automation, robotics, mechatronics etc. and Italy has some of the best job opportunities in the fields of culinary arts, fashion, art, literature and more.
So at the end of the day, it is more about what you choose to pursue, rather than which country is better!