Studying abroad is a dream for many, but making it a reality takes effort, courage, and a bit of luck. Dilshod Davronov knew he wanted something more. Growing up in Samarkand, he set his sights on Germany, determined to build a future there. Today, as a student at the University of Potsdam, a top 20 university in Germany, he reflects on his journey—from learning German to adapting to a new way of life.

"I never stop developing myself," he says. "That’s why I moved to Germany—to seek new opportunities and build international connections."

The Journey to Germany

Dilshod's story began at Specialized School No. 51 in Samarkand, where he had a rare opportunity to learn German directly from native speakers. His passion and dedication paid off when he won the Republican German Language Olympiad, proving that he was ready to take the next step.

Since in German education system, Bachelor's programs are 3 years, and they require university preparatory program from Uzbekistani applicants, Dilshod first applied to a Studienkolleg program. Read our Germany Application Guide to learn more about Germany's education system and application process.

To prepare for university, he attended the Hannover Studienkolleg. After successfully completing it, he earned a place at the University of Potsdam, studying Politics and Economics. University of Potsdam is ranked among the best 200 universities.

Getting Accepted: Challenges and Requirements

Admission to a German university isn't easy. The most important requirement is a C1-level German language certificate. Grades also matter—a combination of high school and Studienkolleg scores determines eligibility. With a GPA of 1.5 (excellent), Dilshod was a strong candidate.

His prior experience with German made the transition easier. "In Samarkand, I had over 12 hours of German lessons per week, sometimes even more, with a teacher from Germany. That made adapting to studying in German much smoother."

Adjusting to University Life

One of the biggest challenges was the exam system. Back home, he was used to ticket-based exams, where students prepare for specific questions. In Germany, however, everything needs to be understood, not just memorized.

"You can’t predict what topics will be on the exam. Professors don’t just test what we’ve learned—they want to see if we truly understand the subject."

Lectures are structured—90 minutes long, with slides—but the exams require critical thinking. It took some time to adjust, but he learned to analyze and interpret information rather than just repeat facts.

Studying and Working at the Same Time

Dilshod’s first official job happened on his 18th birthday. Since then, he’s worked to finance his own needs. While he sometimes needed support from his parents, he now manages his own expenses.

He lives in a one-room apartment, covering rent, health insurance, and a semester fee of 332 euros. Though managing finances in a new country can be tough, he’s made it work.

Building a Future in Germany

Beyond academics, networking has been a huge part of his experience. "I already feel at home in Potsdam and Berlin, like they’re my own neighborhood. Meeting people opens doors, and my future looks completely different now because of it."

He plans to stay in Germany for at least 10 years. While he doesn’t see himself continuing in academia, he’s focused on self-growth and working for himself.

Advice for Future Students

1. Be genuinely interested in people. Showing curiosity and sincerity helps build strong relationships.

2. Take opportunities when they come. Success often depends on spotting and acting on the right chances.

3. Prioritize your well-being. Hard work is important, but so is taking care of yourself.

Bureaucratic Challenges & Student Life

The visa process was one of the few hurdles. "Back then, VisaMetric didn’t exist, so I had to deal directly with the embassy. The hardest part was traveling to Tashkent for appointments, but I saw it as an adventure."

Despite these small struggles, student life in Germany is full of activities. From university-organized events to student-only nightclubs, there’s always something happening.

Internships also played a role in shaping his career. While working at an insurance company, he gained experience in prioritization, negotiation, and communication.

Language & Culture

Fluency isn’t just about speaking - it’s about thinking in a language. "Believe it or not, sometimes I even dream in German. My brain processes it as naturally as Uzbek and Russian now."

Among his best German experiences was Oktoberfest 2023 in Munich. "It’s something you have to experience for yourself - words can’t fully describe it."

Experience with Globstudy

Dilshod appreciates the help he received from Jafarbek in writing his motivation letter. "I’m grateful for his guidance and wish him success in reaching even greater heights."

He’s also been impressed by Globstudy’s impact. "The numbers speak for themselves. So many students are now writing the most important chapters of their lives, studying across continents - thanks to Globstudy."

Dilshod’s journey is a proof of perseverance, adaptability, and ambition. Studying in Germany offers incredible opportunities, but it also requires effort and determination. If you're considering studying abroad, Globstudy can help guide you through the process, making it smoother and more achievable.