My name is Nayan and I am a third year student, studying French and German at the university of Southampton. Currently I live in Munich and work for Fever Tree as a marketing intern, for my year abroad. I am only halfway through my placement however I thought I would share some insights into some cool experiences and life lessons I have learnt along the way so far: so feel free to have a read and if there are any questions please reach out to me !
From Uni life to a 9 – 5 lifeÂ
This was probably the biggest difference that no amount of preparation would have aided me. Moving from the university life to the 9-5 life felt strange initially. After 2 years of lectures, deadlines and a more flexible lifestyle, adjusting to a full time work rhythm required a mental shift. But im naturally quite organised and once i found my rhythm it became more bearable.Â
As i mentioned previously, I am currently doing a work placement for Fever-Tree, working as a marketing intern. The work is a nice blend of the mundane intern typical work with exciting projects that contribute to larger expansion plans in Germany. Some days involved admin tasks like updating email signatures or creating new business cards, other days im creating digital playbooks for menu cards to support the sales team. Its satsifying and fulfilling knowing the work I do can make a profound impact to the sales teams here.Â
Munich as a city
Munich itself i feel plays a pivital role in making this transition between uni and work life a lot easier. There exists some sort of unspoken understanding that both work and life matters and the balance feels natural and easy to adjust to. Furthermore I would personally advocate that it the city is an incredible place to live in. I live in a student friendly area outside the university and its honestly ideal: everything i could need is nearby- shops, bars, gyms and the rent is very reasonable for a city like munich in regards to its surroundings
Language, work and small wins
One of the most attractive aspects about Germany is the punctuality and politness. People mean what they say, show up when they say they will and expect the same from you. What’s been even more reassuring is how forgiving people are when you make language mistakes. As a language student myself, it means a lot. Germans recognise when you’re trying and they genuinely want to help.Â
At work the German language and unfamiliar systems were challenging at the beginning. But halfway through the placement i can confidently say that my knowledge in both areas has improved drastically. Progress creeps up on you quietly until one day you realise you are no longer translating everything in your head.
People make the placeÂ
I live with 4 other people, all from different international backgrounds. It’s one of those setups that just works. Being surrounded by so many languages has been a bonus – I even get to practice my French at home.
We’ve shared countless nights out and random memories, but one evening stands out: celebrating Diwali together over a curry. Great food, great company and a feeling of geniune connection. Moments like that remind you that living abroad isnt just about the place – it is about the people you share it with.
Oktoberfest : A Dream Lived Out
Oktoberfest deserves its own section – for anyone that wants a cultural shock this is the place to go. Nothing like this exists on the planet and i can’t reccomend it enough – and besides the beer lovers there is so much more to it than that , albeit the tents with music and food and drink is my highlight.
The tent experience is indescribeable. Walking into what feels like several theme parks rolled into one space, massive beer tents holding tens of thousands of people, everyone dressed in traditional lederhosen and dirndls, loud music from morning until night – it felt like stepping into a dream.
I still remember negotiating the price of my lederhosen in German, a small victory I was very proud of, Stepping into the tent, ordering that first beer and sitting back to watch the night unfold is a memory I know I’ll carry with me forever.
Experiencing Oktoberfest with work made it even better. Free beers aside, bonding with colleagues and singing German songs at the top of our lungs – songs i spent days learning the lyrics to-Â was something special. I also learned quickly that Oktoberfest has its own unspoken rules and traditions. Get into a tent early, stay there and enjoy it all. By the end, I felt like i’d earned the right to organise a future trip myself.
Saying Yes to the Night
One of the most memorable moments in Munich started as a solo night out. I went to a rave, my favourite house music playing, completely in my element. I met new people, moved between clubs and somehow ended up getting home at 8 am – just in time to get ready for work.
Hungover doesn’t begin to describe it. But that night led to friendships that have since turned into wilder stories and shared memories. It reinforced something important : do what you genuinely enjoy and you will naturally meet people who are on your wavelength.
For anyone about to go on this experience !!!
If you are a student thinking about a placement or year abroad, my biggest advice is simple : treat it like the once in a lifetime opportunity that it is.
Enjoy everything – the awkward beginnings, the friendships, the language mistakes. Speaking the language will come easier than you think, so do not stress about being perfect. The more you speak the better it gets.
Make memories, be present and try your best. Most importantly, do not change yourself to fit in. Be yourself and the right people will find you. If you do it right, you will end up having such a good year that part of you will always wish you could stay just a little bit longer.Â
Munich has taught me a lot : it has taught me balance, confidence and how much can happen when you say yes more often.Â
And the greatest thing ? I’m only halfway through ….