I moved from the US to Germany for college. Tuition is mostly free, but I miss the American school spirit.

When I first noticed that no one really wanted to make small talk, I thought it was rude. But I learned that it’s just a different culture.

In the US, it’s also common to compliment people in the street. It took me a while to realize that I should stop because they might think I was lying or weird.

There are perks to studying in Germany

I like that the professors here don’t monitor everything students do and take attendance at every class. It’s not a big deal if you miss a lesson.

I took classes in the US where the final grade would drop if more than three were missed. In Germany, students learn what they must study and what’s best for them. Everyone can study at their own pace.

The grading system in Germany can be more stressful. In Michigan, you can do homework and essays and still get a good grade, even if you bomb the final. But at my school, at least, grades rely solely on the final exam. Students may study hard for the entire semester — but what matters is the score on that one exam.

Fees have been the biggest perk. Tuition in Germany is almost free for all students. I pay a social contribution fee of around $330 per semester, which goes toward public transport costs.

Students here don’t end up with thousands of dollars worth of debt. Everyone has a better chance of getting a higher education, and that’s something I don’t take for granted — especially after previously seeing the prices in the US.

Studying in Germany taught me to be independent

As a student in Germany, I had to make phone calls in German to book healthcare appointments or make restaurant reservations and go to these appointments alone. Even after three years of officially living here, it’s hard for me to do things like that.

I definitely cried a lot trying to figure out how to live in a different country and study in a different language. Still, it’s easier now than when I first moved here.

I have worked hard to be independent, and moving to a different country sped up that process. It would’ve been an easier transition with help, but it’s been really rewarding to be able to build up a life here on my own.

Do you have a story about choosing to attend college outside the US that you want to share? Get in touch with the reporter, Erin: eliam@businessinsider.com.