Since moving to Germany, I have spent a lot of time doing things I enjoy. Alongside exploring AI applications and machine learning on my own, I have traveled a lot and visited most of the Schengen countries, experiencing a way of life very different from the one I knew in Shanghai.
Looking back, though, there is one thing I did not take seriously enough: learning German.
For the most part, my German was good enough to get by. I could handle everyday situations, make appointments, and deal with basic paperwork. So I never felt a strong need to study it in a structured way.
That changed over the past year. I started having more contact with everyday life in Germany — the local city office, various specialists, dentists, and other situations where communication really matters. I found that my self-taught German could get me through most situations, but usually only with some preparation. More importantly, while I could manage everyday conversations, I often struggled when I wanted to talk about something deeper.
That made me realize that simply being able to get by is not the same as really being part of the life around you.
So, in 2026, I decided to take German seriously. I want to improve my language skills through structured training, not just to make everyday life easier, but to open up more possibilities to connect with people and become more involved in the local community.
Maybe that will mean volunteering. Maybe it will mean doing an Ausbildung in an area that interests me. I don’t know yet.
Starting in November, I will attend intensive German courses through next July. For me, this is more than just a language course. It is a decision to take a more active part in the life I have chosen to build in Germany.