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Studying in the USA: The end of longing?
🇩🇪 Germany /Culture & Society

Studying in the USA: The end of longing?

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Two German students, Janik Ludwig and Jannik Abt, pursued advanced studies at elite US universities, Berkeley and Harvard, respectively.
  • Ludwig, a biology student at LMU Munich, found US research resources seemingly unlimited for developing alternative fuels.
  • Abt, studying political science and theology at Harvard, described it as the world's most stimulating environment for discussing politico-religious issues.

The allure of American higher education continues to draw ambitious German students seeking unparalleled research opportunities and intellectual stimulation. Janik Ludwig, a 26-year-old biology student from LMU Munich, spent several months at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2025. He described the Californian elite university as offering a "California dream," with a leading supervisor, an international research environment, and seemingly limitless resources for his work on alternative fuels.

Ludwig contrasted the extensive resources available in the US with the more constrained conditions he perceived in German research groups. He felt the American setting provided a significant advantage for his innovative work, aiming to develop fuels that could eventually power ships, aircraft, and even rockets.

much stronger restrictions

— Janik LudwigDescribing the perceived limitations of German research groups compared to US institutions.

Similarly, 25-year-old Jannik Abt pursued studies at Harvard University, focusing on political science and theology. Abt lauded Harvard as the "most beautiful place in the world" for his academic pursuits. He stated that nowhere else are politico-religious questions discussed at such a high level, highlighting the unique intellectual environment he found at the prestigious institution.

nowhere else are politico-religious questions discussed at such a high level. For me, Harvard is the most beautiful place in the world.

— Jannik AbtExpressing his high regard for the intellectual environment at Harvard University.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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