Blog

November 6, 2024

How I Found My Path to Germany with PingMe’s Help

By Akhil Raj

I'm Akhil Raj from Thalassery, Kannur, and like many students, I found myself at a crossroads after completing my B.Tech in Chemical Engineering. I was torn between pursuing a master’s degree or diving straight into the job market. Initially, the UK and USA seemed like the obvious choices for further studies, but the hefty fees and the fact that everyone was flocking there made me pause. It felt like I was just following the crowd.

Then, almost out of nowhere, Germany popped onto my radar. It was like that "aha" moment when the pieces finally clicked into place. After digging deeper, I quickly realized that Germany offered an affordable and solid path to higher education, and it became my top choice. However, navigating the admission process felt overwhelming, and that's where PingMe stepped in. They were like a guiding compass, helping me navigate the tricky application waters. From selecting the right program to managing all the paperwork, they made the whole journey smooth and stress-free.

 The Maze of Course Selection

I first heard about PingMe Study Abroad through a friend, and honestly, at that point, I was feeling pretty lost in the whole application maze. You know how it is—endless websites, tons of information, and no clear direction. My friend casually mentioned PingMe, and after hearing about their experience, I thought, why not give it a shot?

I reached out to PingMe, and right from the start, they felt more like a trusted guide than just another service. The main reason I decided to go with them was their affordability as most agencies were charging a lot for their services, but PingMe offered a much more reasonable option without cutting corners. When it came to selecting courses, they helped narrow things down. I had a rough idea of what I wanted, but they fine-tuned it and guided me toward programs that fit my background and goals.  Thanks to them, I found the ideal master’s program without all the second-guessing.

Securing Admission and Navigating APS and Blocked Account Process

After receiving my offer letter, which took about a month and a half to arrive from Ulm University for a Master’s in Chemical Engineering, the next significant steps in the process were obtaining the APS certificate and setting up a blocked account, two things I had little prior knowledge of but were essential for studying in Germany. The APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) certification is mandatory for students applying to German universities, as it evaluates your academic documents and qualifications to ensure they meet German standards. I initially planned to handle this myself, but the whole process seemed overwhelming. PingMe was a lifesaver, they guided me through the entire APS procedure, making sure I had the correct documents, understood the requirements, and followed the necessary steps within the deadlines. Even though I took the initiative to start the APS process, having PingMe’s expert advice along the way was invaluable. Their guidance ensured that I didn’t make any costly mistakes or miss any important details.

The blocked account, on the other hand, is a crucial part of the student visa process. It’s essentially a financial guarantee that proves you can support yourself while living in Germany, and you need to transfer a large amount of money into this account before applying for your visa. As someone doing this for the first time, I was anxious about transferring such a substantial sum. But once again, PingMe made the process feel manageable. They explained everything clearly on how to set up the blocked account, the steps for transferring the funds, and what to expect during the process. With their detailed guidance, I felt confident and well-prepared. They also helped me double-check everything to ensure that the transfer went smoothly and that I managed to complete it without any stress. Their support made what seemed like a daunting task much easier to handle, and I felt reassured knowing I had experts guiding me through each step.

Smooth and Quick Visa Process

When it came to the visa processing, I was nervous, especially with all the paperwork and deadlines involved. But honestly, it wasn’t as complicated as I thought. After getting my offer letter and setting up the blocked account, the next step was applying for a student visa. I applied in June, and even though I wasn’t available for the first slot they gave me, I quickly got a date for the second week of June.

The whole visa application process was smooth. I had PingMe double-check all my documents to make sure everything was in order before submission. Once the application was submitted, I was surprised at how fast things moved. The embassy process was super quick, and I got my visa in about six or seven working days. I was nervous the whole time, but the speed of the process and the reassurance from my team made it a lot easier to handle. It was a huge relief once I had that visa in hand.

Why I Recommend PingMe for Aspiring Study Abroad Students

I would recommend PingMe as one of the best study abroad agencies. They guided me through every step of the process, from selecting the right courses to managing the APS and blocked account, and even ensuring my visa application went smoothly. Their attention to detail and personalized support made what could have been a stressful experience feel manageable and seamless.

For those aspiring to study abroad, my suggestion would be to start early and do your research but also don’t hesitate to get help from a trusted agency like PingMe. They can save you a lot of time, reduce your stress, and help you avoid common mistakes. Stay organized, follow deadlines closely, and make sure you understand the visa and financial requirements well in advance. Finally, be patient things might take time, but with the right guidance, you’ll get there.