My father followed a similar path but with an additional graduate time in the US and would agree. However, he might also start to waffle (on par with his heimat) when considering what $60,000 per annum might buy at a European school. When we are comparing a dirt cheap apartment or “kot” at a few hundred dollars a month to a $15,000 room and board, we might miss the point.
What would a student armed with a 12,000 dollars budget per 4-6 month stay buy in terms of food and lodging, plus entertainment and travel?