Insights and Advice for Prospective Students Considering Germany as a Study Abroad Destination
If you’re contemplating the idea of pursuing your studies in Germany, you’ve come to the right place! Gain valuable tips and advice from a Swedish student, who has firsthand experience in navigating the German education system. Whether you’re seeking guidance on making connections as an international student or simply curious about the duration of classes in Germany, Johan Jonsson’s encounters at Aachen University will provide you with the insights you need to comprehend the study experience in Germany.
Navigating Class Structure in Germany: Tips for Success
Maintaining focus during lengthy class sessions in Germany is essential, so make sure to fuel up and stay hydrated!
At my university in Germany, the weekly schedule remained consistent throughout the entire semester. While some classes extended up to four hours with a brief break, most classes lasted for two hours without any breaks.
It’s important to note that student interaction during, before, and after lectures was minimal, which might require some adjustment based on your accustomed learning environment. Lectures often accommodated around 1,000 students, while smaller courses typically had around 20 students, and higher-level courses could have even fewer participants.
During lectures, the instructors predominantly utilized PowerPoint presentations, fostering limited student-teacher interaction. However, teaching assistants frequently conducted exercises to provide students with an opportunity to apply the concepts taught in the lectures. Attending these additional exercises is highly recommended as they can greatly contribute to maintaining a strong grasp of the subject matter and staying on top of your studies.
Navigating the Student-Professor Dynamic and Grading System in Germany
As someone with a Swedish educational background, I noticed distinct differences in the formalities associated with German professors. When studying in Germany, it may appear that the student-professor relationship is highly formal, with lecturers holding authoritative positions. If you’re accustomed to a more egalitarian style, be prepared for a shift in dynamics.
The positive news is that most professors offer office hours, or their assistants hold sessions where you can seek clarification on course material. When studying abroad in Germany, attending these office hours is highly recommended. It allows you to gain insights into what the professor expects you to learn and what they deem essential. This knowledge not only enhances your chances of achieving better grades but also helps you establish a rapport with your professor.
Regarding the grading system, it’s crucial to dedicate ample time to studying, attending classes, and thoroughly preparing for significant exams. While some courses may involve projects or labs specific to the subject, the majority of courses rely on a single exam that determines your overall grade. Attendance is typically not mandatory for most courses, placing the responsibility squarely on your shoulders.
In German classrooms, course material is graded on a scale of 1-4, with 1 being the highest grade. It’s important to note that a grade of 4 is considered average in more challenging courses. Therefore, diligently working hard for your grades becomes imperative when studying in Germany.
German Language: Embracing Language Requirements and Cultural Immersion
To study in Germany, unless you are enrolled in a program specifically taught in English, proficiency in the German language is essential. While this may seem like an obvious point when offering study abroad advice, it’s crucial to understand that fluent German is expected from students enrolled in programs taught in the German language.
Even if you are part of an English-taught program while studying abroad in Germany, it’s highly recommended to learn some German phrases to demonstrate your efforts in engaging with the local language. Although English can be used to communicate in many situations, it’s important to note that not everyone may be willing to converse in English, especially within the university setting. Fortunately, there are abundant resources available to assist you in learning German before your departure.
Student Life in Germany: Embracing Opportunities and Building Connections
German universities offer a wealth of sports clubs and activities for students to join. During my time studying in Germany, I discovered numerous activities and fitness courses that were open for participation without any sign-up requirements.
Keep an eye out for events and actively engage in them! Making German friends is not a challenging task, but it does require stepping out of your comfort zone. In the location where I studied in Germany, there were a significant number of international students, particularly from Europe and Asia. There are countless reasons to choose Germany as your study abroad destination, and one of the most valuable tips for any destination is to wholeheartedly embrace student life and seize the opportunity to meet new people.
Navigating Student Accommodation and Holiday Breaks in Germany
Securing suitable accommodation in any study abroad destination can be a daunting task. Therefore, it is crucial to determine early on whether you need to register for university-provided housing or explore independent options.
During my studies, I applied for university accommodation; however, it’s important to note that acceptance is not always guaranteed, even for international students. Germany offers several accommodation choices for students. Most universities provide dormitories where students share communal kitchens, while shared apartments may also be available. Many students prefer to seek their own accommodation within the city.
Holiday breaks in Germany coincide with the academic calendar. Typically, university semesters are divided into a Spring term from April to the end of September, and an Autumn term from October to the end of March.
While it is undoubtedly tempting to take advantage of Germany’s central location in Europe and explore its incredible surroundings, it is crucial not to schedule any holiday trips until you have clarity on your examination schedule. If you’re fortunate, your exams will be arranged in a way that allows for a break between semesters. However, there is a possibility that your exams might be scheduled just before the commencement of the next semester. Staying organized and planning around attending all tests and classes in Germany is paramount.
Navigating Transportation and Daily Necessities in Germany
Getting around in Germany is convenient, thanks to the excellent public transportation systems in its cities. This makes it a budget-friendly country for students seeking an active lifestyle. When you study in Germany, you will receive a transport ticket that covers all travel expenses within the state for a semester. Therefore, it’s advisable to minimize the purchase of additional transport passes until you receive your complimentary ticket.
It’s important to note that depending on your country of origin, you might be surprised to find that many shops and services in Germany only accept cash payments. As someone coming from Sweden, this caught me off guard, and I had to adapt by ensuring I always had enough cash on hand to navigate the city. It seems that Germans have a strong preference for cash transactions.
Lastly, a crucial piece of advice among these study abroad tips is to avoid leaving your shopping until Sunday, and be prepared to pay in cash. Plan your shopping during the week or on Saturdays, as most establishments, including grocery stores, tend to be closed on Sundays in Germany.