Learning German

Okay! You got me! I came to Germany to see Daily Terror, one of my fave punk bands.

Seriously, although I heard some bad rap in the education here, I decided to stay to check it out first. I want to study German. And what better way to study but in the native country where I can practice and learn more with the locals. In Switzerland, Belgium, Turkey, Croatia, Russia and Kazakhstan along with numerous countries this language is spoken.

I also want to visit the famous tourist attractions while I?m here. See Neuschwanstein, a fairy tale castle of King Ludwig II, Marienplatz in Munich, or Church of Our Lady in Dresden! There are so may things to do while I?m here, immersing myself with the traditional lifestyle of Germans is a novel experience for me.

Admittedly, most find the German language quite difficult to master and intimidating. As like learning any language I have to practice and use it (and not revert to speaking in English) to hasten my progress.

Studying in Germany does not necessarily come cheap, the cost of standard living here is higher, that is why I advise to those who intends to pursue a degree here that do an extensive research first, be ready with health insurance, get a good accommodation (so be here at least weeks before the semester begins, in the meantime travel around, visit some local pubs while you?re at it) because German universities do not have campus system,
Majority of students rent rooms or flats to cut costs. And this is a nice way of getting acquainted with fellow tourist and not feel so lonely. Although unlike in many progressive countries, Germany?s public schools are better than private ones.

I must remind you that entrance and residency for international students that a Residence permit Visa is mandatory, passport, certification of their qualifications, proof of confirmed admission to a university and notably, proof of sufficient financial funds as there are strict rules regarding foreign students working without a work permit.

All has been said and done, learning German language is beautiful as the country is too.

HELLO GERMANY!

Looking for a good school in Germany is not that hard for the reason that most universities there are internationally known and certified. As a matter of fact, Ten German Universities were on the 2006 list of top 200 universities in the world.

But as a foreign student, there are certain adjustments that I had to make. I am new to everything here. But lucky for me, most Germans I met are nice, though I had to communicate with a lot of hand gestures since I hardly know a word of their native language, let alone speak it. But still I chose Germany because I fell in love with it many years ago, the first time I saw the pictures of my close friend in one of his trips abroad. I dreamt that someday I will get to visit but I never thought that I would go ahead and be a student!

One of the things that got to me was the country?s majestic castles and old towns. It looked so romantic and having a penchant for anything historical, Germany has charmed its way into my heart. I got some tour package with two of my friends and went on to tour the country.

I know that living and studying fees in Germany are way higher than most, but hey it?sall worth it! I got to see Dinkelsb?hl and N?rdlingen, such quaint towns! Neuschwanstein Castle, Nymphenburg Palace in the city of Munich and Linderhof Castle. Everythings so grand and grandiose! And having friends who are almost residents here also helped.

MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME

I am studying in Germany and had been living here officially for almost a month now. Many would have asked me why here? There are other more obvious popular choices but Germany (I felt) was second home to me. Studying in Germany opened up my eyes.

Like in any other foreign countries; there were complexities that go along with living and studying in Germany since I am a foreign student. There were rules and regulations that were unfamiliar to me, and like anything that anyone?s not used to, I struggled. But I am getting a hang of it.

See, I had to be ahead for at least two weeks to find a good apartment to stay in while studying. The university system here was different from what I was used to. But good thing there were a lot of international students who were first-timers like me so it wasn?t that hard to befriend them. Also, I found out that many schools didn?t have fixed classes of students who study together and graduate together. So it?s only common for students to attend two, three or more different universities in the course of their studies. This kind if freedom is totally unfamiliar to a lot of countries. Students also typically change universities depending on their personal agendas and of course the strengths of each university.

In a way this is good because one can get the best learning tools from the best source although traveling form one class to another and not having a formal batch were a bit hard pill to swallow to some, but once you get used to it you would realize that it?s not that bad after all.