Travel With a Purpose – Germany!

Germany, Travel With A Purpose

Germany is more than lederhosen and giant pretzels. After all, with a reputation for engineering and good design, Germans invented cars, computers, television, .mp3 music files, and HARIBO Gummi bears. A powerhouse of cultural heritage, some of the world’s most significant thinkers, writers, musicians, inventors, and scientists have come from Germany. You will encounter fairytale forests, rugged mountains, and enchanting castles waiting to be explored. Discover the art of being German by spending long evenings discussing ideas in quaint beer halls with your new friends.

What to expect while living in Germany

Learning the language. If you study or live in Germany, it will be helpful to learn the language. You will discover its richness, flexibility, and übercool concept words, such as Futterneid (food envy). In German you can invent your own concept words as you string together any nouns you please into one big word.

Relaxing in the sauna. Germans may work hard, but they also know how to relax and enjoy life. You can heat up in the sauna, and for a great price – typically 15-25 Euro for a three-to-four hour time block.

Diversity of food and beer. You can expect a wide range of food and beer depending on where you are in Germany. You will find that most foods are natural, fresh, and not designed for long-term storage. Shop every few days in small batches for what you need. Some of the staples include:

• Beer – Let’s face it, Germany is the land of outstanding beer. Look out for local brews from your area – they are by far the tastiest.
• Dairy products – The cheese, yogurt, creams, milk, and ice cream are out of this world.
• Bread – Stop by your local bakery every day for a mouth-watering selection of fresh breads and pastries.
• Roasted chicken – Many beer gardens and restaurants serve delicious roasted chicken.
• Schnitzel - Breaded meat (pork or turkey) that is pounded thin and pan-fried.

Outdoor activities. With the Alps in the south, rolling hills in the center, and flat land and seascapes in the north, Germany offers a variety of landscapes for outdoor fun. You can bike, ski, hike, kayak, swim, or participate in several other outdoor activities as you satisfy your wanderlust.

Tips and advice for living in Germany

1. Don’t be intimidated by that German reserve. Germans are more slow and considered with their relationships and have a sharper distinction between public and private life. It may take them awhile to warm up, but if you are patient, you may just find you have loyal soul friends for life.
2. Use the transit system. The German train and bus system is excellent, efficient, and well connected. Hop on those trains and see the country!
3. Get a bike. Go local and ride a bike to get around town. Germans are active people and use their bikes for both recreation and necessities such as grocery shopping and commuting to work or school.
4. Dress up. Germans take care of their appearance and dress in casual, simple sophistication. They typically wear slim-leg pants and jeans. Keep your athletic shoes at home unless you are working out. Girls, throw on a cute scarf and wear ballerina flats or boots. Guys, wear dark (brown or black) leather sport shoes.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

What to see in Germany

Berlin. Visit Berlin, and all your ideas about Germany may be redefined. Dynamic, edgy, and by no means stuck in its complicated past, it is one of the most exciting cities in Europe. Be sure to check out the East Side Gallery to see art on one of the last remaining segments of the Berlin Wall. Follow with a bohemian evening at Tacheles Tower, a run-down building where artists squat and display their wares. Go to the back lot for beer and music.

Map of Germany

Studying Abroad in Germany

The Program: EuroLearn and Freie Universität Berlin - EuroLearn
Where: Berlin
The Lowdown: It's no wonder why Europe is among many students' top choices to study abroad. The region is filled with fascinating cultures, languages, architecture, art, history, and so much more! EuroLearn's direct enrollment programs give you the opportunity to choose from a range of academic areas, live and study alongside local students, and immerse yourself in European culture.

Teaching in Germany

The Program: Camp Counselors for Holiday Camps - Sunflower-Sprachcamps
Where: Dusseldorf
The Lowdown: Sunflower-Sprachcamps offers English and French holiday camps for German kids at the age of 7 to 15 in the region of the European capital of culture 2010, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The camps take place during the summer holidays of this region in youth clubs (day camps) and youth hostels (overnight camps). The program of the camps consists games (indoor games, outdoor games, language games), sports, arts and crafts, singing and dancing, theatre /sketches.

Volunteering in Germany

The Program: Long-Term Projects in Germany - United Planet
Where: Essen, Berlin
The Lowdown: Germany is known for its thick and complicated past, and with many changes to the national psyche, Germany is stepping into the future. You can help with this process. With more than 35 volunteer opportunities, Germany is ready to host you.

Work with animals, children, the disabled, sports, the community, human rights or many other categories in this central European tourist attraction home to Ludwig Van Beethoven, Bach, Fahrenheit, Gutenberg, Einstein, Benz, and Porsche.