How to Study Abroad in Germany

Germany's rich history is made ever more obvious by the juxtaposition of fairy-tale like castles, century old buildings, and modern architecture that dot its streets, making any old walk culturally dynamic and interesting. The country of Germany is sometimes referred to as "the heart of Europe," and rightly so, as its central location and varied natural landscapes make for a destination not worth overlooking.

Since the end of the 1980s, a more unified Germany has emerged on the international stage as one of the continent's largest economic players. Now a multicultural society, we hope you feel inspired by Germany's successes (especially if the lederhosen doesn't do it for you)!

The German government sponsors an independent organization known as DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) that provides information regarding studies in German higher education institutions. The association offers counseling services for students interested in joining the ranks of many international students to study in Germany, and will serve as a useful resource while you are in the decision making process.

Choosing a program

Many factors will influence your selection for a study abroad program in Germany. A handle of the language will undoubtedly make your experience studying there more interesting. Many students choose to study abroad in Germany solely for its central location and ease of transport to neighboring countries. However, there are many things to see in Germany, and its many diverse cities and regions should not be overlooked! To add to your study abroad experience in Germany, we recommend you think critically about the following factors.

1) Language: While English may be the most prominently used language in business, it is actually German that surges ahead as the most commonly spoken first language in Europe. It is spoken in the neighboring countries of Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and Belgium, as well as the smaller nations of Lichtenstein and Luxembourg. Want to see Europe on a grander scale? Prioritize studying German while you are in Germany, and take advantage of any available language classes or tutoring opportunities outside of your program's offering.

Germany is the land of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. Of precision engineering and hand crafts. Of the Biergarten, Weinstube, and Gemütlichkeit. Visitors from all over the world come to tour its renowned museums, see its delightful castles, cruise through the wine country along the Rhine and Mosel rivers, experience Oktoberfest in Bavaria, and hike and ski the Alps. -- IES Abroad

2) Housing: Choosing where to set up camp during your time abroad will affect the outcome of your experience. Some students opt to live with other students participating in their study abroad program, building relationships with friends from their home university or from their home country. Other students prefer living in international student dormitories, as the environment is cosmopolitan, challenging, and inspiring. Still other students swear by homestays for more cultural immersion and support for language acquisition.

Regardless of where you decide to live, feel motivated to take advantage of opportunities to expose yourself to the local culture. Some programs will give you many options for your living preference, such as CEA's Berlin program. Other programs, such as IES Abroad's semester in Freiburg already organize living in a private suite with German or international roommates. There are a wide variety, so research will be your best method for deciding which living situation fits you best. EuroLearn explains;

Throughout history, Germany has had a major impact on the rest of the Western world, culturally, politically, and economically. With 30 recognized UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Germany is the perfect place to study abroad and witness this fascinating history through the exploration of its enchanting medieval castles, towns, cathedrals, and Roman ruins.

3) Immersion and cultural activities: Germany has a plethora of museums, forests, and small cities all worth visiting. While some students prefer to organize these excursions on their own, some do not even know where to start.

That's where programs step in. Some study abroad providers will do the work for you - planning events and weekend activities to complement your studies. IES Abroad's Berlin program offers an optional week-long trip around central Europe. EuroLearn takes it a step further by allowing students to select up to three different cultural activities in addition to the included four.

Reflect on your degree of interest in being responsible for organizing your own activities. Sometimes, it is nice to have another person do all the planning so you can just enjoy, while other times you are taken to a place you would not have liked to go in the first place. Familiarize yourself with activity schedules so you can make the right decision.

City or college town?

More than 80% of the German population live in an urban environment. That being said, it is easy to imagine the differences that abound when considering what part of country to study abroad in.

BERLIN: Known as a cultural powerhouse, the city of Berlin is robust with museums, cultural sights, theaters, restaurants, and night clubs. Berlin has frequently hosted unique festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions, and is the epicenter of the recently unified nation. Lovers of creativity will find Berlin to be mesmerizing. Full of both historic and modern architecture, you can see Germany's diverse populations here first-hand.

MUNICH: Located in the southern part of Germany, this big city offers more than just an annual beer fest. Home to the largest student population in the country, you and your friends can spend your free time exploring some of Germany's most beautiful gardens, decorated orchestras, and Baroque architecture. Known for being a friendly city, Munich is an unforgettable city in Germany's Bavarian-influenced region.

FRANKFURT: Frankfurt has become a economic powerhouse for western Germany with a booming business center. This metropolis is steeped with history, and the skyline of its financial district simply enchants. Shopping and jazz are also a mainstay in Frankfurt culture – it’s said that the city center's Zeil is the busiest retail street in all of Germany! Sip on locally brewed apple wine as you soak in this big city's small town feel.

Language and Customs

Germans are known for being hardworking and efficient - you will not find afternoon naps or late arrivals in this work-oriented nation. Its dedication to timeliness is seen best in the punctuality of its transit system (a tip that will come in handy if you're running a little late for your weekend train!)

The Renaissance played an important part in Germany's history and continues to be influential today, as many famous pieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Monet, among others, can be found in one of Germany's abundant museums. Even contemporary modern art has made a name for itself, with pop artists like Warhol and Lichtenstein proudly showcased. An appreciation for art is an understatement for the German people.

Beer and Volkswagens are not the only great things Germany has to offer the world. Spend your Euros wisely and invest in a semester of study in this lively nation!

Scholarships

Since financing all of those weekend jaunts to nearby places or second servings of sausage may cost a pretty penny, these scholarship may be worth applying to help offset your costs.

• German Academic Exchange Service: Offers nearly 10 different types of scholarships, grants, and fellowships for study and research in Germany. Undergrads to doctorate students are eligible for these awards, and the support ranges from 3-week courses to enough to support an academic year abroad.
• Congress - Bundestag Youth Exchange Program: This all-inclusive scholarship program facilitates cultural exchange for American and German young adults in a variety of fields, and is a year long program that includes support for intensive language instruction, university classes, and an related internship.
• Are you a part of the national German honor society, Delta Phi Alpha? If so, hightail it over to their website and apply for one of their scholarships, available to undergraduate student members wishing to further their German studies with research and study abroad in a German-speaking country.