Germany has a lot to offer foreign students whether you are a first-year student or postgraduate. There more than 300 universities and colleges, offering classical subjects such as Medicine, Business, Engineering, Law, and many more disciplines available to a very high standard.
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German Education System
German universities are open to anyone who is able to fulfill the prerequisites and academic freedom is a basic principle of the German academic system.
Studying in Germany needs an understanding of the different type of school system that the country has. The German school system has three kinds of schools that provide training for vocational and academic courses. The Gymnasium is a nine-year secondary school curriculum that prepares the students for higher studies in a university. There are many study abroad students in these gymnasiums and Germans account for only about 30% of the student population in these schools.
The curriculum is divided in to three categories. These are language, art and literature, social sciences and mathematics, science and technology. The system allows for a lot of educational freedom and therefore all students, including study abroad students are allowed to choose certain subjects from among the three categories that have been listed.
Disciplines like art, architecture, music and physical education do not form part of the curriculum and need to be pursued outside of the study abroad program if you are interested. Most of the classes in these schools are conducted in German and therefore knowledge of the language is a must for study abroad in Germany at this level.
But the requirement is different for the higher-level courses and the new bachelors and masters degree system are similar to those of the rest of Europe. The study abroad share of Germany now is now about 10% from among all the students that go to another country to study for any study abroad program. This is mainly due to the rigor that is followed in the system that has been heavily influenced by German education reformist Wilhelm von Humboldt who believed in integrating research and learning and also in the freedom of education.
Reasons to Study in Germany
Germany is also one of the preferred locations for study abroad since it is one country where most of the universities do not charge a tuition fee for the courses and though this has changed due to a recent decree, the charge is still nominal at 500 EUR per semester.
Germany also has a national agency that has been created to support to students who want to engage in high school study abroad or enroll in a high school summer study abroad program or any other study abroad program for that matter. This agency called the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the main and authentic source of all information that any study abroad student may need.
Courses
There are about 300 plus institutes that provide higher education in traditional disciplines like engineering and science. These disciplines have been and still are the forte of German institutions.
However, realizing the impact that great personalities like Bach, Beethoven Kafka, Leibniz and Marx have had on their society, other curriculums like humanities and art have also been included in regular and study abroad programs. There are also small high school summer abroad programs that teach you to appreciate the art and literature of the country.
The country also has Fachhochschule Institutions which are great for people who are looking at high school summer study abroad programs. These are shorter courses and have a vocational inclination and involve courses like applied science. These study abroad programs lay stress on independent study by preparing reports, attending lectures and group discussions and completing projects.
Best Universities in Germany for International Students
Although there are options to study in Germany for foreign students in many unique, beautiful, and historic cities like Dresden and Tübingen, the largest number of semester abroad programs can be found in the capital Berlin.
In addition to the traditional education you’ll get in school, study in Berlin offers students an exciting opportunity for real world education, as you can live within walking distance of the site of one of the biggest historical markers of the late 20th century – the dismantling of the Berlin Wall.
Two of today’s most respected American schools have excellent Germany study abroad programs which are hosted by Albert Einstein’s alma mater Humboldt University.
Brown University’s Brown in Germany program offers a semester abroad program and a yearlong program, both of which require extensive German coursework for acceptance.
New York University’s NYU in Berlin program has less stringent language requirements and offers both semester, year-long, and summer abroad programs.
Language
Most courses offered to international students are in English, but if you do know German, lots more courses are available. If you want to improve your language skills view our guide to the best language schools in Germany.
Visa
To obtain a student visa for study abroad in Germany you will need to prove you know how to speak in German and also provide documentation of past academic record.
A tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa and though a 3-month student visa can be obtained fairly easily and quickly, a long-term commitment to study abroad in Germany may need a visa for study abroad purpose that is valid for a year, which may take some time.
To get information on the specific documents that are required, you should contact the Foreign Students Office (‘Akademisches Auslandsamt’) at the university administration office. Students from United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan, Switzerland, and the EU countries can apply for their residence permit after entering Germany.
Safety
Germany is one of the safest countries in Europe but before you depart you should have a list of important phone numbers and information.
Scholarships
For helpful financing tips for your Germany study abroad adventure there is financial aid, grants and scholarships available to foreign students.
Travel and Free Time
If you study in Germany, make it a point to stay in the country a little longer to explore the glorious natural scenery, historical landmarks, and breathtaking architecture.
Germany has to offer a lot to visitors, including the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest for the nature lovers, cities like Berlin with historical locations like Checkpoint Charlie for those interested in the cold war and the Brandenburg Gate. Munich is perfect for its symphonies and orchestras.
Other places to visit are the Romantic Road, the Castle Road, the Dresden Royal Palace, the Zwinger Palace and many other churches and museums that will make you relive history.
The ultimate attraction for Germany study abroad students, especially those who study for the fall semester abroad, is a stop at Oktoberfest. This annual celebration attracts revelers from all over the world to eat, drink, and be German, if only for a day!
Getting Around
Rail systems, like the Intercity trains that connect German cities together and the Eurocity trains that connect Germany to cities to neighboring European countries, make travel simple for Germany study abroad students. If the train doesn’t interest you, then you may be intrigued by the thought of driving on a little freeway system called the Autobahn, whose routes crisscross north and south, east and west throughout the country of Germany.
But before you rent a car and hit the road flying, you should know that there are, contrary to popular belief, many rules and regulations for driving the Autobahn, especially concerning speed limits along many stretches of road. Consult your rental car company in Germany for more details. Before you drive, remember that a memorable experience living abroad is dependant upon your personal study abroad health safety info and safety.
You could book Germany tours to discover the highlights.