Studying in Germany is a whole new experience, especially if you live in the Middle East. It involves a different culture, language, and way of life. It can be quite scary, and you need to prepare yourself before stepping foot in Germany. Don’t worry, we are here to give you a complete guide to studying in Germany to get you set and ready to go.
1. Education System:
The education system in Germany is one of the best in the world. German people are known to be disciplined and organized, which also applies to the education system there. It offers high-quality education and rich practicality. Germany has more than 400 institutions of higher education that always push their students to be better by using critical thinking and hands-on experience. These German institutions and universities cover a wide range of courses, and the public ones do not charge tuition fees at all.
The academic year in Germany is divided into semesters in winter and summer with breaks. Also, grading and assessment can be different because 1.0 means excellent and 5.0 means fail in German universities.
Germany has multiple globally recognized universities, and some of them are:
- Technical University of Munich (TUM): in engineering and technology.
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU): in humanities and natural sciences.
- Heidelberg University: in medicine and the sciences.
- RWTH Aachen University: in engineering and applied sciences programs.
- Humboldt University of Berlin: in humanities.
- University of Bonn: in life science.
2. German Culture and Language:
German people are known to appreciate discipline and efficiency, and it’s essential to show respect for their lifestyle. What can break the ice a little bit is learning their language and embracing their nature. You may be studying a program in English in Germany, but it will be a necessity to learn German someday just to manage everyday interactions successfully. It will also help you with finding a part-time job and building connections. Learning German can be done easily through apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and YouTube German courses. A tiny piece of advice is to remember to always respect your time and German people’s time and always be direct.
3. Accommodation:
As a student in Germany, you will have to find a nice place to stay. Some places can be expensive like private flats but don’t worry, there are a lot of other affordable options. It’s advisable to start searching before getting to Germany. You can search for places like:
- Private flats: More expensive but provide independence and flexibility.
- Shared flats: by sharing an apartment with others to save money.
- Student dormitories which are managed by German universities or private organizations, are the most affordable option but you must apply early.
4. Job Opportunities and Salaries:
There are a lot of working opportunities offered for students and graduates in Germany. Foreigners like international students are allowed to work without getting approval for a work permit throughout the year for a total of 120 full days or 240 half-days, and this allows the students to find a part-time job to manage their expenses. After completing your studies, Germany offers 18 months of job-seeking visa to find full-time employment. You can get a good starting salary in the range of €45,000-€55,000 annually in many fields but note that salaries vary depending on the industry, region, and size of the company.
5. What Not to Do in Germany:
- Don’t overlook the value of your education.
- Don’t forget to bring cash.
- Don’t Work Under the Table: There are restrictions on how many hours you may work that are outlined in your visa.
- Don’t miss the university’s deadlines.
- Don’t Forget to Budget: Tuition may be free in public universities in Germany, but not living expenses, accommodations, and transportation.
Studying in Germany is an experience worth living, and that’s why we are offering a complete guide for you to make the most of it. If you dream of living and studying in Germany, all you have to do is fill out This Form and we will be happy to reach out and assist you in every step.
