Many students dream of going abroad to pursue their studies. And when it comes to foreign education, the European nations are one of the best choices due to their fee structure and overall syllabus and curriculum. Plus, other factors also make them a cheery pick for many people, like their rich history and beautiful culture.
Germany is one example of a European country where many students aim to pursue higher studies. And there are many reasons apart from its world-class education why you might want to go there. From the breathtaking landscapes to the local towns, or the recreational spots like museums, escape rooms, and themed parks, there is plenty of attractive locations and cultural icons that you can experience visiting there.
But what the nation values above all are its international students who participate in the German global educational projects to study there. It creates a rich and diverse multinational student hub, where many races, nationalities, religions, and ethnicities join to pursue wisdom and receive a memorable experience.
So if you are planning to choose Germany as your destination for international studies, you should try to understand their culture and how one can adjust there. And since it is about your career, you should also take extra measures to make your stay enjoyable amidst the workload and the pressure of excelling academically in a foreign country and balancing your life. So, here are some points that you should keep in mind when you visit Germany to make your stay there is exciting and funfilled:
Be punctual in your work and studies
Germans are all about punctuality (Pünktlichkeit) and consider it a rude attitude when someone is lax with their time management or shows up a few minutes late to an event. It could be a class, a meeting with friends, or a doctor’s appointment. They are strict and methodical with their routine and consider punctuality a part of their culture. But don’t let this fact make you believe that they are hard rocks who shun people who get late and enjoy punishing them. It is something that they believe in and practice daily, so if you are going to study in Germany, make sure to stay punctual and well-organized and plan your workday and social life to get the best out of your situation.
Learn German as an asset
Many degrees provide learning German as a side course or as part of an elective program. But it might not always work out as not all degrees have additional German language classes. In such situations, it is always beneficial to learn German on your own as a bonus because it is a valuable asset for you in the country. You can interact better with more people like the locals and feel more comfortable in your stay because of the hassle-free communication and clear understanding with others around you.
Don’t stress out with the paperwork
Once you step into Germany, get ready to face the load of bureaucratic paperwork. From visa documents to bank account papers, you name it. And that’s why you should start working on adjusting to their workload in your daily life as you also rush to study and catch up with your syllabus. The best solution in this situation is to face the challenge and not stress about getting your paperwork done. Plan a timetable to include them based on their urgency and get them done without procrastination. Once they clear, you will be good to go again.
Find German roommates
You can choose from your university dorms or private quarters for living while pursuing your studies in Germany. The hostels at the university are cheaper, but you will find more comfort and freedom in the private accommodation. In either of these cases, you will have a roommate to share the space. And if they are Germans, things will become easier for you. They can help you learn their language and give you insightful tips about the locality and how you can manage yourself and adjust well without much stress.
Try to participate in WG parties
WG (Wohgnemeinschaft), or apartment sharing, is a culture that brings international and regional students together under one roof. Everyone gets to bond with other like-minded people amidst going to classes, sharing rents, and upkeeping the space together. And WB parties make a significant part of the German school culture. They help you socialize and provide an ideal time for unwinding from your hectic working schedule.
Tuition is not always free, and accommodation will be challenging
Germany provides one of the best education facilities and trades high-quality options to its students at a reasonable price. However, not all education is free. Only a select few programs have tuition-free services in public universities. And you have to pay a suitable amount for any course in private universities.
You will also find accommodation challenging because not all universities provide dorm facilities to their students to let them stay on campus. There are private and shared flats that you can share, but you will have to get on the apartment hunting early for getting a decent staying space.
Enjoy lazy Sundays with the folks
Like many countries, Sunday is reserved for quietness and rest in Germany. The locals make great efforts to value their Sunday peace. Most shops stay closed, and people prefer to spend time with their families. As international students, your dorm mates are your family, so invest in spending quality time with them. You can explore the rich German culture and form deep bonds with your friends and schoolmates on these slow and quiet days.
Utilize the grant opportunities available
There are many grants and scholarships that Germany facilitates for its international students. No matter your field, whether engineering, medicine, art, literature, etc., you can always find an excellent grant or scholarship-providing organization in the country. They also provide decent funds that can make your stay as a student in Germany more pleasing and stress-free. Just stay alert to the deadlines and do a thorough checking before applying to any of them. You can take help from your German classmates and professors to guide you in this matter.
Final Thoughts
Germany is a hotbed of opportunities and various career options. There are business ties and associations with a world-class educational system that helps you explore the best to achieve your aim. Adjusting to a new environment isn’t easy and takes time. But if you learn to utilize the excellent career prospects by following some steps during your foreign study, you can make your educational experience enjoyable and memorable. And once the semester ends, it won’t be a surprise that you wouldn’t want to leave the place.