Study in Germany for foreign students can seem like a fairytale because Germany’s exquisite baroque architecture, sprawling medieval castles, and hauntingly beautiful Black Forest look like something from a child’s picture book. But there’s so much more that study in Germany can offer. There are scores of excellent schools and esteemed German study abroad programs, as well as hearty and delicious cuisine like Bratwurst and schnitzel. Oh, and don’t forget the greatest festival known to man or student – Oktoberfest! Without a doubt study in Germany will be the time of your life!
Places to Study in Germany
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.
There are many opportunities for study in Germany. See Study Abroad Domain’s Universities section for additional information. For helpful financing tips for your Germany study abroad adventures visit Financing Your Experience.
Getting From Point A to Point B in Germany
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. And if you use a travel company like RailPass.com you can save a lot of money when buying train tickets. This is especially important if you opt for a Eurail youthpass-which is discounted for those under 26 years of age.
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 American rental car company in Germany for more details. And before you drive, remember that a memorable experience living abroad is dependant upon your personal health and safety.
What’s the Money Making Germany Go ‘Round?
Germany is one of the countries that adopted the Euro as its official currency in 2002. That means that you’ll be able to use the Euro freely in Germany, as well as in twelve other countries. You should have a good understanding of how the Euro works before you leave for study in Germany. Here are the basics:
- One hundred centimes equals one Euro. Centimes come in denominations of 1,2,5,10, 20, and 50
- There are seven different banknote denominations for the Euro including: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500
It’s important to know how the U.S. dollar performs against the Euro. Stay on top of current exchange rates with a site like XE.com. And be sure to have a plan for banking abroad before you study in Germany.
Take a German Excursion
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 is home to some of the most interesting attractions in all of Europe, including medieval castles, vineyards, the Black Forest, and the scenic Rhine River and its magnificent Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall system in all of Europe. Its cities like Frankfurt and Munich are modern and exciting, yet rich with history.
And many times, 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!
Important Information for Studying Abroad in Germany
Before you depart for study in Germany, you should have a list of important phone numbers and information. In addition to those provided by your school or program, take the following with you: