Germany has to be one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, enriched with its unique arts and culture, history, people, and beautiful cities. However, there are a few things you should know and learn before traveling to Germany. Let’s go over some of them.
Don’t talk about wars: Before travelling to Germany, know that talking about the Germany war is a very sensitive topic of discussion to talk about to the Germans, as they happen to be blunt people; they’re not so big on humor. So, it’s important to be culturally polite.
Be time-conscious: Being late is seen as being ill-mannered, not just by the Germans. Always stick to the time you fix, when meeting someone or visiting a friend. If you wouldn’t be arriving at the fixed time, let them know.
Learn German: Speaking German to German people will probably go a long way and do you good. You would find it easy to read road signs and other necessary instructions. Visit Kampus Konnekt to book your German lesson class.
Always have some cash: Not all shops have ATM machines in Germany and you wouldn’t probably know till you get there, so it is safer for you to get some cash before heading out.
No shopping on Sundays: In Germany, shops and supermarkets of all kinds are usually closed on Sundays. So, it’s better and easier to get the necessary things before Sunday.
Take care of your kids: If you are in public and your child refuses to behave him/herself, then get ready for neighboring grandmas and grandpas to do that for you. This could turn out really embarrassing, so it’s good that you do the needful.
As a foreigner in a country you’ve never been to before, you might probably find it difficult to feel at home or to get used to the environment or even how things are done.
As an international student living and studying in Germany or planning to, there are quite some interesting facts you should take note of. Germany has a lot to offer aside from the success of the German educational system.
I know quite a lot of us find learning a new language fun and interesting. Even if you don’t fall into this category, as an international student in Germany, there is a chance that you’d be tempted to learn the German language for better communication with people. The German language happens to be the most spoken language in the world and the most spoken native language in the European continent. With this, there is an open door of job opportunities waiting for you in German companies globally.
Work Opportunities Available on a Platter of Gold.
In Germany, international students are allowed to work part-time unlike in some other countries where there are restrictions but only for up to 20 hours a week or 120 days full days a year. This could help your employment experience and also help pay bills, reducing the burden on your finances.
You must also keep in mind that, international students aren’t allowed to be self-employed or to freelance and if you want to work past the limited hours, you are to take permission from the local employment agency and the foreigner’s registration office.
Here are some of the part-time roles you can lay your hands on in Germany, as an international student:
If you love to travel around Europe and vlog, seeing new places and trying new things, I guess it’s a plus for you as an international student in Germany. There are lots of beautiful places to visit and new food to try, new culture and customs to learn and new friends to make. This gives room for socialization and cultural awareness.
A Low or No Tuition Fee
For public universities in Germany, the cost of studying is low or free. This makes it easy for international students to live and learn comfortably.
The Standard of Living
The standard of living in Germany as an international student is quite low. The expenses of rent and other finances are affordable. With this, there will be enough to save and probably invest. Read here for more tips on how to live in Germany.
Different countries around the world are known for several unique things. The same can be said for a country like Germany. Living in Germany exposes you to the customs, culture, and traditions that contribute to what makes the country and the people unique. Let us take a look at some of the cultural diversities in Germany.
Language
The German language is the official and most spoken language in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the Italian province of South Tyrol. The German language serves a purpose of an important second language in the Central and Eastern languages. Some of the Western works are written in German. For example, popular works in Philosophy, literature, physics, medicine, art, history, chemistry, and many more are written in the German language. If you’re interested in learning German, check out our page.
Religion
Christianity has to be the largest religion in Germany. According to research, 54% of people practice Christianity, 40.1% have no religion, 5.0% practice Islam, 0.2% practice Buddhism, 0.1% practice Judaism, 0.1% practice Hinduism, 0.1% practice Yazidi and finally 0.4% practice other religions aside the ones stated.
Local Cuisine
The local cuisine in Germany is part of the cultural diversities in Germany. Different countries have foods that they love to eat and consider as unique. In the culture of the Germans, their food is made up of several distinct recipes, which include plenty of vegetables, meat, bread, potatoes, etc. Considering this, you are less likely to go out of the idea of what to eat even if you are the type that is quite choosy.
The quality of German foods has a high rate of a meat diet, which provides quality protein that helps to maintain, grow and heal the muscles, tissues, and skin of the body. It is also rich in vegetables which help to aid easy digestion.
Music
Ever heard of Rock and Pop? These genres are the most listened to in Germany. Classically, German music is one of the most performed music in the world. Where they have popular composers like Ludwig Van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner, and many more known in history and around the world.
Fashion
Traditionally, Women in Germany wear what is called ‘’Dirndl’’. It has a low neckline, a blouse worn under the bodice, and a wide high waist skirt attached with an apron. For the Men, it is called ‘’Lederhosen’’. It is a well-known outfit which commonly means ‘leather trousers’, worn by riders, hunters and other outdoor laborers.
It could generally be worn during festivals, parties, weddings, or any special gatherings.
The Festivals, Holidays and Celebrations
As other countries have special days reserved for special events. Part of the cultural diversities in Germany are the special festivals and celebrations that occur every time of the year.
Here are some of the festivals, holidays, and celebrations that occur every time of the year in Germany
Three King’s Day (Drei Konigstag): in Germany, this is the celebration of the 12th day of Christmas.
Spargelfest: this is the celebration of white asparagus and it is celebrated during spring.
St. Martin’s Day: it is celebrated by youths and this is another chance for German kids to collect candies, after Halloween.
Beethoven fest: this is a live concert with classical music.
Wurdtmarkt: this is the largest wine festival in Germany. It has to do with the tasting of wine.
Munich Opera Festival: this is a musical festival, celebrating culture through music and arts.
Rock Am Ring and Im Park: this is a celebration of different music genres like rap, rock, pop and metal.
Erntedankfest: it could also be called ‘Thanksgiving’. This is a religious holiday celebrated on the first Sunday of October.
Mother’s Day: it usually takes place on the 8th of May. This is the celebration of mothers, expressing our love for them by giving gifts.
Oktoberfest: this is an annual beer festival, celebrated for 16-28 days and which days place around the middle of September to the first Sunday of October.
Architecture
There are so many famous, attractive and beautiful buildings in Germany. As a foreigner, you could visit some of these places where these famous buildings are located to enjoy the view and take beautiful pictures. Some of these buildings are built half-timbered and from brick.
Some of these famous buildings are:
Schwerin Castle
Trier Saint Peter’s Cathedral
Reichstag Building
Cologne Cathedral
Duchess Anna Amalia Library
The Semperoper, Dresden
Wiblingen Monastery Library
Neuschwanstein Castle
Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart Library
Vischering Castle
Sports
The major and most popular sport in Germany is football. Other sporting activities are car racing, track and field, cycling, boxing, tennis, handball, alpine skiing biathlon, and ski jumping. For the Olympics, Germany had the highest number of medals during the 1992, 1998, 2002, and 2006 winter Olympics in Turin.
Arts And Crafts
German arts and crafts create a cultural sense of belongings and experience for people in and out of the country, especially the kids. There are so many beautiful German arts and crafts that have been created in history, which represent a part of the German culture.
Some of the arts and crafts which make up part of the cultural diversities in Germany are:
Glashutte: watchmaking
Lauscha: Glass Manufacturing
Burgel: Small Town Pottery
Seiffen: Wooden Art And Toys
Markneukirchen; Instrument Making
Symbols
There are symbols in Germany that represents the country as a whole; they show and tell more about the culture, life, history, and people of Germany.
Some of them are:
The Flag: the flag is a national symbol of Germany. It consists of black, red and gold colors.
The Coat Of Arms: the coat of arms of Germany has a black eagle with a red beak, a red tongue, and red feet on a golden field. It is one of the oldest coats of arms in the world and the oldest national symbol used in Europe.
The National Anthem (Deutschlandlied): it has been the national anthem since 1922.
The Majestic Mark: the iron cross was a military decoration in the kingdom of Prussia and later on, it was in the German Empire.
The German Reunification: this was a process by which the German Democratic Republic became part of the Federal Republic of Germany to form the reunited country of Germany in 1990.
If you’re looking toward migrating to Germany, we’re here to make the process seamless for you. Get a free assessment from us here. You can also read more about the cultural diversity in Germany here.
Life outside our home country can be quite different from what we have grown around. Different languages, food, and much more. Experiencing such contrasts can be such a culture shock to somebody who has lived differently their whole life. Moreover, it can be uncomfortable sometimes. This article explores the lifestyle and culture of modern-day Germany, sharing things that you may experience or see there. Let’s see together how it is like to live in Germany.
Food
The German diet is nutritious and heavy. It consists mainly of bread, potatoes, and meat, as well as cake, coffee and beer. Pork is one of the most commonly eaten meats, as sausage or otherwise. Their bread also has a variety of taste and appearance to it, with an abundance of cafes and restaurants. Each one filled with their own unique recipes and twists to popular European food. Common meals may differ from town to town. But there is no shortage of hearty meals and flavorful drinks and desserts. While you live in Germany, you can travel to experience lots of new food.
Weather and Climate
Germany has a temperate climate all year round, with relatively cold winters and moderately warm summers. Although the country experiences four distinct seasons, German weather can often be unpredictable. This is due to different types of currents coming into the country from contrasting regions.
Leisure
In German lifestyle, we normally spend free time doing some sort of physical activity. You can spend your time jogging, skating and cycling, as a casual weekly hobby. More relaxing pastimes include meeting friends at cafes, appreciating different forms of visual art and literature, as well as playing board games. Modern-day hobbies like watching television and surfing the internet are also greatly prevalent, with reading as one of the most common hobbies.
Architecture
German infrastructure is very historical and diverse. They preserved all European architecture styles within Germany, differing from city to city. The disintegrating of the country through centuries of history caused this. Major events such as the damages brought about by the world wars have greatly contributed to the architecture that Germany has to offer today. We can see the country as a building of all shapes and sizes. Without forgetting about the famous Berlin Wall.
Tradition
German traditions vary in size and atmosphere, but all have the same prospect of food involved. A good example is the quaint act of ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’, which is translated to coffee and cake, that is to be often enjoyed in the afternoon among family and friends. In another light, we see the Oktoberfest, where multitudes come together to enjoy and celebrate beer and fellowship throughout the entire month of October. One contemporary tradition that does not involve food is Germany’s love for international travel and sightseeing, with Italy Spain and Austria as the most common destinations.
Culture and Etiquette
Among the German people are values that the country holds dear, and one such value is punctuality. Germany is known for thriving off of order and structure, where things such as punctuality and formality are respected to a higher degree than most countries. Family and community is also a big part of German culture, as well as being conscientious and hardworking. This often induces an environment where familiar peers and neighbors alike invest in quality time and building each other up, creating a place where everyone builds the capacity to hold traditional German values, and keep the cycle going.
In Germany, all genres of life are accepted, and the very concept of life itself is celebrated and enjoyed, as seen by the many efforts of the German to create and maintain zeal in their everyday life. The modern lifestyle of Germany is one that promotes health, happiness, and constant improvement of the environment. Who doesn’t want that? If you want to live in Germany, check out our services for support!
With almost 200 countries worldwide, picking a suitable destination for your tertiary education is a hard decision to make. One place for some of the most important years of your career. As we dive into some factors to consider, this article brings you a few reasons you should choose Germany.
High Quality Education
With well-established institutions that date back as far as the fourteenth century, Germany has created a well-respected community of universities. Indeed, they are famous for working and striving to bring the best education to prospective candidates worldwide. With over 40 internationally recognized universities, and over 17,000 study programmes nationwide, Germany has more than enough options. It is perfect for a high school graduate looking for a potential university match. Germany serves high-quality education with a prestigious degree that will guarantee you a job. Choose Germany and you will not stress about employment opportunities continuously depleting.
Affordable Education
Many countries in the world have respectable universities and greatness to offer. But the difference between them and Germany is gaining that education will not create a financial strain on their students. As a nation, Germany is strong enough to support its universities through state finance. Moreover, it does not require any high amounts of tuition fees to deliver their education. The idea of affordable yet high-quality degrees presents an opportunity to bridge the wealthy and the less wealthy together. It gives a greater audience the chance to better themselves through knowledge and educational growth.
Rich Culture and Lifestyle
As a first world country with old roots and a great economy, Germany is perfect if you are looking for more than just a school and books. Within this beautiful country is rich history, culture and lifestyle. With incredible architecture and classic art and music, Germany stands to give students an enriching experience. This may broaden their minds and challenge their perspective, creating the bright young leaders that we need to direct today’s world.
Advantageous Location
Positioned fairly close to the center of Europe, Germany seems the perfect place for a student to live. It is very easy for one to travel to other countries for leisure trips places far and wide. Whether by train, plane or sea, travelling around the continent becomes conveniently cheaper because of Germany’s central location. With abundant job opportunities for students, university becomes an opportunity to not only study but explore the world.
The opportunity to study tertiary education is valuable, and its requirement in the modern world has grown considerably fast over the last century. Germany offering it at such a beneficial cost is all the better. Choose Germany, choose opportunities.
Have you ever wondered how Germany differs from other European countries? Or maybe from your country? German people have their own culture and habits. When you don’t know about them, it can lead to funny or surprising situations. We already made two articles about some specificities of Germany: renting and going out. But now, we will talk about a set of advice to follow to get the best experience in Germany!
1) Making friends in Germany
It may seem surprising, but a lot of German people have quite large friend circles. Since they don’t like small talk, especially Berliners, it’s hard to imagine them having so many friends. Well, the reason is that they prefer genuine friendships. Germans like to bond over something that they have in common. For example, a lot of them know their friend groups from activities such as sports or games. If you want to make friends in Germany, no need to talk about the weather. We advise you to join Facebook groups about your hobbies. You will plan wonderful activities with strangers and bond over that. Why don’t you go on a hike, for example?
Also, Germans love staying true to themselves. They have their own personality and are not afraid of emotions most of the time. For example, if you smile a lot in your culture, they might ask themselves why you smile so often. They know it is impossible to only have good days. I mean, we all have our fair share of bad days when we don’t want to talk to anybody and we would complain about anything. Some people even say that Germans bond over complaining. This is funny. In some way, there is always a bright side: you can make friends by being grumpy.
Indeed, if you go to Germany you will make good friends. Maybe you feel it will be hard for you. But don’t worry: you won’t even need activities to meet people if you go there to study. You will always get the chance to chat about your classes with other students. Plus, you have the status of a foreigner. People will be very happy to talk and share their culture with you.
Moreover, as stated before, German friendships are genuine. It is part of their culture to be upfront. Their honesty can unsettle and pass ass impoliteness if we don’t know them. They don’t intend to be mean: they are just really direct. But that is not something we should worry about or complain about. Everybody needs an honest friend! Who will tell us when we mess up but them? I’m sure they will be the ones with the greatest advice.
2) Politeness and etiquette
Sure, the German sincerity can shock. But you can surprise them too by the way you behave. Germany has its own rules to follow to be seen as a respectable person. For example, traffic needs to be respected in Germany. I know, you are thinking it’s not something special about Germany. But let me explain. Many people actually care about people’s security and may warn you if you do something you are not supposed to do. For example, bicycling at night without a light. They have deputy sheriffs supposed to take care of the matter, but citizens are always glad to help.
Thus, when you go out, make sure you respect traffic rules. Don’t cross the road if it’s red, and most importantly, don’t walk in the cycle lane. This is infuriating. Especially because many people in Germany prefer to use bikes instead of cars in their daily life. So as you wouldn’t walk on the road, don’t walk in the cycle lane.
There are other non-written rules that are maybe less important. Sure, if you don’t follow them, people might look at you, but it depends on the city. For example, it is less common to wear sweat pants outside in Germany. Especially if you are not going to sports classes or such. It may surprise you to see the way German people dress. But it is pretty common in some European countries. They are seen as being more “stylish” when really, people are just wearing jeans. It might be a bit different for girls though (as usual) because they actually like to dress up to go to parties. So, if they invite you to a party, don’t expect people to just show up casually dressed! But the most important is to stay yourself: if you are not comfortable with that, just do as you wish.
Those were only a few of all the advice we could have given you. The German culture can’t be reduced to some articles. If you want to know more or share your input, feel free to leave a comment! Follow us to keep learning about German culture!
Studying in Germany can be what many students are looking for, but most of them don’t realise that. To help students make the right decision, we made a list of 10 benefits of studying in Germany. That’s right, this will help you know more about this opportunity, and maybe reassure you comprar esteroides españa contrareembolso if you already planned to study there. Let’s see what we’ve got!
1) Better your English
A lot of classes in Germany are English-taught. If you didn’t plan on learning German, this is great news for you. In Berlin, the capital, many people can speak English too. You won’t feel alone there, as it is a pretty diverse city. If English is not your first language, this is the perfect opportunity to better it! You will follow classes in English, which means it will be easier for you to think in English, and talk to others. Plus, you will not feel ashamed of your accent: everybody will have one! This is a great way to learn how to understand other accents, too.
2) Live a different life
Some people are bored with their routine. They don’t like to always do the same thing; they want to spice things up. Even if you don’t have a problem with following a routine, young people often want to experience new feelings, and do different activities. You will encounter different people and be in multiple situations you never thought of. This will lead to our next important point: knowing more about yourself.
3) Get to know yourself better
That’s true. It is pretty easy to be yourself in situations you live daily, but what does it mean to be you? Who are you, really? How will you respond and react to different circumstances? By going to Germany, you will get a chance to see how you behave in a different country, who your next friends will be, and what lifestyle you chose. With your family and friends away, you will explore your potential and discover things about yourself that you didn’t even know about. What an interesting trip!
4) Discover a culture
Just like any other country or area, Germany has its own culture. They have their own way to behave in public, and their own set of rules to respect. But also funnier things to discover, like dishes, dialects, habits… A lot of things will be different than where you come from. For example, renting an apartment there can be quite a shock or the way German people eat. We made some articles about living in Germany. Click here to know more!
5) Learn German
Okay, we know. German looks difficult to master and hard to understand. But we promise it isn’t. By living in Germany, you will understand some words and sentences even without concentrating. You will just get used to it, and it may be weird at first, but you will gain a lot of knowledge. This is one of the easiest ways to learn a language, as you will constantly encounter it: whether you go grocery shopping, say hello to your neighbour, or take the bus. Plus, you may encounter various dialects, too. If you want to discover fun facts about German without leaving your country, click here!
6) Study for free
Sure, studying is nice and all. But studying for free? It’s a genuine opportunity! Gladly, public universities are free for everyone in Germany. Moreover, a lot of scholarships are available too. We actually made e-books concerning the matter. If you want to know more, click here and there. If you choose Germany to study abroad, you won’t have to survive on bread! Even if their bread is delicious.
7) Get a high-quality education
As you may know, Germany is famous for its education system. It is ranked 3rd best in the world. By studying in Germany, you will get the opportunity to learn from qualified teachers, and get a reputable degree. All of that for free, as we mentioned above. This will open doors for you in the future.
8) Save money
By studying in Germany, you will get to save money. Thanks to its free education and scholarships available, the country offers valuable knowledge at a competitive price. Sure, you will still have to pay for food, clothes, and an apartment. But this top-ranked education will cost you nothing compared to the US or the UK, where it is harder to find a way to fund your studies.
9) Have stories to share
Sure, you will get to know yourself better. You will also discover a different culture. And all of this will be beneficial for you. But this will also be beneficial for others. Maybe you will help other students make their dream come true by sharing your experience. Plus, by sharing these stories, people will get to know a different version of you. The version that went abroad alone, made German-speaking friends, and got a reputable degree.
10) Get support from A to Z
Thanks to our services, you won’t be that alone. Check out our diverse services that will make your journey easier and more comfortable. We can even get you at the airport!
Seduced by our list of 10 benefits of studying in Germany? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!
According to research, the most consistent question amongst international students or prospective international students is about the Post-Study Visa situation of their country of interest. This article will show you the opportunities graduates get after their studies.
As an international student, after achieving a great feat of completing a degree, the next step is to figure out your next line of action. That is whether you intend to return to your home country or wish to explore Germany. You can immediately benefit from the post-study permit if you want to stay. It is very important to have carried out thorough research and planned this properly prior to this period. You will avoid last-minute disappointments that might disrupt your plan. This includes finding out if a Post-Study / Work permit exists. And if it does, it is necessary to inquire further if you are eligible for it. This is necessary in consideration of the fact that your student visa expires immediately after your studies. Hence the need to act fast.
Our primary focus here is to break down the Post-Study and Work permits available to international students in Germany.
First, there are two categories in which International students can fall into: EU (European) Citizens and non-EU citizens. The EU citizens are eligible to apply for jobs in Germany with no work permit. The job market treats them the same way as Germans. They get to enjoy the same privileges, tax advantages, etc. On the other hand, non-EU students can extend their residence permit for up to 18 months, to enable them to find a job relevant to their field of study.
In order to qualify for the Residence / Post-Study permit, you must be able to present the following documents:
A Certificate/Official document from your University verifying that you got a certified degree from their institution
Proof of health insurance
Document showing that you have sufficient funds to support yourself financially
A valid passport.
The deadlines
It is very important to note that time is of the essence in matters like this. Planning ahead is a major advantage to your application. The earlier send your application to the Foreign Nationals’ Registration Office; the better it will be for you to take full advantage of the 18 months post-study permit allocated to you. An 18 month post-study permit begins immediately after the institution release the final examination results. This only confirms our point earlier to plan ahead, and make the most of the opportunity.
Once the applicants find a job in their field of study, they have to upgrade to a work permit. If the applicants are interested in staying in Germany permanently, they would have to go further and apply for an EU Blue Card Residence Permit. They can do so as early as two years after receiving their work permit. The EU Blue card is a permanent residence permit for European countries which permits the applicants to live and work in whichever EU country they choose.
The obvious answer to your question is yes, Germany has a favorable post-study visa / Work visa policy which you are very welcome to explore with our step-by-step help.
Kampus Konnekt49 with the European Centre for Career Education, ECCEDU, is bringing world class international internships opportunities to your doorstep. That’s right! We are partnering with the ECCEDU, a prominent educational provider based in Prague, the Czech Republic. Their method of teaching involves practical education delivered through real-life experiences and inspiration that perfectly balances university education. Basically preparing you for the challenges you might face in the professional world.
In fact, International Internships placements play a very crucial role in educational or career development and progression. Nothing beats hands-on experience to practice whatever skill you have gained or still gaining.
The ECCEDU 7-week program caters to students in IT, International Business, Law, Architecture, design and all other programmes. If you fit perfectly into this description, then this is for you!
Most times, finding the perfect internship to match your skill set can seem like a herculean task. This ranges from searching, to availability and meeting deadlines, etc. Therefore, you should take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity presented to you, stress-free.
You stand to gain the following from the ECCEDU internship program when you enroll: ● Hands on training from globally certified experts in various fields. ● An opportunity to meet and build your network with high net worth individuals and companies. Companies like Siemens, Unicredit. Exxon Mobil, T-Mobile, Lego, DLA Piper, Clifford Chance, Allen and Overy, Dentons, etc.
So what are you waiting for? Enroll now! The seats are limited!
