THE CULTURAL DIVERSITIES IN GERMANY

by with No Comment Culture

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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What Is It Like To Live In Germany?

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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!

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Why Choose Germany?

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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.

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How Do I Apply For Graduate Studies In Germany?

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Germany, a great country in North Central Europe, is the largest economy and the second most populous country in Europe. It is also famous for its generous approach to higher education. The country boasts of public universities which charge no tuition fees to students, regardless of nationality or continent. One should take note of the following before applying for graduate studies in Germany.

Academic Requirements and German Language Requirements

The most important document to provide for admission in Master’s Degree in Germany is a suitable Bachelor’s Degree. It does not have to be a German Bachelor’s Degree, but it still needs to be recognized by German universities. Universities usually require that your Bachelor’s degree is in a similar field (i.e. your major) as the Master’s program you want to apply for, the so-called “field of studies requirement”. In some cases, universities also require work experience as part of the application process. If you are interested in a PhD program, you must already have completed a Master’s degree.

Applying to Universities in Germany

Make sure to contact the university you want to attend directly for detailed information on the application requirements of their Master’s programs.

Costs Associated with Studying in Germany

Please check out Times Higher Education’s website for more information.

Finding the Right Degree Program

For all available degree programs offered at German universities, you can check the DAAD database and also Study in Germany’s website, as well as Hochschulkompass. If you would only like to see programs in English, visit the DAAD database for international degree programs. Make sure to contact the international office of the university you are planning on applying to for details.

So what are you waiting for? German universities are famous for delivering high-quality education and a lot of these universities even rank among the best in the world. By choosing to study in Germany, you can be sure to get an education that is well above the global average, which will come in very useful when looking for a job after graduation! Check out our services so we can support you through your graduate studies in Germany!

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Germany VS France: The Best Place To Study In

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Germany was the great winner of 3 previous battles against the UK, the US, and Italy. But now, we would like to see an interesting battle between Germany and a close country: France. As some of you may know, the French regions “Alsace” and “Lorraine” were German for a moment. Thus, German culture can be found in these French areas. But even if they share some aspects of their culture, is their education similar? Is it easy for international students to live there? How do those countries function? Let’s see the best location to study abroad! Who will win, France or Germany?

1) Tuition fees

Tuition fees make a huge difference in the choice of a higher education institution. In France, students have to pay to get into a public university, unless they benefit from a scholarship. The fees to join an undergraduate program won’t go over 650 euros. For a master’s degree, it will be around 250 euros, and 400 euros for a Ph.D. French public universities are pretty inexpensive, and it will be the same price for Europeans and other international students.

As stated in our previous articles, Germany offers the possibility to study for free. Only the state of Baden-Württemberg charges fees of 1 500 euros to all students except doctoral ones. International students can choose from various prestigious universities without worrying about the cost. So, all they would have to pay is an administration fee, which may also include a transport pass.

As usual, Germany wins this one with its easy access to education! Other countries should definitely take Germany as an example.

German 1 – 0 France

2) Cost of living

The cost of living is always something to take into consideration. Everybody enjoys saving money. Just like we did in our previous articles, we will look at monthly expenses and rent prices in the capital cities, Saarbrucken and Toulon.

Some numbers, according to Numbeo:

-Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 10 euros in Berlin, 15 euros in Paris

-Rice (1kg): 2,12 euros in Berlin, 1,99 euros in Paris

-Chicken Fillets (1kg): 6,98 euros in Berlin, 12,23 euros in Paris

-Potatoes (1kg): 1,54 euros in Berlin, 2,05 euros in Paris

-Monthly transportation pass: 84,50 euros in Berlin, 75 euros in Paris

-A pair of jeans: 80,56 euros in Berlin, 99,33 euros in Paris

A big part of the monthly expenses is rent. In Paris, a 1 bedroom apartment costs 1 267 euros per month, while it would be 921 euros outside of the center. However, it would be 1 127 euros in the city center of the German capital, and 787 euros outside of it.

In Toulon, France, rent would cost 700 euros in the city center, and 600 somewhere else. In Saarbrucken, it would be 616 euros and 450 euros.

Indeed, Paris is surely famous for being really expensive! But it also applies to the rest of France, if we compare it to Germany. Still, the difference is even more important in big cities! Germany is the winner again.

Germany 2 – 0 France

3) Paperwork

Some foreign students can live in Germany just by proving their rights. It is the case for those coming from the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. Moreover, it’s pretty easy for students coming from Great Britain, the US or Honduras, and many other countries since they would only need a residence permit to stay over 3 months. However, other international students would need a visa costing 80 euros or 37,50 euros for minors. This visa requires the possession of 10 332 euros per year of study. But you can still avoid this by checking our guide to studying in Germany for free!

In France, EU and EEA students would only need a travel ID document or passport to study there. But, it’s more complicated for other international students. They would need a long-stay visa to pursue their education there. To get it, you must prove your proficiency in French, give information about your previous degrees and grades, and prove you have 615 euros per month (7 380 euros per year). The visa costs 58 euros.

Indeed, it’s easier to stay in Germany since you don’t have to speak German or be an outstanding student, but on the other hand, you need less money to study in France. It may sound illogical, as France is more expensive than Germany. Still, it’s pretty easy for french-speaking people to get their visas. We would say it’s a tie for this one.

Germany 3 – 1 France

4) Culture

As mentioned above, the regions of “Alsace” and “Lorraine” share a similar culture to the German one. For example, Strasbourg is famous for its Christmas market. You can also spot some people that speak German dialects there, which are always interesting to hear!

Still, Germany has its own interesting habits like the abendbrodt, their typical dinner with bread, meats, and cheese. In France, meals really depend on the area you live in, which is really interesting. In these two countries, you’re sure to find something to enjoy.

Germany 4 – 2 France

And the winner is… Germany!!

Germany stays undefeated! Free education, interesting culture, inexpensive life… You will get everything you need! We definitely hope France is not too disappointed and offended. Also, this post was written by a French person so that’s okay. Are you interested in pursuing your education in Germany after reading our article? Check out our services to get started!

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German University: Which Ones To Consider?

by with No Comment Culture

We’ve already made our case. Germany is a wonderful country to study in. Whether from a financial or cultural aspect, you will benefit from this experience. But what about education? Sure, Germany is famous for its high-standard education system. But where should you go, exactly? We made a list of 5 German universities you should consider! And because we know that finance could be an issue, we deliberately chose government-funded ones. Let’s see what we have.

1) The Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Are you interested in science? In this university of excellence, almost everything has a connection to science. At the TUM, you can choose from over 60 English-taught programmes! The grand majority of them are free, which is surprising for a university so prestigious. You can find 59 free programmes, one up to 1500 euros per semester, one up to 3000 euros per semester, and eight exceeding 5000 euros per semester. In 2022, the Times Higher Education ranked the TUM 38th in the world. You can also find Masters of Art or Business Administration there: Masters in Responsibility in Science, Engineering, and Technology, Executive MBA in General Management, or innovation in Business Creation.

2) The Free University of Berlin

This German university of excellence can seem fairly new compared to the others, but it has already proven its efficiency. They have an excellent reputation, ranked 83rd in the world. Women are well-represented in this university as well, with 30% of women employed in their professorship. You may also remember them from the John F. Kennedy speech “Ich bin ein Berliner”. Their best subjects are Arts and Humanities, with a score of 70.8. They have one bachelor’s and 22 master’s degrees taught in English. You can find diverse specifications in Humanities, such as studies on North America or China.

3) The Humboldt University of Berlin

In the 74th best university in the world, you can study interesting subjects in the sectors of Arts and Humanities. If you are interested in African or Asian studies, and literature or linguistics, this is perfect for you. Indeed, you will find 26 programmes in English, which is a tremendous advantage. It is also really cool to study at the university where Albert Einstein used to teach. Plus, 29 Nobel prizewinners studied there! Maybe you will become one of them one day.

4) The University of Bonn

With 70 partnerships around the world, this university has a lot of power. You will definitely get to benefit from those connections in case you are interested in studying in another country after completing your degree. Two Nobel prize winners, eight Leibniz prize winners, and famous figures studied there like Nietzsche or Karl Marx. You will also find 349 different buildings to explore. They offer 32 degrees in English (one bachelor’s and 31 master’s degrees), and you will find what you are searching for. 28 of their programmes are tuition-free, 2 go up to 1500 euros per semester and 2 others up to 5000 euros per semester. The university is in our city. Come to say hello!

5) The RWTH Aachen University

Known for its international students, you will be friends with people from different cultures. Stressing out because you know German people don’t like small talk? You will find someone that is more similar to you for sure! Moreover, 35 of their master’s degrees are in English. This German university is the perfect destination for international students, as 29 of those degrees are also totally free. They are known for their Engineering and technology classes, which have an overall mark of 76.5.

Did you find what you are looking for? For more information, we suggest you visit My German University and The Times Higher Education. Those were our sources for this article, and you will find what you are searching for there. Whether you want rankings, marks, or to find courses. Do you have more questions about studying in Germany? Visit our blog or contact us!

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How To Get The Best Experience In Germany?

by with No Comment Culture

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!

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10 Benefits Of Studying In Germany

by with No Comment CultureEducation

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!

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Germany VS the US: Where To Study?

by with No Comment CultureEducation

Because choosing a country to study in is hard, here is a third article comparing Germany to another country. That’s right, after winning the two previous battles against the UK and Italy, Germany is ready to compete again. This time, the United States of America will be its opponent. Will the US be the one who finally beats Germany? As usual, we will go through important topics such as living expenses, rent, paperwork, and more. Who do you think will win? Let’s see!

1) Cost of living

A classic topic we like to go through. We will see the living expenses for the two capitals, and the rent in the two capitals along with two less popular cities.

Here are the living expenses according to Numbeo:

-A meal in a cheap restaurant: ~17,56 euros in Washington, ~10 euros in Berlin

-1 liter of milk: ~0,85 euro in Washington, ~1,01 euros in Berlin

-Beef round (1kg): ~14,57 euros in Washington, ~11,90 euros in Berlin

-Potatoes (1kg): ~3,54 euros in Washington, ~1,60 euros in Berlin

-Monthly Pass for Local Transport: ~103,51 euros in Washington, ~84 euros in Berlin

-A pair of mid-range Nike sneakers: ~82,64 euros in Washington, ~83,31 euros in Berlin

We can see Washington is very expensive, especially for a student. Now, let’s take a look at the rent. For the two less popular cities, we chose Krefeld, Germany, and Garland, Texas. In the city center, a 1 bedroom apartment would cost ~916,84 euros in Garland and ~540 euros in Krefeld. For Berlin and Washington, it would be ~1956,29 euros and ~1107,56 euros. We can say that Germany is definitely more affordable for a student.

Germany 1 – 0 USA

2) Paperwork

In the US, there are several criteria to follow in order to get an F1 visa. They have to pass an interview and prove they have strong ties to their home country (family there, bank accounts, or else). They also have to prove they can support themselves financially, they have a residence they will return to, and that an institution sponsors them. The financial support requested depends on the university attended. Most of the time, they require 1,5 times what is requested on their certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant students (l-20). The students would have to leave the country a maximum of 60 years after the expiration date of their visa. The visa in itself costs approximately 147 euros.

In Germany, EU students and those coming from Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland just have to prove their right to stay. Students coming from countries such as the USA, Honduras, or Great Britain would only need a residence permit to stay for over three months. To see the full list, click here.

Other international students would apply for a visa to stay. It costs 80 euros or 37,50 euros for those below 18. To get this visa, you will need to prove you have no less than 10 332 euros per year. If you want to avoid that, check out our Ultimate Guide to German scholarships!

Knowing that life in Germany costs less than in the US, we can say the funds needed are less important in Germany. Moreover, the visa is less expensive too. Germany wins this one thanks to the financial aspects and its connection with several countries and the European Union. It is way easier for students to go there.

Germany 2 – 0 USA

3) Tuition fees

We have to focus on this. For students living in the US, it represents a huge amount. Most of the time, it costs between ~23 000 euros to ~32 000 euros per year for international students going to public schools. The US is known for being one of the most expensive locations to study in. It is difficult to go there without making a loan and be in debt later. But there are also scholarships available in the country.

In Germany, public institutions are free for everyone except in one federal state. The state of Baden-Württemberg charge non-EU tuition fees of 1500 euros per semester. The only ones who don’t pay are doctoral students. It is still way more affordable than the US. Aside from that, all students must pay a semester contribution of between 100 and 350 euros. We can agree that Germany is definitely cheaper than the US.

Germany 3 – 0 USA

4) Diversity

While we know Germany is famous for its Turkish population, and its famous döner, it is a less diverse country than the US. That is true, the US is the country representing the American dream everybody once dreamt about. Maybe we can find a lot of travellers in Germany, and people love to travel there, but that is not the same. In the US, you can be sure you will find a population you can relate to. If you are African, you may enjoy staying with Afro-American groups, for example. A lot of diverse groups exist, and it is reassuring to know you can find people that look like you. We have to keep in mind that these groups have their own culture too. It is a great way to share cultures and still understand each other.

Germany 3 – 1 USA

And the winner is… Germany!!

Congratulations, Germany! Looks like nobody can beat you! Thanks to its affordable lifestyle, Germany is once again winning a battle. The US is still a great opponent, as it represents the American dream many people have. It was an interesting battle. If only we could know what people of German descent in the US think of it!

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Vocational Skills Training: the Dangote Foundation and VDMA Collaboration 

by with No Comment BusinessEducation

The Aliko Dangote Foundation is collaborating with the VDMA (Mechanical Engineering Industry Association), giving an opportunity for Nigerians to better the manufacturing sector of their country. As it is Germany’s first employer sector, we know this country for its know-how and knowledge that could benefit Nigerians’ desire to better this industry. With inspiring goals, this collaboration brings German and Nigerian companies together, as they take part in this programme. This also gives Nigerians the opportunity to explore their potential. 

The Programme requirements

Duration

The Programme gives the opportunity to gain theoretical knowledge and put it into practice. It comprises multiple short courses on electrical and mechanical engineering, with a duration between 2 and 4 weeks. Then, trainees get to deepen their understanding by learning and practising in a Dangote Group company, for 18 months, with a dual vocational training full trade course. The most brilliant would stay for 12 additional months and further their know-how. Indeed, the first programme teaches basic engineering while the second one focuses on Mechanics and Electrics.

Eligibility

To take part in the short courses, you must be: 

-a technical specialist working in the manufacturing industry who wants to gain skills while working  

-a trainee or someone who left school and is searching for a specialisation in mechanics, mechatronics and electronics 

-a trainer wanting to provide courses and share this kind of knowledge 

Advanced training with short courses is also available to the first, and third categories quoted above. It comprises diverse courses, in mechanics or electrics. On the other side, the dual vocational training is only available if you: 

-are between 16 and 22 years old  

-have 5 credits in O’ Level Sciences  

-have either a WAEC (SSCE), NABTEB (NTC), NECO (SSCE) certificate 

-are a graduate of Technical College

-can provide school testimonials 

The Benefits

Thanks to this programme, you would get: 

-a valuable experience in the manufacturing field 

-theoretical and practical courses  

-access to innovative technologies and the digitalisation of the field 

-courses in high-standard facilities 

-proximity to German and Nigerian companies well-known in the field  

-good qualification to find an adequate job  

-training at Dangote Academy, Obajana 

-so much more 

How Do I apply to the Dual Vocational Training? 

To apply, kindly click here. Please note you only have until April 30th to do so. The application is free, but you can only apply once or you will get disqualified. Want to know more? Visit the official website or take a look at the official brochure.