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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!

why international students should go to germany instead of the us

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.

nurse germany

Being A Nurse In Germany

by with No Comment Education

The COVID-19 crisis is a worldwide problem. Although the situation might be better, it has helped us realise the importance of health and why doctors, nurses and every health worker should be recognised for being there, risking their own lives to save others. If you desire a noble profession in the health field, Germany offers attractive options. In this article, nursing will be the focus. Let’s look at the qualifications, requirements, and characteristics of this outstanding profession.

1) Qualification

As in any other country, you need to get qualified to become a nurse in Germany. You have multiple ways to become one. If you already have a qualification in nursing, you can apply for recognition of your skills. To apply for professional recognition, go to the competent authority of the state where you desire to work. You would also need a B1-B2 level in German and proof that you are mentally and physically healthy. Moreover, you should prove you do not have a criminal record. To get more information, please visit this website. Don’t worry, if your qualification is not valid for Germany, you would only need to go through a test or a learning period.

If you do not have any qualifications, you can either study nursing at a German university or start a nursing apprenticeship. Nursing apprenticeships take 3 full-time years to complete. We will help you get ready for that. Thanks to Kampus Konnekt49, you will be able to quickly practice what you learned with Eurasia! You will also get a training allowance: 1100 euros in the first year, 1200 in the second, and 1300 in the final year of training. Your qualification will be valid worldwide, and you will get a residence and work permit. With Eurasia, you can also get accommodation provided by the clinic at 90 to 250 euros per month.

We made a list for you to get a better understanding of the admission process:

  • Inquiry–Eligibility proof
  • Submission of required documents
  • Reception of invoice
  • Payment of chosen amount to learn German online
  • Pre-admission letter processing
  • Reception of final admission letter, work contract and 2nd payment
  • Visa appointment
  • Arrival in Berlin
  • Completion of the TELC exam
  • You are ready to learn while earning!

Thus, being qualified as a nurse in Germany is easy. If you need any information on the visa you might need, please read this article and visit this website.

2) Requirements

Other than the proof of a clear criminal record and good health, there are no other requirements to be a nurse. Indeed, their job is to take care of patients so they need the qualification mentioned above. Nobody would want to be treated rudely, especially when sick or in need. Nurses have the responsibility to take care of all patients: whether it’s the elderly, the children and newborns or others. They usually have a specialisation in a certain domain, which is the one they chose during their last year of apprenticeship. But they can still treat other patients as they are fully competent.

They should have good morals and treat people respectfully, stay professional under all circumstances. Nurses from all over the world are welcome. Also, there is no age restriction. But all nurses should get their vaccines up to date to eliminate the risk of contamination. Germany needs more nurses and is ready to welcome you.

3) Characteristics of the job

Truly, it is rewarding to do such an inspirational job and help people. Thus, working as a nurse in Germany comes with fewer disadvantages than in another country.

Nurses in Germany have to be flexible as they work long shifts and on weekends. Indeed, the country needs them and they are important. But it is important to note that Germany is one of the countries where nurses can rest the most. In fact, nurses have the possibility of working night shifts and then getting multiple days off to rest. Usually, they work 8 and a half-hour shifts.

A nurse works approximately 40 hours a week. It differs from other jobs, as they don’t work the same shifts every day, every week. Still, it is very common to work 40 hours a week in Germany. Most of the time, people work between 36 to 40 hours a week.

At the end of the month, their salary varies depending on their years of experience, the hospital and many other factors. With Eurasia, they get a salary starting at 2142 euros after obtaining their license and going beyond 2300 euros with further specialisations.

Conclusion

Being a nurse is a great opportunity to make good deeds. It is humanly rewarding and a very interesting job. However, it can be difficult at times. But, thankfully, it is quite easy to become a nurse in Germany. They earn a pretty good salary and they also can rest more than in some other countries. Becoming a nurse in such a country can be much more interesting than another one. To become a nurse with Kampus Konnekt49 and Eurasia, click here. If you need any help with your studies, please contact us or get our Ebooks to know more about studying in Germany for free!

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Tips On Living In Germany

by with One Comment Culture

After our article on the diverse things to know before renting in Germany, let’s talk about your daily life. We always choose our day offs to go shopping or to the museum. Sure, you might be in Germany to work or study, but it’s important to take some time off. Let’s see together some tips on living in Germany!

1) When to go out

It’s always nice to enjoy a day shopping or eating at a restaurant. But you shouldn’t wait for Sundays to do so. That’s true, in Germany, nothing is open on Sundays. It is an important day for Germans that they can use to spend some time resting or with their loved ones. But, even if you can’t find something open on Sundays, it’s good to have Spätis in Berlin. A späti is a late-night corner store. You will find beverages, snacks, and other things you might need urgently. Don’t worry if there is a spider in your bedroom late at night. Spätis definitely got your back!

In Germany, just like any other country, there are a lot of important public holidays. We made a list of some of them right here. It may seem logical, but many people don’t know that shops are closed on public holidays. So, beware if you are not used to celebrating Easter or the Gregorian New Year! Although shops will not be open on public holidays, you can still spend some quality time with a friend, visiting a museum. In Germany, it’s not uncommon for museums to be open on public holidays. It is a great way to promote access to education! But please note that museums hate Mondays even more than you do: some of them don’t open on Mondays.

2) Payment

While living in Germany, you should always have cash with you. That’s right, it is the most used payment method all over the country. it is not unusual to have over 100 euros in your wallet. Germans find cash more trustworthy than credit cards. Some restaurants, pastries or boutiques, might not have a card terminal. Always take some cash with you and you will be just fine. Except if you plan to make a payment of over 10 000 euros. Who does that anyway?

There is another thing to know about payments. To pay for your meal or drinks, you have to call the server. They don’t give you checks automatically. When you ask for them, also tell your server how much you want to tip, so they count it on your bill. Usually, you would tip 10%. It is a common thing, even if customer service is not famous for being that great there. Mostly because, thankfully, baristas and servers don’t rely on tips that much. They get a better salary than in the US, for example, where tips represent a huge part of their salary.

3) Advice

Don’t worry too much about living in Germany. We are there to help you! Here are a few more tips:

It may sound weird, but don’t expect to get water for free when you eat out. That’s right, you will have to pay. Even if you ask for tap water. It is something quite unusual, that even annoys Germans sometimes. You may have to bring a water bottle with you if you don’t want to order water. Be careful though, they may see this as impolite.

You may also pass as impolite if you are not quick enough at the grocery store. Yes, we are talking about grocery shopping and not a car race. In Germany, cashiers are really fast and they expect you to go even faster to get everything in your bags. Indeed, nobody gets paid to help you do that, so you may struggle a bit. Don’t worry though, if people notice you are a foreigner, they will lower their expectations. You may also want to bring your own bags when going grocery shopping: they won’t have free bags to give you.

Do you want more tips and information about living in Germany? Follow us and visit our blog to know more!

Renting in Germany

Things to Know Before Renting in Germany

by with One Comment Culture

If you’re planning on moving to Germany, you surely are wondering how it feels to live there. Well, since a lot of things could create a culture shock, we made a list of things to know before renting in Germany!

1) The rent and place

If you want to live in Germany, you will need to get an apartment. First, to rent a place, you will need to give a rent deposit. That’s right, you will pay the first month of rent but also an additional 2 to 3 months. Although it may be hard to give all that money at once, don’t worry, you will get it back when moving out. Unless you damage the apartment, in that case, they will use a certain amount of money to renew it.

Also, don’t expect to get a kitchen, cabinets, or anything when you rent an apartment. Most of the time, they come empty, but you can pay to use the kitchen of the last person who lived there. It is something that can also shock other Europeans. In other countries, you could ask if your tenant has a fridge to sell you or something like that. But not the whole appliances.

2) Rules

Also, there will be a few rules to respect while renting there. German people really like being at peace in a quiet environment. There is a concept called “ruhezeit” that can be in your contract. “Ruhezeit” is basically quiet time. There are certain hours when you can’t listen to music loudly, drill a hole or use your dryer. It depends on where you live, so you should ask your neighbours or tenant about it. If you disrespect ruhezeit, your neighbours would come to tell you to make less noise or call the police if they aren’t that nice.

Moreover, German people really care about recycling. It is very important for them to sort their rubbish. It would be quite impolite to ignore this rule, as it also helps the environment. Don’t worry though, it is very easy to do as there are explanations in the different bins! Plus, you will feel good about saving planet Earth.

There is also something really nice about recycling in Germany: “pfand”. Let’s say you buy some lemonade. When you finish it, you will get some of your money back. How? Thanks to bottle deposits, you can just give them your bottles and get a few cents back. You will get 25 cents for a plastic bottle and 8 cents for a glass one. You even get paid to recycle!

3) Advice

Another important thing to know is that you should definitely check your mailbox often. Germans and bureaucracy still use this way to communicate. It can seem old and disturbing, but it is one of their traditions. As bureaucracy is quite important (we will talk about this later), really pay attention to your mailbox! Maybe buy a nice seal for your letters to look nice and live your vintage fantasy!

Indeed, you won’t live without electricity. Please check if you need an electric socket before using your devices. You could break them by not checking. They have type F power plugs and sockets and usually the voltage is 230 V with a frequency of 50 Hz.

Do you want to know more? Here is a great video for you to watch to get ready for Germany! We will also write articles on other important matters like shopping and going out! Follow us to stay up to date !

Germany VS Italy

Germany VS Italy: Where Should You Study?

by with No Comment CultureEducation

After its battle against the UK, Germany is ready to compete against Italy. Together, we will study different aspects of a student’s life to know where you should study. Courses in English, tuition fees or driving license… Who has the best advantages for international students? Let’s see who will win the battle this time!

1)Driving License

While public transport is easy to use and pretty common, it’s always nicer to be alone at 8 am. Especially when you are not a morning person. No bad breath, no people stomping on your feet…. a pure dream!

In Germany

EU and EEA students can use their driving license until it expires. Except for those using motorcycles and below 18, driving large goods vehicles and over 50 or driving buses 5 years after the delivery of their license. After its expiration date, they would need to exchange it for a German driving license. They can also do that before the expiration, which can be more practical. For other international students, their driving license is valid for 6 months, after their having registered their address. If their license does not come from San Marino, Hong Kong, Monaco, the EU, Switzerland, Senegal or Andorra, they would also need a translation for a maximum of 80 euros.

Indeed, if non-EU/EEA students want to stay in Germany, the best way to continue using their license is to exchange it for a German one. They can do that by going to their registration local office, passing a theory and a practical exam. Some students, like those coming from Namibia or South Africa, don’t have to take those.

In the same way, they can choose a costlier manner to get this license. They could follow 12 theory classes and at least 20 practical ones. While the first option will cost you between 800 to 1200 euros, this one is worth almost 2500 euros.

In Italy

EU and EEA students can use their driving license for up to 2 years spent in Italy. After that, they have to renew it. Moreover, any international student would also need an International Driving Permit worth ~18 euros if you apply here. For other international students, their driving license is valid for a year. After that, they have to exchange it by making a request to the Civil Motorisation. Then, they have to provide diverse documents, a few more for non-EU citizens.

For this one, we must admit that Italy is pretty practical. Also, it seems like you would save more money. Italy wins this one!

Germany 0 – 1 Italy

2)Cost of living

One of the most important things to take into consideration. We will compare the cost of living in the two capitals. Then, we will look at the rents in the two capitals and two less popular cities.

Here are a few numbers we found on Numbeo:

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

-1 litre of milk: 0,95 euros in Berlin, 1,37 euros in Rome

-Chicken fillets (1kg): 7,10 euros in Berlin, 8,44 euros in Rome

-Apples (1kg): 2,33 euros in Berlin, 2,05 euros in Rome

-Potato (1kg): 1,44 euros in Berlin, 1,46 euros in Rome

-Monthly pass for local transport: 84 euros in Berlin, 35 euros in Rome

-A summer dress: 33,46 euros in Berlin, 33,88 euros in Rome

-Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment: 264,84 euros in Berlin, 190,48 euros in Rome

Now, let’s look at the rent in Rome, Berlin, Parma and Saarbrucken. A 1 bedroom apartment in Berlin will cost 1 077,61 euros, while in Rome it would be 1 027,59 euros. Outside of the centre, it would cost 751,48 euros in Berlin and 688,57 euros in Rome. In Saarbrucken, a 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre is around 616,67 euros, against 610 euros in Parma. Outside of the city centre, it would be approximately 475 euros in Saarbrucken and 470 euros in Parma.

As we can see, the rents are very similar. For groceries, Germany is a little less expensive, but Italy is less costly for transportation. It’s a win for the two parties!

Germany 1 – 2 Italy

3)English-Taught Classes

As an international student, we know you are most interested in courses in English. Chances are, English is the language you are most comfortable with when in another country. Let’s see what we have in Italy and Germany.

As we know, Italy is not famous for being an anglophone country. According to masters portal, in Italy, there are:

  • 185+ English-taught Bachelors
  • 700+ English-taught Masters
  • 70+ English-taught PhDs

Let’s see Germany’s data on the same website:

  • 350+ English-taught Bachelors
  • 1 500+ English-taught Masters
  • 85+ English-taught PhDs

Numbers speak for themselves. Germany is the winner of this one!

Germany 2 – 2 Italy

4)Tuition fees

Another important aspect to take into consideration. We already covered tuition fees in Germany in our battle against the UK. As we know, public institutions are tuition-free for everyone in every state except the one of Baden-Württemberg. This state charge non-EU students tuition fees of 1500 euros per semester. But it does not apply to doctorates. Sometimes, to follow your studies, you may have to pay some fees, but it is still not expensive. Aside from that, students all have to pay for a semester’s contribution, which can include a transport ticket. The student services and government receive it. It costs between 100 and 350 euros.

On the other hand, Italian public institutions are not free. It will cost you between 900 and 4000 euros. It is not expensive compared to other countries, but it’s still more than in Germany.

Germany 3 – 2 Italy

And the winner is…. GERMANY!

Well, this battle was tough. But the well-deserving winner is Germany! Indeed, its tuition-free institutions and the many classes in English available are remarkable. But Italy was a fierce competitor, with a lot of assets too! The two of them should just share a plate of spaghettieis, a spaghetti-looking ice cream, and stay friends!

Post- study visa and work permit policy

Post-Study and Work Visas: What You Should Know About Germany

by with No Comment Culture

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.

Click here to get started!