THE LIFE OF AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN GERMANY

by with No Comment Culture

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.

The Grace of Learning a New Language

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:

  •  A Tutor
  • A German Language translator
  • A Waiter
  • A Babysitter
  • A Writer
  • A Bartender
  • A Cashier
  • A Courier
  • A Library Supervisor at your academic institute
  • A Filling document officer
  • A Media Personae

 Read More on How to Fund Your Studies in Germany

A Chance for Exploration

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.

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!

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!

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!

kampus-konnekt49-germany-cost-of-studying-there

Germany: What Does it Cost to Study There?

by with No Comment Education

A Guide for International Students

The cost of study has been a major discouraging factor for international students. As we know, individuals with great intellectual abilities seek growth academically. This article looks to explain what the cost of study in Germany looks like and gives plausible suggestions on how to capitalize on its privileges.

Germany has become an increasingly popular study destination, with almost 374,583 applications for the 2018/2019 winter semester session from over 180 countries. This increasing influx of students into Germany for study might be for several reasons. But the most reasonable as identified by the Kampus Konnekt49 is because Germany has about 50 universities with a global reputation as it concerns studying abroad. Along with the perceived low cost of living, little or no tuition fees and a comfortable environment. All this is well suited for dedicated study, not to talk about the fun-filled environment.

Is College Study In Germany Free?

As of 2014, 16 states in Germany abolished tuition fees for undergraduates and some selected postgraduate students from public universities. This implied that both domestic and international students at public German Universities paid absolutely nothing for tuition. Save only a small fee for administration and semester registrations.

There may be additional charges for the purchase of “Semester-tickets” which cover public expenses for 6 months. The price, however, varies with different Semester-ticket options. These are reasons the Kampus Konnekt49 confirms that the low cost of living is one of the major attractions for prospective international students.

With the drastic change in the global economy, however, this may not last forever. The southwest state of Baden-Württemberg reintroduced the payment of tuitions for all non-EU students as of autumn 2017. There is a great likelihood that other states would follow suit in the coming years.

Cost of Living in Germany

We bear in mind that even though studying in Germany might be free of cost or very low, one cannot avoid the essentials of living expenses. They can vary from city to city with Munich as the most expensive, having a living cost of €12,000 (~US$13,900) per year.
Rent is mostly the largest expense when considering living costs, although this is cheaper if you live in a shared flat or a student hall of residence. Their average rent is €280 (US$340).

According to statistics from DAAD, average monthly costs are estimated:

Food: €168 (~US$205)

Clothes: €42 (~US$52)

Transport: €94 (~US$115)

Telephone, internet and TV license: €31 (~US$38)

Work/study materials: €20 (~US$25)

Leisure activities: €61 (~US$75)

How Much Deposit Would You Need to Study in Germany?

It is a known fact that for you to get a student visa to study in Germany, you will need to show proof you have, or have access to, a certain amount of money. Now, this is for students that would require a visa only. If you are an EU citizen or citizen of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you would not need a visa.

Other citizens, however, expect to pay €75 for a visa and have proof of fund or access to funds of €10,332 per year. This extra amount of money suffices to cover all expenses while studying (of course if spent wisely). But the application process can be sometimes tedious to even require a loan for low earners.

In conclusion, Germany is ranked 4th in universities with the greatest attraction for international students. This is because of several reasons, with free tuition being the most considered. Living expenses are very affordable compared to other European countries with a shared meal costing as low as €8-14. But the cost of living greatly depends on the area. Rent can also be very cheap when compared to other European countries. With these said; Germany is assumed to be of great attraction to prospective international students hoping to school abroad with a low budget.

Kampus Konnekt49 provides translation services for individuals who wish to study abroad or simply become a nurse. We also offer German classes for prospective students, support and consultations.

 

exchange programme students discussing

What You Need to Know About Student Exchange Programmes

by with No Comment Culture

A student exchange programme is an avenue for students from a secondary school or university to study abroad. One of their institution’s partner institutions organises it. The term “exchange” means that an associate institution proposes an admission to a student. This does not mean that the students have to find a counterpart from the other institution with whom to exchange. This “exchange” could be short-term or long-term. Each has its distinct focus and objectives.

A short-term exchange or STEP often lasts from one week to three months. During this period, there is an intensive exposure to the understanding of other cultures, communities, and languages.

We can usually apply for these programmes through various governmental and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). They are the ones that organise such programmes. Most times, their sponsors demand an oral presentation.

On the other hand, a long-term exchange lasts six to ten months or up to one full year. Students who intend to partake in this programme must have a student visa. The visa depends on the host country one chooses, as they may require further details or documents. For instance, guest students going to the US need a J-1 cultural exchange visa or an F-1 foreign student visa.

Students in long-term exchange programmes get to know a host family and integrate themselves into the local community and society at large. They have to speak and understand the host country’s language at least at a basic level.

Students also have to incorporate what they learnt into the development of their country. A typical instance of an exchange programme is Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (a government-funded programme.) Likewise, The Council on Standards for International Educational Travel, a non-profit organization, commits to quality international educational travel and exchange for youth at the high school level.

The application process for long-term exchange programmes.

Long-term exchange programmes application and interviews take place 10 months before departure. But it can be only 4 months before in some cases. Applicants should be between the ages of 13 and 18. Some allow students older than 18 years of age in technical work-study programmes. They often require a preliminary or full application form, including fees, followed by a scheduled interview for the applicants. 

For high school students, a GPA of 2.5 or higher is mostly required. Candidates with the best performance in both academics and conduct have more chances of being selected to serve as ambassadors for their countries.

The organization, university or college defines the costs of the charges from their student exchanges. The costs vary depending on the country, duration of the study, and other private factors. Different programmes through the institution of choice may offer students scholarships that cover the expenses of travel and accommodation. They also cover the personal needs of a student.

International students in Germany

Why is Germany An Attractive Destination for Study?

by with No Comment Education

In this article, you will know and understand the different higher institutions in Germany.
You will also know why the country is one of the most attractive and sought after countries in the world for international students to study. In addition, you will learn what you need to do if you wish to study in Germany.

 

Types of Institutions

Germany has three main types of higher education institutions, namely:

1) Universitäten (Universities): Universities are the formal higher education institutions in Germany. The main purposes of universities are (basic) research and teaching. We differentiate universities as traditional universities, technical universities, educational colleges, and theological colleges.

Traditional universities offer academic disciplines and study programs, whereas the other university types are more specialised. Principally, only universities can grant or award doctoral and Habilitation degrees.

2) Fachhochschulen (Universities of Applied Sciences): Germany introduced Universities of Applied Sciences between the 1960s/1970s as one criterion to deal with the growth in student numbers. Their primary missions are teaching and applied research.
Universities of applied sciences mostly specialise in specific disciplines (like engineering or social work). We can’t pursue disciplines like law, medicine, most natural sciences, and humanities at universities of applied sciences.

3) Kunst- und Musikhochschulen (Colleges of Art and Music): Colleges of Art and Music are highly specialized higher education institutions offering study programs in fine art, performing arts, and music. Their fundamental mission is teaching.

Higher education institutions in Germany are public or state-recognized private institutions. Most private higher education institutions are universities of applied sciences with specialised programs.

Why Germany ?

First, general tuition fees at public institutions are free. Since 2014, none of the 16 states in Germany has imposed general tuition fees at public institutions. Although some states started tuition fees between 2006 and 2007. But, they later revoked these. Therefore, public funds mainly fund Public higher education institutions. And even when there are fees to pay, it is affordable.

Thus, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development “OECD” ranked Germany as the third world’s most attractive destination for international students according to education at glance reports in 2014.

Also, flexible foreign student visa policies are a factor that has largely affected international students’ motivation there. Perhaps one reason considered by OECD for ranking Germany as the third most attractive destination for international students.

Indeed, affordable living costs and work opportunities are other reasons worth mentioning. Students consider this factor to be more important in Germany than in other places, as some would like to work while studying. After graduation, students also have 18 months to get a job. That is a great incentive that is offered by only a few Western countries to international students.

Germany makes the list as one of the most popular study destinations in the global education market. Because the country earns it in terms of education quality and affordability.

Here are the requirements for studying in Germany:

1. Study Programme

First, you need to have a determined mindset on the type of degree program and course you want to pursue. You can find more info about courses that fit your academic interest here.

2. University Admission Requirements

Once you chose the programme to study, you check out if the admission criteria fit your academic profile. To be admitted to a German university, the chosen institution must accept your qualifications. An applicant must have a recognized “higher education entrance qualification” also known as Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or Abitur. Some institutions also require an aptitude test known as TestAS. It is a test specifically designed for international students from non-EU countries.

3. University Application Documents

Each institution has its own requirement, but in most cases, they expect or demand the following documents:

-A duly completed application form.
-Certified copy of high school diploma.
-Translated overview of your modules and grades.
-Relevant recognized academic certificates.
-Copy of your passport and a passport photo.
-Proof of language proficiency up to C1 level in some cases.

Financial Means

To get a student visa, an applicant has to show proof of financial means. As of 2021, international students need €10,332 per year to cater to their expenses during their time in Germany. A blocked account is the best way to provide proof of financial resources at the German Embassy.

Health Insurance.

Health insurance is also vital if you want to study in Germany. International students must register in the healthcare system while they are in Germany. Residents of one of the EU/EEA member states can use their health insurance from back home. However, they will need to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
On the other hand, residents of non-EU/EEA member states will need to provide proof of health insurance. It is necessary for their student visa application and university enrolment. Those over 29 years have to pay a monthly amount to the public or private health insurance providers.

Student Visa.

Applicants from countries that need a student visa to enter Germany would apply for one at the German Embassy/Consulate in their home country. They will have to assemble the needed documents, attend an interview at the embassy, and wait for the acknowledgement. The student visa processing time is normally two weeks in normal situations.

Accommodation.

An applicant can choose between different options, like German halls of residence, private apartments, or shared flats. It is necessary to get one’s address registered at the registration office in Germany.

Fear of unemployment while studying or after graduation? Don’t worry, as mentioned above, graduates from German universities have 18 months to find a job after graduation.

Moreover, Germany is one of the biggest employers of labour in Europe and presents a lot of opportunities for graduates.