How can I travel to germany as cheep as possible.?
I am a phd student who Intended to travel to Freiburg university/Germany for 8 month.I live in Tehran/Iran.How can I san I save money ?please tell me about anythink you know such as airline ticket ,travell in germany,costs,international student card?Europass?hostel?... also please tell me how much money is enough for my residancy in germany? thanks
Other - Germany - 2 Answers
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1 :
Well, first of all, find the cheapest flight you can get. If you're a student, you can usually get good prices from "statravel.com". Unfortunately, I have no idea what kind of flight you can get from Tehran. The most common airport for international flights to come into is Frankfurt, but it's possible you might land somewhere else as well. From the airport to Freiburg, you'll have to take the train. for 2-4 hour train ride on an ICE (the fast trains), expect to pay from 50-70 euro; they aren't cheap. Once you're here in Freiburg, you'll probably need a place to stay until you find a real apartment. I would suggest the "Black Forest Hostel". The people are nice and its cheap (13 euro a night in the big room, up to 20 or so for the rooms with smaller beds). There are a few different studend communities where you can live cheaply. "Vauban" is full of hippies and is about 15 minutes out of the city center with the trams. The other big one is the "Stusie" (Studentsiedlung am Seepark), which has a lot of people and generally has a lot going on. Additionally, you have a the Seepark right behind it. There's also the Stühlinger, but I don't know anyone who lives there. Anyways, you can always try to find a WG (shared apartment) on your own, but it's more fun to live in one of the larger student places. For any of these, you can expect to pay between 200-300 euros per month. If I'm being careful, I can get by with about 20 euros per week in food. If you go out, it's going to be more expensive of course. If you plan on traveling around Germany a lot, I would suggest getting a "Bahncard 50" - they're half price for students (110euro, 220 normally) and will give you a 50% reduction on all German trains and a 25% on reduction in the surrounding countries (RailPlus, you have to tell the ticket people you have this - usually they're clueless, especially in France). In Freiburg itself you can either bike everywhere (*lots* of bike paths here, but can get slippery in winter) or you can take the trams. Freiburg has amazing public transportation, and as a student you can get a ticket that is good for 6 months for 69 euro. I strongly recommend this. With a student residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel), you are usually allowed to get a job here as well. Mine (I'm not from the EU) allows me to work 90 days per year, or 180 half days. I assume yours will be that way too. "Studiengebühren" or student fees are 500 euro per semester. Other than that, you'll have to see as you go. It's fun here, but it will be stressful at first getting everything in order - German bureaucracy is a nightmare.
2 :
Germany is not for poor people. There are student fares etc, but best bet is to buy a bicycle and get around like that or walk.
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Thursday, November 28, 2013
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Son is student in Germany....?
Son is student in Germany....?
...He got $, checks, for Xmas. Can he deposit them in German bank accnt? Or shld he cash em 1st? Not sure if German bank will accept checks drawn on American banks and wonder how long it will take them to clear. However, not real crazy about him carrying lots of cash while he travels back to Germany either. Any suggestions?
Other - Europe - 4 Answers
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1 :
I was in the same situation last year. I was working as an au pair in Germany and my parents had sent me a Christmas check in the mail. I'm not sure what bank your son has, but my bank did not allow me to cash it, so we had to find another alternative. I honestly think your best bet is that he cashes them first, OR, as my parents had done, they used their bank in America to give me a gift card---they put, let's say, 200 USD on the card and mailed it to me, and I could use the card wherever Visa was accepted, it was similar to a debit card, but it was only "charged" for the 200 dollars.
2 :
Deposit them here in a bank in the US, then use an ATM card to withdraw the money as needed in Germany. Not only is this safe - no cash to carry, it also gives you he best exchange rate as well.
3 :
For all I know, it's still there. Pick a bank in the U.S. that has an office in Germany. Then you can send him checks he can actually cash. The reason i chose BofA is that they could do currency exchange before I left in my hometown's branch. Then there was sending my brother a check to cash in Thailand. Hoo boy. Let's just say that he never got to see the cash.
4 :
The best way to travel is with American travelers checks, they are accepted at all banks and most businesses in Europe. The traverlers checks handled and used per their instructions are the most effective way to travel safely with money. The checks in the event of theft can easily be replaced, there are American express offices in most major cities! The other options would be to get your son a visa card that works like a debit card that can be loaded from time to time from family members in the States! The use of personal checks is almost non existant unless he has access to a Military Garrison, has he considered a part time job. As tourists or student he may have a chance of getting a 20hr a week job and have access to everything American, just a thought! Here in Europe the retirees use the Military banks to cash their checks both retirement and social security, the German Government was nice enough to allow this. The retirees have access with limited options in most stores unless they get a part time job just for logistical support, like cashing checks!
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...He got $, checks, for Xmas. Can he deposit them in German bank accnt? Or shld he cash em 1st? Not sure if German bank will accept checks drawn on American banks and wonder how long it will take them to clear. However, not real crazy about him carrying lots of cash while he travels back to Germany either. Any suggestions?
Other - Europe - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I was in the same situation last year. I was working as an au pair in Germany and my parents had sent me a Christmas check in the mail. I'm not sure what bank your son has, but my bank did not allow me to cash it, so we had to find another alternative. I honestly think your best bet is that he cashes them first, OR, as my parents had done, they used their bank in America to give me a gift card---they put, let's say, 200 USD on the card and mailed it to me, and I could use the card wherever Visa was accepted, it was similar to a debit card, but it was only "charged" for the 200 dollars.
2 :
Deposit them here in a bank in the US, then use an ATM card to withdraw the money as needed in Germany. Not only is this safe - no cash to carry, it also gives you he best exchange rate as well.
3 :
For all I know, it's still there. Pick a bank in the U.S. that has an office in Germany. Then you can send him checks he can actually cash. The reason i chose BofA is that they could do currency exchange before I left in my hometown's branch. Then there was sending my brother a check to cash in Thailand. Hoo boy. Let's just say that he never got to see the cash.
4 :
The best way to travel is with American travelers checks, they are accepted at all banks and most businesses in Europe. The traverlers checks handled and used per their instructions are the most effective way to travel safely with money. The checks in the event of theft can easily be replaced, there are American express offices in most major cities! The other options would be to get your son a visa card that works like a debit card that can be loaded from time to time from family members in the States! The use of personal checks is almost non existant unless he has access to a Military Garrison, has he considered a part time job. As tourists or student he may have a chance of getting a 20hr a week job and have access to everything American, just a thought! Here in Europe the retirees use the Military banks to cash their checks both retirement and social security, the German Government was nice enough to allow this. The retirees have access with limited options in most stores unless they get a part time job just for logistical support, like cashing checks!
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Thursday, November 7, 2013
What will happen to an american student caught shoplifting in Germany?
What will happen to an american student caught shoplifting in Germany?
I am currently studying abroad in Germany and a few days ago I got caught shoplifting. The police was called and I was asked to make a statement and fill out some forms. I am currently waiting for the judge decsions. This is the first time I have done anything like this and I am 20 years old. 1.) What are my next steps? 2.) Will this be on my record when I go home? 3.) Is there anyway I can get it off? In Germany or the US? 4.) What will my penalty be? I am a student that is not making any money. Thanks in advance for your help.
Law & Ethics - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You'll go to court. I'm sure it will be on your record. The penalty just depends on their laws.
2 :
You will probably be deported and your student visa cancelled. You might face court and have a financial penalty to pay.
3 :
You wouldn't be in this position if you weren't a thief. What is wrong with people if it isn't yours and you can't afford it why did you take it? Now you want to "get off". Take your punishment and learn a lesson.
4 :
I would call the American Embassy to see what protections you have as a citizen. Other than that, you are subject to their laws and it does not matter where you are from.
5 :
it will be on your record as you are over 14 years of age. the average "fee" for shoplifting is 50 euro. the rest depends on the judge,if you are lucky he will give you a warning and lets you off. if you are not lucky then you will be sent home. if you cant pay the 50 euro you can be made to do some community work. and im sure you will have some cash because otherwise you couldnt eat, drink etc
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I am currently studying abroad in Germany and a few days ago I got caught shoplifting. The police was called and I was asked to make a statement and fill out some forms. I am currently waiting for the judge decsions. This is the first time I have done anything like this and I am 20 years old. 1.) What are my next steps? 2.) Will this be on my record when I go home? 3.) Is there anyway I can get it off? In Germany or the US? 4.) What will my penalty be? I am a student that is not making any money. Thanks in advance for your help.
Law & Ethics - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You'll go to court. I'm sure it will be on your record. The penalty just depends on their laws.
2 :
You will probably be deported and your student visa cancelled. You might face court and have a financial penalty to pay.
3 :
You wouldn't be in this position if you weren't a thief. What is wrong with people if it isn't yours and you can't afford it why did you take it? Now you want to "get off". Take your punishment and learn a lesson.
4 :
I would call the American Embassy to see what protections you have as a citizen. Other than that, you are subject to their laws and it does not matter where you are from.
5 :
it will be on your record as you are over 14 years of age. the average "fee" for shoplifting is 50 euro. the rest depends on the judge,if you are lucky he will give you a warning and lets you off. if you are not lucky then you will be sent home. if you cant pay the 50 euro you can be made to do some community work. and im sure you will have some cash because otherwise you couldnt eat, drink etc
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Friday, November 1, 2013
Trustworthy Foreign Exchange Student Programs?
Trustworthy Foreign Exchange Student Programs?
I'm planning on becoming a foreign exchange student to Germany for a semester (or over the summer...depending on the program) but with how many different programs there are, I'm wondering if there are any that are more trustworthy than others. (Some sound a little sketchy.) Is there any specific program that you know or have heard about?
Studying Abroad - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
How wonderful that you are thinking about going on exchange! It is truely the experience of a lifetime. Everyone has an opinion on which organization is the best/safest. In general, personally I would advise doing extra research on any agency that is not listed with the Council for Standards on International Educational Travel (csiet.org). You can also check out the Committee for Safety of Foreign Exchange Students (http://www.csfes.org/default.php) and cultures-shocked.org. I am biased towards Youth For Understanding (YFU). We have hosted 6 exchange students (1 with another organization that no longer exists) and I am a volunteer (unpaid unless you call getting a couple of YFU Tshirts and a Starbucks gift card being paid) with YFU. Below are several links about YFU. You can use one of them to contact students who have gone on exchange with YFU. Good luck to you!
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I'm planning on becoming a foreign exchange student to Germany for a semester (or over the summer...depending on the program) but with how many different programs there are, I'm wondering if there are any that are more trustworthy than others. (Some sound a little sketchy.) Is there any specific program that you know or have heard about?
Studying Abroad - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
How wonderful that you are thinking about going on exchange! It is truely the experience of a lifetime. Everyone has an opinion on which organization is the best/safest. In general, personally I would advise doing extra research on any agency that is not listed with the Council for Standards on International Educational Travel (csiet.org). You can also check out the Committee for Safety of Foreign Exchange Students (http://www.csfes.org/default.php) and cultures-shocked.org. I am biased towards Youth For Understanding (YFU). We have hosted 6 exchange students (1 with another organization that no longer exists) and I am a volunteer (unpaid unless you call getting a couple of YFU Tshirts and a Starbucks gift card being paid) with YFU. Below are several links about YFU. You can use one of them to contact students who have gone on exchange with YFU. Good luck to you!
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