I will be an exchange student in Germany next year. What should I expect?
Well, that's a little incorrect. I'm going through the application process and will most likely be accepted. I'm in highschool. It's for the whole school year (well 11 months including an intense language and culture training program). I have no clue what part of Germany it will be. I'm very excited about the chance but I'm clueless what to expect. Has anyone been to Germany as an exchange student or any Germans in highschool like to kind of tell me what it's like?
Other - Germany - 6 Answers
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1 :
good beer and sausage
2 :
rain, drizzle, fog, cool temps, great food,
3 :
My daughter did it and we had a German girl for a year.. You will love it as the people are great there..I have been there dozens of times on business and pleasure and always had a good time..The biggest shock to you will be the language..Unless you learn the dialect from exactly where you are staying you won't have a clue what they are saying..Email me if you want to hear more as I have to go now
4 :
I did an exchange year to Germany during my high school time in Munich and I loved it. I am currently back in Germany for a year doing aUniversity year abroad in Berlin. Feel free to email me if you have any questions in particular!! sabandkev@yahoo.ca Greetings from Berlin sabrina
5 :
Hey, Im an alum of the Congress Bundestag youth exchange, which sounds like what youre going for (maybe?). Anyways, I am going to sum up what I am going to say in a few words. It's life! It's just like living anywhere else when you break it down, but it takes a while to realize that. All parts of germany are really really different though and, i hate to admit this, that has a huge impact on your stay. and your host family can make or break your trip. i cant tell you how many people were dissapointed with their families or didnt get along with them. trying to blend with a new family is the biggest challenge youll ever have to do in life. some people do it flawlessly and become a member of the family forever. many end up switching families, and thats ok! but if you want to switch, hopefully you find out in the beginning of the year, because otherwise it's sooo stressful starting out new again. The intense language program is a blast though. mine was in flensburg, germany, the northern-most city in germany and we were a group of 10 kick ass americans. you really dont get a feel for real german life in the first month because you spend the majority of your time doing things with americans and your host siblings if you have any (youll have 2 host families, this one is only for a month). in our case, all of our host siblings spoke english and we all got along so well, so it was just a big party. bars, clubs, town festivals especially because of the time of year. the "classes" in most cases arent classes at all. my teachers brought us to the beach, to kiev and luebeck and wherever else. the last day at your first host family and on the ride to your final destination it will hit you, holy poop im in germany for a whole year! Its about to start...whoa. its such a weird feeling. in my case, i was on a train for 7 hours from the north part of germany to a tiny tiny microscopic village in the middle of east germany. me, being from chicago, and ending up in a tiny village...it was a culture shock to say the least. once school started a week later, it was just like normal life, but in german and with much much harder course material. people were really nice to me and i made a lot of cool friends. i am actually going to see one of them next week! (and it's been 3 years!) its full of ups and downs though. youre torn between building a temporary new life in germany and not being too locked out of your old one in america. at one point, "home" becomes less important and phone calls to america become less and less. im going to be honest though, a year is a loooong time. i stayed 10 months, and by the time i left 2 months early, about half of the participants in the program had already gone home. it was the worst year for drop outs ever. at that time in my life, it was the best decision to make and im happy that i did, but i missed my friends in germany once i was back and, honestly, had a hard time getting used to american life and speaking english. and remember, your whole life in america isnt standing still waiting for you. when i came back, my parents had remodeled, my friends had gone to college and i wasnt expecting that. from the friends i still talk to, everyone had a hard time adjusting back to amerian life. anyways being an exchange student is really hard. but you will learn more about yourself than you ever would staying home. you will come back more mature, independant and have a cultural knowledge that you could never ever learn in a classroom or out of a book. plus you can get college credit most likely from your experience! I dont regret a minute of my exchange and the experience is different for each person, but i have yet to meet someone that tells me its an easy experience.
6 :
I lived in Germany for 5.5 years, and absolutely loved it. It really depends on where you go to know what to expect, but I can tell you some general tips. Try to read all you can about Germany. While it might not help, at least you will know a little more. Germans are very fun, helping and generous people. I always had the experience that they were willing to help. If I asked them something in German (with my American accent) they'd answer me in English, and when they couldn't speak English they'd find somebody who could, to help you. They also are somewhat humble in their speaking abilities. Almost every German I ran into when asked, "Do you speak English?" They would respond "Only alittle," Yet they would have better grammar, and perfect sentences then I did. The reason being all Germans are required to take English as a second language starting in the 5th grade all the way through 13th grade. (Their high school ends at 13th...not 12th.) Each state, each city has their own customs. But there are some things that are continental. Fasching is a large celebration right before Easter. Huge parades (The best one is in Mainz Germany), with people in costumes, and huge hats. They throw out candy, and just have a good time. Around the Rhein there are many wine festivals during the summer. I would advise to avoid these...but hey! If it floats your boat go for it. Christmas time is probably the best. Many large cities, and even smaller towns have Christmas markets. From children activities, to potato bratwurst, to handicrafts, to Gluhwein (Apple Wine) there is something for everyone. Their crepes are escpecially good. If you are in a Roman Catholic state (Southern Germany, Bayer, Rheinland Phalz) then you will see Germans kids out playing. The government gives the kids these days off. Public transportation is amazing in Germany! Since there are no specific school buses the kids use the public transport. The trains are clean and on time, the buses, fast, and you can go almost everywhere. Another often used transportation is your feet or bicycles. The Germans are very fit people. Depending on the city, there are weekly or biweekly fresh markets. Fresh meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, and flowers all fill the main square. You will see some stores you see in the United States. H&M, Starbucks, and some others are in Germany. The big clothing chains are Karstadt (alittle expensive), Peek and Cloppenburg, Kaufhof, C&A (cheaper, and fits almost everyone), United Colors of Benittion (more expensive) I hope you have a good time. If you have anymore questions feel free to email me.
7 :
Germany is a beautiful country. Enjoy and know how to get in touch with the Committee for Safety of Foreign Exchange Students (CSFES) via their website: www.csfes.org. CSFES has members in Germany, too! Again, enjoy.
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Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
How many hours per week can an international student work in Germany?
How many hours per week can an international student work in Germany?
I am planning to study abroad in Germany and want to know how many hours per week can an international student work. And how is the job market for part timers in Germany. Thanks you very much for your time.
Other - Europe - 1 Answers
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1 :
Not more than 20 hours
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I am planning to study abroad in Germany and want to know how many hours per week can an international student work. And how is the job market for part timers in Germany. Thanks you very much for your time.
Other - Europe - 1 Answers
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1 :
Not more than 20 hours
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Sunday, November 7, 2010
What happened if a student exchange get caught stealing in Germany?
What happened if a student exchange get caught stealing in Germany?
Yesterday my friend, a student exchange in Germany stolen something in a shop and get caught by police. He had caught by the shop keeper and arrest by police and also been told to his hostfamily. What is the worst case that would happened to him? Get an amount of fine to pay? Send back to his country? Going to the court? I don't want him to get kick back to his country because of this small case, what could we do?
Other - Europe - 1 Answers
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1 :
Well, stealing/theft isn't a "small case" and at the start your friend shouldn't be stealing. The way you sound like your friend was right to steal and its normal.
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Yesterday my friend, a student exchange in Germany stolen something in a shop and get caught by police. He had caught by the shop keeper and arrest by police and also been told to his hostfamily. What is the worst case that would happened to him? Get an amount of fine to pay? Send back to his country? Going to the court? I don't want him to get kick back to his country because of this small case, what could we do?
Other - Europe - 1 Answers
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1 :
Well, stealing/theft isn't a "small case" and at the start your friend shouldn't be stealing. The way you sound like your friend was right to steal and its normal.
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Monday, November 1, 2010
How do i become a german teacher in the US if i am a student in Germany?
How do i become a german teacher in the US if i am a student in Germany?
I am a student from Germany. And I lived in the USA for one year during my school. Now that my school is almost done i am thinking about becoming a teacher for german in the USA. What do i need to get or what do i need to do, so i can become one? Thanks for the answers A German Student
Higher Education (University +) - 1 Answers
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1 :
Well, you have be certified in order to teach. If you have not gone to school to become a teacher, you will have to in order to teach the language. (Even though you are already fluent yourself.)
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I am a student from Germany. And I lived in the USA for one year during my school. Now that my school is almost done i am thinking about becoming a teacher for german in the USA. What do i need to get or what do i need to do, so i can become one? Thanks for the answers A German Student
Higher Education (University +) - 1 Answers
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1 :
Well, you have be certified in order to teach. If you have not gone to school to become a teacher, you will have to in order to teach the language. (Even though you are already fluent yourself.)
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Thursday, October 28, 2010
Macedonian student in Germany for a summer work?
Macedonian student in Germany for a summer work?
Hello,i m a 20 years old student from Macedonia,and i m finishing my first year in college this year,so i want to go to Germany for a summer work,which will allow me to travel abroad and have some experience and learn something new and interesting,and of course to earn some money which will let me pay my next year in college.Can anyone help me and give me a good answer?I thank u for your time.
Greece - 3 Answers
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1 :
well if u are going to germany then this question has to be posted in the german section... this is the greek section...
2 :
You should contact the Embassy of Germany in Skopje (Macedonia) for further informations. Good luck Greetings from Macedonia
3 :
Wende Dich an die deutsche Botschaft, Du brauchst erstmal ein Visum und Arbeit gibt es dann über das Arbeitsamt oder das Studentenwerk. If you understood a word then you know what to do ;-) Oh, yes, and please go to the german section this is the greek one.
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Hello,i m a 20 years old student from Macedonia,and i m finishing my first year in college this year,so i want to go to Germany for a summer work,which will allow me to travel abroad and have some experience and learn something new and interesting,and of course to earn some money which will let me pay my next year in college.Can anyone help me and give me a good answer?I thank u for your time.
Greece - 3 Answers
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1 :
well if u are going to germany then this question has to be posted in the german section... this is the greek section...
2 :
You should contact the Embassy of Germany in Skopje (Macedonia) for further informations. Good luck Greetings from Macedonia
3 :
Wende Dich an die deutsche Botschaft, Du brauchst erstmal ein Visum und Arbeit gibt es dann über das Arbeitsamt oder das Studentenwerk. If you understood a word then you know what to do ;-) Oh, yes, and please go to the german section this is the greek one.
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Thursday, October 14, 2010
Have You Ever Been an Exchange Student in Germany?
Have You Ever Been an Exchange Student in Germany?
I am considering applying for a program to become an exchange student in Germany. I would be staying with a host family and attending a local German high school. I do not speak German, but the program offers a one month language/culture crash course. I have also never been to Germany. If you have been an exchange student in Germany I would LOVE to hear about your experience and any advice you are willing to give!
Studying Abroad - 1 Answers
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1 :
go for it. it will be fun and enjoyable. but u must be adaptable and accommodating. as u are still in hi-sch, they maybe protective. but u just take it in your stride and enjoy their company. the food is different and the scenery is just beautiful. u will learn german very fast. so dont waste this opportunity
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I am considering applying for a program to become an exchange student in Germany. I would be staying with a host family and attending a local German high school. I do not speak German, but the program offers a one month language/culture crash course. I have also never been to Germany. If you have been an exchange student in Germany I would LOVE to hear about your experience and any advice you are willing to give!
Studying Abroad - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
go for it. it will be fun and enjoyable. but u must be adaptable and accommodating. as u are still in hi-sch, they maybe protective. but u just take it in your stride and enjoy their company. the food is different and the scenery is just beautiful. u will learn german very fast. so dont waste this opportunity
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Thursday, October 7, 2010
How do I become a foreign exchange student to Berlin, Germany?
How do I become a foreign exchange student to Berlin, Germany?
I am a 16 year old guy, in 11th grade, living in central TX. I would absolutely love to become a foreign exchange student in Germany, specifically Berlin since it's like a nice big city. I need a lot a lot A LOT of info other than "go to this website", if you don't have a lot and/or important information then don't answer please, I am very serious about this. Please Help!!!
Other - Europe - 1 Answers
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1 :
It's great that you are thinking of doing this! Being an exchange student is an experience unlike any other. I am a 5-time host mom and volunteer with Youth For Understanding (YFU: yfu-usa.org). One of our kids is from northern Germany. I don't know how to begin - there's so much to write. Unfortunately, I don't know of any program that can guarantee the specific location for placement. Exchange students write letters to their potential host families (the families use this when picking out who they want to host) and it would be OK if you wrote that you would love going to a large city, just make sure that you make it clear that something else is as good (and make sure you mean it - let's face it, if it's a choice between going to a small town or not at all, which would you choose?). Normally I would tell someone considering an exchange to pick a country. You have obviously done this. Next you should choose an agency/program. My biggest piece of advice is to go with a program listed with the Council for Standards on International Educational Travel (csiet.org). They routinely audit programs to help insure quality. I personally recommend YFU (I know, big surprise there - I'm a volunteer for them - but there are reasons why I chose to give up a big portion of my free time to help out with YFU). When I have asked other exchange students why they chose YFU, they basically said because YFU gave them more bang for their buck. 95% of the fees collected go for direct program costs (airline tickets, finding a host family, support in the hosting country, etc.) and only 5% for 'overhead'. When my husband and I started to look for an agency with which to host, YFU was the most responsive to our needs. The basic process is as follows: 1) apply for the program (and scholarships if you're interested), 2) participate in an interview, 3) after acceptance, prepare for your adventure. The application can be filled out online, over the phone, or a hard copy filled out and mailed/faxed to YFU. The application will include basic questions such as name, allergies, etc.. You will have to get an educator evaluation and sign an agreement to abide by program rules. You will also write a letter to your potential host family. In the letter, talk about why you want to go on exchange, what your family here is like, what you do in your free time, what your favorite subjects are in school, etc., anything that might give your potential host family a look at who you are. You can also apply for scholarships at the same time. The website (yfu--usa.org) has the list of scholarships (this portion is still being updated). If you call in, the Admissions Counselor should also be able to help out with information on scholarships. If I give specific information on scholarships, this will take an hour to read. I'll just say there are some REALLY good ones! In a typical year, 500 students go overseas with YFU, 300 will have a partial or full scholarship. When you apply, you will have a $75 application fee. This is the same whether or not you apply for scholarships. You will be notified of any scholarship award before the date that your tuition is due so, if you don't get one, you can withdraw and only lose the $75 application fee. The application deadline for winter (Jan for spring semester) departure dates is October 1, so if you want to go then, you'll have to get busy. The deadline for summer departure dates (June for summer programs, Aug for year/fall semester) is April 1. However, many of the scholarships have earlier application deadlines. After your application gets an initial review and approval, you will have an in-person interview with a YFU volunteer or staff member. You mention you live in Central Texas. The YFU District Office is in Azle, so you may have some things done directly out of the at office. The interview is not an interrogation - I've done one - we just want to make sure we can find an appropriate host family. After final acceptance, you can prepare to go. As a note, Germany is one of the MANY countries that does not require previous language study. As soon as a host family is found, you can (and, in my humble opinion as a host mom, should) correspond with them. Your host family can come in almost any 'form' - anything from a single parent with no kids living in a large city to a married couple with many kids living in the country. Corresponding with the family will help you guys to get to know each other - it REALLY breaks the ice. You will also have a pre-departure orientation. It's a group meeting where YFU will help you get ready for going to Germany. They'll talk about the program rules, what kind of support you'll have while in Germany, who to call if there's problems, and, most likely, some country-specific topics such as food, school expectations, etc. Now the part your parents will want to know: How much will this cost? Assuming you don't get a scholarship, a summer program
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I am a 16 year old guy, in 11th grade, living in central TX. I would absolutely love to become a foreign exchange student in Germany, specifically Berlin since it's like a nice big city. I need a lot a lot A LOT of info other than "go to this website", if you don't have a lot and/or important information then don't answer please, I am very serious about this. Please Help!!!
Other - Europe - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
It's great that you are thinking of doing this! Being an exchange student is an experience unlike any other. I am a 5-time host mom and volunteer with Youth For Understanding (YFU: yfu-usa.org). One of our kids is from northern Germany. I don't know how to begin - there's so much to write. Unfortunately, I don't know of any program that can guarantee the specific location for placement. Exchange students write letters to their potential host families (the families use this when picking out who they want to host) and it would be OK if you wrote that you would love going to a large city, just make sure that you make it clear that something else is as good (and make sure you mean it - let's face it, if it's a choice between going to a small town or not at all, which would you choose?). Normally I would tell someone considering an exchange to pick a country. You have obviously done this. Next you should choose an agency/program. My biggest piece of advice is to go with a program listed with the Council for Standards on International Educational Travel (csiet.org). They routinely audit programs to help insure quality. I personally recommend YFU (I know, big surprise there - I'm a volunteer for them - but there are reasons why I chose to give up a big portion of my free time to help out with YFU). When I have asked other exchange students why they chose YFU, they basically said because YFU gave them more bang for their buck. 95% of the fees collected go for direct program costs (airline tickets, finding a host family, support in the hosting country, etc.) and only 5% for 'overhead'. When my husband and I started to look for an agency with which to host, YFU was the most responsive to our needs. The basic process is as follows: 1) apply for the program (and scholarships if you're interested), 2) participate in an interview, 3) after acceptance, prepare for your adventure. The application can be filled out online, over the phone, or a hard copy filled out and mailed/faxed to YFU. The application will include basic questions such as name, allergies, etc.. You will have to get an educator evaluation and sign an agreement to abide by program rules. You will also write a letter to your potential host family. In the letter, talk about why you want to go on exchange, what your family here is like, what you do in your free time, what your favorite subjects are in school, etc., anything that might give your potential host family a look at who you are. You can also apply for scholarships at the same time. The website (yfu--usa.org) has the list of scholarships (this portion is still being updated). If you call in, the Admissions Counselor should also be able to help out with information on scholarships. If I give specific information on scholarships, this will take an hour to read. I'll just say there are some REALLY good ones! In a typical year, 500 students go overseas with YFU, 300 will have a partial or full scholarship. When you apply, you will have a $75 application fee. This is the same whether or not you apply for scholarships. You will be notified of any scholarship award before the date that your tuition is due so, if you don't get one, you can withdraw and only lose the $75 application fee. The application deadline for winter (Jan for spring semester) departure dates is October 1, so if you want to go then, you'll have to get busy. The deadline for summer departure dates (June for summer programs, Aug for year/fall semester) is April 1. However, many of the scholarships have earlier application deadlines. After your application gets an initial review and approval, you will have an in-person interview with a YFU volunteer or staff member. You mention you live in Central Texas. The YFU District Office is in Azle, so you may have some things done directly out of the at office. The interview is not an interrogation - I've done one - we just want to make sure we can find an appropriate host family. After final acceptance, you can prepare to go. As a note, Germany is one of the MANY countries that does not require previous language study. As soon as a host family is found, you can (and, in my humble opinion as a host mom, should) correspond with them. Your host family can come in almost any 'form' - anything from a single parent with no kids living in a large city to a married couple with many kids living in the country. Corresponding with the family will help you guys to get to know each other - it REALLY breaks the ice. You will also have a pre-departure orientation. It's a group meeting where YFU will help you get ready for going to Germany. They'll talk about the program rules, what kind of support you'll have while in Germany, who to call if there's problems, and, most likely, some country-specific topics such as food, school expectations, etc. Now the part your parents will want to know: How much will this cost? Assuming you don't get a scholarship, a summer program
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