How Good Is Living In Germany?

Living in Germany
Living in Germany

As I mentioned in my past article, the cost of living in Germany for a student alone is around 500 Euros per month (minimum) and it is possible to work while you are a student. I do NOT suggested that you work while studying in Germany unless you really DO NOT have enough money for living. Focus on study (without working) in Germany has been difficult to pass, let alone passing your courses while you have a job.

Remember, you will be studying within a strict system, especially for an international student whose language is not native to the country and culturally, the German education system may be very different from the one in your home country. In Germany, once you graduate from high school you must take a test again (the Aufnahmen test) to be able to follow the equalization programs. You will also study basic math (Studienkolleg Program/STK) for about 1 year. After graduating the STK then you will get a Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) score as a requirement for further study at a university.

Do not let your work to get “a dime” make you drop out of school!

Philosophical education in Germany is described as “link and match” which means that there is a strong attachment to industry. Try to take a Practicum, Internship or Thesis working in a company and you will get some of the following advantages:

  1. You will get real experience in a Company.
  2. You are paid: payment for a practicum is approximately 400-600 Euros per month, an apprenticeship or thesis will range between 600-1000 Euros per month.
  3. In addition, if the company considers you good intern/apprentice then by the time of graduation you can usually directly work in the company.
Graduation ceremony
Graduation ceremony

The requirement for applying to a Practicum, Apprenticeship (Internship) or Research Thesis at a company is  that you maintain good grades and have good communication skills or can speak German very well.

Now let’s talk about language. The German language levels of study from the lowest to the highest is: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.  “German is a difficult language,” is an argument that is often heard from foreigners and native Germans as well. The fact that there are so many foreigners who can master German well, however, makes it so we do not need to worry too much about this aspect. Mastering the language may not be easy but with applying your best effort you will obtain satisfactory results! It is also advisable to start learning German from the early ages. Learning a language slowly and over a long period of time will provide a solid foundation. Students are expected to have the basic skills of the German language mastered  when they first arrive in Germany.

My advice for learning German is to master it at least up to a level B1 in the country you live in because when studying in Germany, your standard level of speaking the language is usually B1.  This will allow you to be able to follow the teachers who understand your native language and will help you to easily keep up with the course work. Only after passing the B1 or B2 will you then be able to continue studying the German language.

Before making a decision, it’s good to first gather a lot of information about studying in Germany and if possible try living in Germany itself. It is very useful to get a first impression about the country before you decide to start studying there, especially if you have not had time to visit the country. Finally, do not think about the sacrifices and challenges that you will face, but focus your mind on the bright future that is ready to welcome you with enthusiasm and confidence.

In shaa Allah.

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