Practical Guide for Taking a German Language Course in Germany
English Into the German Language: For upon |Many language enthusiasts choose to learn a language in its origin country because they can immerse themselves in the culture and have conversations with native speakers. For German, it’s no different. There is literally no way of avoiding the language, from speaking with your host family or class colleagues to watching local TV, ordering at restaurants, or reading newspapers. Simply put, every interaction with the local culture will mean expanding your vocabulary and increasing your understanding of the language. English Into the German Language.
Yet, there are many more reasons why learning German in Germany is so popular. Namely, Germany is one of Europe’s top study-abroad destinations with more than 400,000 international students per year. That means meeting new people from other countries and developing relationships is super easy. Above all, you get the chance to enjoy one of the richest cultures that ever existed on European soil. English Into the German Language.
When it comes to choosing a language school, there is a myriad of them offering programs that can satisfy even the pickiest ones. Some schools offer courses and programs that require you to stay for a few weeks in Germany and some require a few months. And because you will practically live there, German law requires you to have a few things settled beforehand. English Into the German Language.
With that in mind, let’s look at what you need to do before coming to Germany to attend a German language course. English Into the German Language.
Health Insurance
The first thing you need to do once you have decided to attend a language school in Germany is to consider your health insurance possibilities. Health insurance is compulsory for everyone that resides in the country, including international students. As a language student, however, you are not eligible for a public health insurance plan. For this reason, your best option is private health insurance Germany-wide. The great thing about this insurance type is that you can choose a plan that best suits your needs depending on your health conditions. Additionally, since most international students need a visa to attend a language course, having a health insurance plan increases your chance of getting a visa successfully. English Into the German Language.
Find and Enroll at a Language School
There are countless language schools across Germany, so you will probably find something suitable in no time. German language courses can cover all six German-language levels and are tailored depending on why you are taking the classes. English Into the German Language.
One way to find a suitable language school in Germany is to look for private courses online before coming. These classes provide schedule flexibility and better conditions, for example, location and advantages like different courses and study curriculums. Furthermore, private language schools usually offer additional extra-curricular activities to gain cultural experience and practice German in various different settings. English Into the German Language.
However, alongside these advantages, private language schools can be costly. The applied fees usually depend on the type of course you choose and the number of classes you want to take. When it comes to applying, all you have to do is fill out an application form on the school’s website and pay the required fee. English Into the German Language.
Things to consider
Another attractive option to learn German is language classes offered by universities. This option is exceptionally feasible for students that are planning on enrolling in a German university. However, keep in mind that these modules are usually fixed with time, location (at the university), and curriculum, and students don’t have their word on the course’s structure. The positive thing is that they do come cheap or at no price at all. English Into the German Language.
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When choosing a language school, you also need to decide whether you want to study alone or together with other students. Learning in a group is cheaper and provides for more “talking opportunities” with fellow students. Individual classes are more expensive but can make learning the language faster. They can also be customized to your requirements regarding the curriculum and schedule. English Into the German Language.
The duration of German language courses varies. Intensive courses can last for a week or several weeks, but others can take a whole semester. The classes can be during the day or in the evening. Most language courses end with an exam that you need to pass before moving on to the next level. An important tip, is you need to find out beforehand whether the exam is included in the course fee. English Into the German Language.
Look for Accommodation
Once you have chosen the language school and the city where you will be taking the course, you need to find suitable accommodation. The majority of language schools that work with international students offer their registered participants help in finding housing. The accommodation options that are usually used by students are a shared apartment, a room in a hotel or hostel very close to the school, or a host family. English Into the German Language.
The most popular idea among students is to live in a shared flat (WG) to meet new and cool people. A WG can consist of anywhere between two and twenty people. Hotels and hostels are other good options if you prefer living alone. Lastly, you can also choose to stay with a host family, where you get your room, food, and a chance to get closer to the country and its people. English Into the German Language.
Applying for Visa
- The last thing you need to do is prepare your papers and apply for a visa. The contact point for this should be the German Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin. For language courses, embassies usually approve a visa that will allow you to live in Germany for your course duration or 3 to 12 months. English Into the German Language.
However, when preparing your application, keep in mind the following essential things:
● 2. The course of your choice must consist of at least 18 to 20 lesson hours per week.
● You must provide a personal financial statement showing that you will have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Germany.
● 3. The German Language Course Visa does not allow you to work in Germany.
You will also have to submit a correctly filled application form, valid passport, two photos, proof of payment towards the language school, motivation letter, health insurance, etc. Before applying for a German visa, we strongly advise you to contact the appropriate authority and book an appointment. English Into the German Language.
Start Pumping up Your German
learning German can be a bit challenging. For that reason, even though you are enrolling in language classes, it is always good to work a bit on your own. Try free-of-charge apps, listen to podcasts, watch German movies, and listen to popular German music. These are all great and fun ways to practice German while getting on with your everyday activities. Keep in mind that the best way to improve your language skills and win self-confidence is to stay positive and not let grammar or pronunciation problems discourage you from starting a conversation. English Into the German Language.
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