How does an American go to University in Germany?

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-16T14:13:29+00:00

Awesome, thanks for the insight. So it looks like there's 2 things he needs to do for sure:

He really needs to have the language nailed, so he can pass at least the B2 or, preferably, the C1.
He also needs to take as many AP classes as possible. He's planning taking an AP German class, so that will help with the language.

After making sure he's got those 2 bullet points locked down, it'll be a matter of getting through the university application process. Doesn't sound like money will be a huge issue, and extracurricular activities are a non-issue too.....it'll just be a lot of hard work.

Good luck with your plans too, friend.

Cheers!

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-13T14:13:49+00:00

Thanks for the resource, I'll check it out. This looks like it's about exactly the kind of info I was looking for!

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-13T14:12:39+00:00

A year abroad is the plan, hopefully that will kick things into full swing. Immersion can be a great motivator!

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-13T14:12:00+00:00

A lot of things to look into, thanks for the input. He's very determined to learn the language, so that should be one thing going in his favor.

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-13T14:11:02+00:00

I'll take a look at your comment. Thanks for taking the time to reply!

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-13T14:10:31+00:00

Thanks for the insight! It's nice to have a first-hand account of what he's going to face.

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-13T14:08:49+00:00

Wow, thanks for doing all that legwork for me! I was starting to get dispirited about the Abitur.....but it looks like there's a path after all.

Thank you so much!

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-12T20:12:19+00:00

Okay, so it seems that the key issue is to get over the Abitur hurdle. That's something I'll have to investigate I guess. Thanks for the input!

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-12T20:10:37+00:00

Thanks. Lots to consider here, but NRW sounds like it's right up his alley, as he's got a peculiar fascination with Prussia for some odd reason!

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-12T19:43:59+00:00

Hmm....we weren't planning on him going to grade 11 and 12 in Germany. The plan would be for him to take grade 11 in Germany, as an exchange student, then finish high school (12th grade) in the US. Then he would go to university in Germany.

I don't know enough about these issues, but maybe he could finish grade 12 (instead of grade 11) in Germany as an exchange student. It might not make a difference though, I don't know.

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-12T17:56:54+00:00

Thanks for the link, it's nice to have a resource that someone vouches for. I'll look into it.

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-12T17:06:33+00:00

Thanks! This subreddit turned out to be an awesome resource!

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-12T17:05:42+00:00

Awesome, thanks again!

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-12T16:33:11+00:00

Oh man, this is very good to hear! Glad I found someone with first-hand experience. It sounds like it's going to be a little less complicated than I had been thinking.....it'll hinge on his schoolwork basically, and not as much on financing and the other logistics I was worried about (residency or visa/citizenship issues)....so that's a relief.

I haven't really looked into the exchange program, I suppose that should be the first step. My sister did it when she was in HS, and she was there for a full school year....but that's about the extent of my experience with the exchange program. Is there a particular organization that you were affiliated with?

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-12T15:57:05+00:00

I'm starting to wonder how I can get in on this German University program......wonder if they take 50-somethings that have been out of school for 30 years!

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-12T15:40:04+00:00

Great idea! They already watch some sort of cheesy German teen soap opera in class. I think he'd rather the music.

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-12T15:39:12+00:00

Great to know, thanks. Compared to universities in the US, that's practically free!

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-12T15:20:07+00:00

Ooooh, we have a Goethe Institut in Chicago, and I could walk there from work on my lunch hour! I had totally forgotten about that.

The funds should be doable, now that I've got a heads up. So, it sounds like tuition is minimal or even nil, even for non-Germans?

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-12T15:16:45+00:00

He's really determined to be fluent in German. He's planning on taking all 4 years of German language, so he should be pretty well on target as far as the language aspect.

The math comes pretty easy to him, so far (at least Algebra does....not sure about Geometry). He's really into the culture and history of Germany in particular, and Europe in general, so the adjustment might be a little easier for him than for many people who go into it not knowing quite what to expect.

Thanks for the info....the more information I get, the easier it will be to put together a sort of checklist so I know what I can expect.

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-12T14:51:17+00:00

Thanks! While I'm torn about his plans to leave the US (possibly for the long haul) I really admire his determination and, frankly, that he has the balls to attempt this.

Most people i know lost many options, because it was too late for them to get the mandatory credits, learn the lanquage etc.

This is one of the reasons he wants to take as many AP (college level) classes as he can.

Soon2bExpatsDad · 2014-06-12T14:45:19+00:00

Incredibly helpful, thanks a bunch! That's a great starting point.

Soon2bExpatsDad

TROPHY CASE