5 WAYS TO GEL WELL WITH GERMAN ENVIRONMENT
Here are 5 hacks through which you can easily adapt Germany.
Cultural Shock
There are several customs that may knock you off your feet, so it’s best to mentally prepare for changes here and there. One thing to keep in mind is that adaptability is an evolutionary process that is embedded in our genes, so don’t always act upon your gut, but rather your reason. Give this new habitat of yours a chance first before you turn it away. Make fun out of the awkward language misunderstandings and feel free to ask so you learn.
Beer & Conversation
The latter two are two very integral parts of life in Germany. The best way to strike up a conversation is to politely introduce you (without intruding). Don’t overthink it. Say hello and offer to exchange opinions and experiences about the similarities and differences between your countries. The funny examples should of course come first. Enjoy your new company over a glass of cold German beer and be sure to compliment it; beer is basically their trademark. Your German will improve with every conversation.
The German Budget
Financially speaking, Germany can adapt to the depth of any pocket. Berlin is the cheapest city to study abroad in. Munich is notorious for issues with accommodations, because they are typically crazy expensive and hard to get. As a student, you will luckily have benefits, like university housing, free public transport via the tuition contributions, and several discounts with your student ID, at your fingertips.
Culinary Queries
Inexpensive food is easy to find, especially in Berlin. Eating in is of course the cheapest route, but if you are not that into cooking, there are numerous affordable options in every city, they just might not be particularly healthy. Delicious junk food can be found about anywhere and at about anytime starting at just 2.5 Euros. Beer is cheap too, not surprisingly, in the land of Oktoberfest.
Academic Preparation
Many classes require you to give a presentation as well as write a 10 to 15-page paper. Some have exams at the end instead of a paper. The presentations are usually done via teamwork which gives you an excellent opportunity to make friends and practice the language. Germans however, tend to separate business from pleasure; school friends don’t typically become drinking buddies. Make sure you sign up on the lists that get passed around on the first day and pick presentation topics as soon as you can.