Turbo Charged Economy
As said earlier, Germany is the
first country among the developed nations to recover from the global
economic crisis of which many including the USA and UK are still
suffering. On the contrary the German economy not only recovered quickly
but is sky-rocketing with no signs of slowing down! A
visible testimony to the theory is the numerous job openings announced
almost everywhere within the past few weeks. The labour shortage is so
high that it had to go out of the way and relax its border to the
east European citizens to work here without any legal barrier.
Why is it important? Simply, because you want to
study at a country whose economic and political conditions are stable.
Bigger economy means bigger spending on universities and research
schools. And a strong economy guarantees a 'non-profit' education
system. I think by now you know the consequences of
universities becoming money making industries rather than true
educational institutions.
Another plus point is the
availability of plenty of 'student-jobs' during study period. In short
it is financially more secured and convenient.
Excellent Universities and Educational Institutions
The
German universities are famous for pioneering cutting edge
technologies. Just wikipedia some major inventions/technologies and most
of the time the roots will be related to Germany. All the
major universities have a long tradition of excellence in research and
development. The government and state expenditure are quite high on
education. Usually the universities have a major influence on the city
they are located in. The average classes are small but resource heavy,
with plenty access to state of the art facilities. The libraries are
huge, well resourced and one never has to wait for access to a computer
terminal or desk irrespective to the number of students or time of the
day/semester. My university has over 37 000 students, till date I never
had to wait for one. The best part, almost everything is free of cost
for students.
Why is it important? For an ideal studying
environment, the educational institutions need to be strong and free
from socio-political influences. Fortunately universities in Germany
enjoys a full autonomy from the state mechanism. This provides an ideal
ground for disturbance free education, research and student life.
Its Fun!
German universities and colleges
are not only about studying, they are pretty much fun as well! Here a
university is not complete without a dozen of cafe/restaurants and bars!
Each offering a different selection of snacks and cuisines, all of
course discounted for students. In addition, there are numerous parties,
cultural shows, road shows and night life all arranged by different
student offices of the universities. In addition each student hostel has
its own party place and bar.
Accomodation.
Every student finds
an accommodation usually with one of the university subsidiary run
hostels. The living conditions are nice. The locations are near to the
university, public transport systems and shopping malls. (Detailed info
soon to be uploaded).
Transport.
In most of the states/cities the
student identity card doubles as the public transport card valid for
travel in trains, trams, subways, water taxi and overhead cars. The cost
is included in the social fees for the semester which is about two
hundred euro.
Extracurricular activities.
Should you
decide not to be a couch potato, the universities' sport faculties offer
a extensive range of sports to choose for in the semester. Activities
range from windsurfing, scuba diving, football to karate, techno dance,
yoga etc. Again most of them are free for students!
Lifestyle.
Europeans prefer a non
extravagant lifestyle. In cities the buildings, malls and the like blend
in smoothly to the surrounding nature. However, it has all the modern
social attractions but muted under a layer of simplicity so that it
doesn't interfere with people who want quite and peace. Germany is
strongly racism free and the laws are very strong against it. It is also
very friendly to people with special needs. All the government,
semi-government and private establishments have special provisions for
disabled persons. The public transport systems and buildings are
equipped to cater to people with special needs.
Why are all these important? Because student life is
not only about studies. Life, like everything else must be well
balanced. And in Germany it is pretty much balanced. In Germany students
literally enjoy a VIP status, a far cry even for many developed
nations.
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