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Contents:
0. Introduction
1. Possibilities for Studying in Germany
2. Types of Universities in Germany
3. Tuition Fees at German Universities
4. Foreign Students at German Universities
5. Visa
6. Counseling
7. Enrollment
8. Health Insurance
9. Studying
10. Exams and Degrees
11. Culture, Leisure in Germany
11.1. Students and Their Leisure Time
In case your hunger for education has not yet been satiated and - aside from your studies - you want to learn international dance styles, or learn how the knights in earlier times feasted in their castles, then local adult education centers ("Volkshochschulen (VHS)), the educational institutes ("Bildungswerke"), ecclesiastical institutions and private schools offer courses for almost every thinkable discipline. Here, students receive preferential prices, too. Comparing prices is nonetheless worthwhile, because private schools can be rather expensive. You find the current program of the adult education centers ("Volkshochschulen (VHS)) in book stores; the educational institutes ("Bildungswerke") send their brochures on request, and private schools advertise in city magazines.
Federal theaters, museums, opera houses and also many private theaters and movie theaters offer discounted tickets to students. They only need to show their student ID. The adult education centers ("Volkshochschulen (VHS)), city libraries and other educational institutions let students attend their courses and presentations for less money as well.
11.2. Food
Many Germans like hearty meals - but not exclusively. There is hardly a culinary ethnicity you wouldn't find in the bigger cities. Whether Persian, Thai, Russian, Mexican or Korean - the range of restaurants in Germany is wide. Especially popular among students are Italian, Greek and Turkish restaurants, because satiation is accomplished for little money. Others trust in delivery services, which many pizzerias, Chinese and Mexican restaurants offer.
Regarding tips: Actually, value added tax (VAT; 16%) und service surcharge are already included in the bill. Nonetheless, most customers tip in restaurants, cafés and everywhere, where someone waits your table. Rule of thumb: Tip is about 5 to 10 % of the bill. Of course only, if the service was friendly and the food tasted good. Nobody expects high tips from students; everybody knows that most of them are chronically short of money.
Regarding payment with credit cards: Expensive restaurants almost always accept credit cards, unpretentious restaurants, however, mostly just cash. Whether the restaurant you chose accepts credit cards or not, is mostly disclosed right at the entrance door.
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