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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
The course in and through the German university can resemble a labyrinth sometimes. Luckily, there are several information centers, which help you with resolving your questions and problems. Don't hesitate, use them! Moreover, ask your German fellow students ("Kommilitonen") for support - most of them are happy to help.
The foreign student office ("Akademisches Auslandsamt") is the first contact point for foreign students.
Many "Akademische Auslandsämter" conduct orientation workshops not only for freshmen, but also for international students 1 to 3 weeks before the semester starts. Such offers are also available from the general or independent student council ("Allgemeiner/Unabhängiger Studierendenausschuss"; "AStA" or "UStA"), the student body representatives ("Fachschaft"; see below) or the institutes. In addition to getting lots of important information you also get in touch with your fellow students there.
The Central Student Information Center ("Zentrale Studienberatung")
The Central Student Information Center ("Zentrale Studienberatung") informs about general issues concerning the study as well as about contents, structure and requirements of certain fields of study.
The Student Information Centers of the Faculties
The Student Information Centers of the Faculties explain the structures of their respective subjects as well as the examination regulations and help with the individual organization. They are important information centers, if you plan to take a final exam at your German university.
Specialist Counseling ("Fachberatung")
The Specialist Counseling ("Fachberatung") is provided within the respective institutes and by the scientific assistants. There, you get important information about studying your subject and its peculiarities from colleagues, and in addition to that text references and suggestions on how to specialize. Don't miss that opportunity!
Examination Offices and Deaneries
There are three kinds of university degrees: University, state or ecclesiastical ones. Concerning the university degrees "Diplom", "Magister" and "Promotion", the deanery or examination office of your faculty offers advice. The "Staatsexamen" qualifies for entry into the German higher civil service (e.g. teachers, lawyers) or in state-supervised professions (e.g. pharmacists, physicians). If you have questions concerning state exams, the acknowledgement of course credits, deadlines etc., the state examination office is the prime address for your field of study. The ecclesiastical exam qualifies for the service in the Protestant or Catholic church.
Student Representatives
There, fellow students ("Kommilitonen") who once faced many of your questions and problems themselves advice and help you. For international students, there even is special counseling.
The general or independent student council ("Allgemeiner/Unabhängiger Studierendenausschuss"; "AstA" or "UstA") or the student organization ("StudentInnenrat"; "StuRa") is the self-administered executive branch of the student body. It represents student interests inside and outside the university, vis-à-vis the government and other institutions. The "AstA" or "UstA" is divided in departments like for instance the social department ("Sozialreferat"), the culture department ("Kulturreferat"), and the foreigner department ("Ausländerreferat"). Every student can collaborate in the respective departments.
The "AStA"/"UStA"/"StuRa" ensures a varied sports, culture, and leisure offer and provides information on how and where to find a job or housing. Furthermore, it organizes car sharing to other cities as well as computer courses and informs about current and important topics. Some "AStAs" offer German language courses for international students. Dropping in at the "AStA"/"UStA"/"StuRa" is always worth it!
The Student Body Representatives ("Fachschaft")
The student body representatives ("Fachschaft") are composed of the students of a certain field and represent the interests of the students of their particular field vis-à-vis the faculty. At the beginning of the semester, the student body representatives ("Fachschaft") introduce the freshmen to the secrets of their field of study. Your student body representatives ("Fachschaft") welcome new members. If the student body representatives ("Fachschaft") have a rather political agenda, you have to decide for yourself, if and how you get involved.
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