starting from square one

Member since 08 January 2014

daboydMember08 January 2014 22:54:39

I will be quite frank; I want to continue my education and obtain a job in Germany, and do not know where to start. I'm an American who has just received his BA in history, with the long term goal to teach at the collegiate level. I know some German, but not enought to comfortably carry on a conversation.

I know some of the steps that need to be taken: obtaining a visa, taking German courses before applying for any graduate programs, etc. My first question is, what is step 1? Also, regarding residency and employment, I do not know which of the two need to be addressed first. Any advice would be much appreciated!

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Priscilla ViP

Member since 30 May 2013

PriscillaViP09 January 2014 05:55:04

42358

Hi daboyd,

Welcome to Expat.com

I suggest you to have a look to the Living in Germany guide, it might help.

Thank you,

Priscilla
Expat.com team

kyle brown Member

Member since 09 January 2014

kyle brownMember09 January 2014 07:49:37

Mr. Daboyd:

You need to apply to a university somewhere in Germany. German universities set aside a certain number of places for foreign students so you have a good chance of being accepted. German language is a must, but the university will help you out with this. Their programs are much better than anything in the private sector and they are free, or included with what tuition you pay. If you matriculate at the university, this should resolve the residency problem. Once you pass the language "Aufnahmepruefung," you can start studying properly. I would read up and get the big picture as stated by the other contributor, but getting in touch with the university makes the most sense. I studied in Germany (in Berlin) and it worked out pretty well, but that was a few years ago so I don't know how things are currently. Also, if you are going to study history, you'll have to get certification in an ancient language (like Latin) and a modern language (like French or Italian; German and English don't count).

Kyle