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Germany’s flair
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Considered the land of poets and thinkers, Germany is a wondrously cultural place. From its grass roots, it has been shaped by the many intellectuals it has spawned; think Beethoven, Einstein and Goethe. Vibrant cities, historical towns and romantic landscapes also await visiting students. Nicola Hancox provides an insiders’ guide.
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Germany is a very eclectic country,” observes Inka Grosse from Eurocentres in Berlin and she advises that language students take “every opportunity to get to know a bit more about it”. Indeed, having your picture taken in front of iconic monuments such as the Brandenburg Gate or remaining portions of the Berlin Wall are opportunities not to be missed should students opt to spend their study vacation time in Germany. However, it’s fair to say this European country has more to offer than just famous landmarks and boisterous beer festivals.
“Berlin is a very multicultural and vibrant city, with lots of cultural, historical and natural attractions,” notes Noemi Cipollone from Eurasia Institute located in the German capital. Having worked at the school for nearly 10 years, Cipollone relates that it’s important that students experience the Berlin of today as well as the Berlin of yesterday. “We advise our students to visit historical places like the Berlin Wall, Brandenburger Tor [Brandenburg Gate] and the Jewish quarter but we also encourage them to experience the current culture and lifestyle.” She suggests students practise their German by visiting one of the many open-air cinemas (Freiluftkino Kreuzberg is said to be one of the oldest in Berlin), stopping for a coffee at a street café or even relaxing in one of the many beach bars situated along the banks of the River Spree.
The Club and Beachbar Rechenzentrum comes equipped with its very own techno club, restaurant, open-air stage, beach volleyball area and campsite. Late-night party goers can even rent one of the 40 tents complete with sleeping bag and camping mat to stay overnight should the mood arise! Meanwhile, Ku´damm Beach, situated on nearby Lake Halensee, is a popular hangout for the West Berlin party set. Comfy sofas, sunshades and chill out music are the order of the day here, but after closing, students can jump on a pre-arranged shuttle bus to some other hip and happening party venue.
Given Berlin’s central locale, students are encouraged to make good use of the transport links and both Cipollone and Grosse recommend day trips to the nearby cities of Potsdam and Dresden. Bounded by a series of interconnected lakes and beautiful landscape gardens, Potsdam – the capital of the Brandenburg state – is also home to Germany’s largest World Heritage site, Sanssouci – the former summer residence of Frederick the Great, the Prussian royal.
Meanwhile, Dresden – which sits on the banks of the River Elbe – is reputed to be one of the greenest cities in Europe. Sixty-three per cent of the metropolis is a designated green zone – covered in parks and woodland – and several urban areas are said to boast nature reserves. However, during the 19th century, the city was an influential hub of art, music and architecture and according to Katharina Schmidt, Academic Director at Kästner Kolleg in Dresden, students can experience this passion for the arts first-hand by visiting Neustadt, one of the city’s most cosmopolitan districts. Inner Neustadt is a medley of vibrant house facades (the district has been elegantly redeveloped in a baroque-esque style), elegant courtyards, classy boutiques and extravagant restaurants, not to mention countless galleries, bookstores, museums and theatres. Outer Neustadt (or Äußere Neustadt), however, is a more livelier affair. “It is the place to go for all young people. There are many bars, pubs, cafés and restaurants,” relates Schmidt, adding that a festival celebrating music, theatre and gastronomy takes place every May.
Frankfurt am Main – to distinguish it from the significantly smaller town of Frankfurt in the state of Brandenburg – is Germany’s thriving business metropolis and according to Alexander Henrich at did deutsch-institut, its impressive skyline has led many to quip that it should be renamed Frankfurt am “Mainhattan”. However, Esther Dohmen from Sprachcaffe Languages Plus says there’s much more to Frankfurt than just towering skyscrapers. “A closer look reveals a metropolis of many charms. The houses are picturesque and many have been restored in the city centre – it can offer many other facets and contrasting variety!” she enthuses. She cites the Römer (a medieval building used as the city hall), Dom Sankt Bartholomaus (a gothic cathedral) and the Alte Oper (the old Opera house) as places of particular interest. The seasons are also said to influence the feel of the city, notes Dohmen. “In spring and summer the banks of the River Main turn into the real heart of the city: the cafés in the area are full of people enjoying the open air performances and the great weather this region is famous for,” she comments.
For nights out, however, Henrich recommends the world famous Cocoon Club or one of the many traditional Apfelwein pubs serving a tart cider commonly produced in the Hesse region.
An hour south of Frankfurt is the city of Heidelberg, made famous by the 1907 discovery of fossilised remains – known as the Heidelberg Man – the earliest evidence of human life in Europe. Team this with romantic baroque-style architecture, the oldest university in Germany and a ruinous castle, its no wonder this city attracts some 3.5 million tourists each year. Tiziana Abegg from F+U Academy of Languages in the city relates that the best place to view the old town is from the other side of the River Neckar. “I really enjoy the breathtaking view you have of the old town standing on the opposite side of the river, especially at sunset in autumn,” she says. “Heidelberg gets the strongest and most fabulous colours you can see in nature, every tree is flame red, golden, warm brown, bright orange… it really is worth it,” she adds.
Heidelberg Castle, dating back to 1214, dominates the surrounding landscape and following its near demolition (the main structure has survived several wars, a couple of fires and two lightening bolts!) only parts of the castle have been fully restored. However, Martine Berthet from Collegium Palatinum says the lesser known Schwetzingen Castle – former residence of electoral palatinates (rulers of the Holy Roman Empire) – is well worth a visit, if just to take in the palatial gardens that include fountains, pavilions and sculptures.
“Munich should be chosen as a place to learn German as it is one of the sunniest cities in Germany and it is the gateway to the Bavarian Alps,” notes Martin Burghart from the Munich branch of did deutsch-institut. Indeed, the city’s close proximity to the Alps makes it a sought-after language destination, notes Dr Jürgen Oehler from EF Internationale Sprachschule. “The proximity to the Alps and a rich cultural life make Munich a year round destination not only for adults, but due to the highest standard of safety and the individual care which host families provide, also for younger students and long term-students,” he observes. He adds that trips to the Deutsches Museum in Munich – Europe’s largest technology and science museum with an array of interactive exhibits – and fantastical Neuschwanstein Castle – home of eccentric King Ludwig II – have proven popular with students at the school. Indeed, Munich, Germany’s third largest city, manages to combine modern sophistication with traditional charm and providers in the region encourage students to get to grips with both customs. Sonja Eberl from inlingua Munich notes that students with a penchant for modern art can stroll around the Pinakothek der Moderne, while Dr Jürgen Oehler asserts that visiting the futuristic Allianz Arena – home ground to the Bavarian capital’s football team Bayern Munich – is a real eye opener.
Brigitta Alkofer from Humboldt Institut – which runs several summer schools all over Germany – relates she finds it difficult to pick her favourite place to visit. “I would probably say that Lake Constance, Germany’s largest lake, is my favourite place as it combines everything I love,” she notes. And she adds that owing to its international locale, with borders with Germany, Austria and Switzerland; the sporting pursuits it affords (sailing, swimming, diving and water-skiing); and the many interesting little towns that hug the waters edge, there is plenty to see and do here. Tina Streck from Carl Duisberg Centren in Radolfzell agrees and divulges the best way to take in the 173km stretch belonging to Germany. “[To see] nice old towns around the lake like Überlingen, Meersburg – the best way is to make a bike trip.”
Agent viewpoint
 “We have a lot of Bangladeshi students who choose Germany for higher study. It is a fairly safe country for students. The standard of higher education in Germany is first rate. Students can get a lot of practical experience during their internships. There are no tuition fees for public universities and the education quality is very high. Most students like to stay in a big city like Berlin because they like to work during their holidays.”
Sumon Taluker, SSBCL, Bangladesh
 “ Berlin is our main German destination and it’s known for being a trendy cultural capital and many students with a creative strike choose it for all it has to offer. Another very attractive aspect of this city is its history. Some students have commented: “it’s like being in a city-sized museum”. Munich is popular among younger students for its university life. The size of the city is quite manageable and it’s great to go around on bicycle and still is full of things to do.”
Sara Torres Moore, Language School Worldwide, Spain
“Germany is our neighbour and we share a lot of history together. Also the trade of both countries is quite connected so many people need German for their job. Munich is a lovely green, pleasant and relaxing city full of cultural and sport activities with the best beer in Germany. Munich is a town, but actually it feels more like a big village. It is full of smiling people who are always very kind and ready to assist visitors.”
Adéla Nováková, Student Agency, Czech Republic
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