Germany

Language studies
If you want to learn German in Germany you can choose to study anywhere from a rural Alpine town to the heart of Berlin. There are lots of good private language schools, as well as the Goethe Institut network of schools, and many of Germany's universities have Deutsch als Fremdsprache (DaF) - or German as a foreign language - departments. A significant proportion of Japanese and Chinese students study in Germany, although overall the majority of students tend to come from Western Europe. There is currently no national accreditation scheme in Germany.

Travelling around Germany
It is possible to fly from one city to another within Germany, but this does tend to be expensive. There are flights between major cities and to the Frisian Islands in the north.

Germany's fast and efficient rail service – comparable with France as the best in Europe - is a very good way of seeing the country, and there are a number of discount passes available. A standard German Railpass is available only to people permanently resident (i.e. at least during the six months preceding the pass validity) outside of Europe, the Russian Federation, Turkey, Morroco, Algeria and Tunisia. The pass entitles the holder to unlimited first- or second-class travel for four to 10 days within a one-month period. Prices start at around 146 euros (US$180) for a four day second-class Rail Pass. A German Rail Youth Pass, which offers the same benefits as the Railpass, is available for those aged between 12 and 25 years old and costs 115 euros (US$142). EU citizens can get a Eurodomino ticket, valid from three to eleven days of travel within one month, and starting from 175 euros (US$215).

The BahnCard gives people a 50% discount on rail fares for one year. For most people it costs 130 euros (US$160), but for young people aged 18-22, students up to 26 and senior citizens, it is 65 euros (US$80).

Another good deal is the Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket (Good Weekend Ticket) that gives parties of up to five people 26 hours of second-class, local travel for Euro17.50 (US$22).

Buses and coaches are efficient in Germany, although trains do tend to be faster. Eurolines links main cities and Europabus, the motorcoach system of Europe's railways, operates services in southern Germany as well as organised bus tours.

Cars are a good alternative to public transport and German roads are very good and easy to use. German motorways, called Autobahn, often have no speed limit, so look out for speeding Porsches and BMWs. As buying a car involves a lot of paperwork, renting is often the best option, even for longer-term visitors, and there are local and international rental companies in most of the major towns and cities. Fly/drive packages can be very good value.

Travelling around by bicycle is a very popular method of transport among Germans. Bicycles can be hired by the day at most train stations, and there are bike shops in all towns. Most towns and cities have cycle lanes. Remember that if you do try Radwandern (bicycle touring) and travel to your cycling destination by train, you need to buy a separate train ticket for your bike.

Crucial visa info and work rights
Nationals from the European Economic Area and Switzerland, along with the countries listed below, do not require a visa for visits of up to three months. All other nationals will require a visitor visa. Apply to your local German embassy.

If you plan to study a language course for more than three months, you will need a language course visa. This cannot be changed to a student (university) visa while in Germany, so if you plan to continue into higher education from your language course, apply for a student visa, which will cover both.

Citizens of the European Union may work in Germany and student visa holders are allowed to work for a maximum of three months during vacations. Students with a language course visa are not allowed to work.

German language exams available: ZD, ZMP, ZOP, KDS, GDS, ZDfB, TestDaf

Source: Language Travel Magazine