• Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
  (RWTH Aachen University)
• Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
  (University of Freiburg)
• Humboldt - Universitat zu Berlin
• Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Mϋnchen
  (Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich)
• Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
  (University of Heidelberg)
• Technische Universität Darmstadt
  (Technical University of Darmstadt)
• Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg
  (Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg)
• Technische Universität Mϋnchen
  (Technical University of Munich)
• Universität Bonn
  (University of Bonn)
• University of Hohenheim
• Universität Karlsruhe
  (University of Karlsruhe)
• Universität Konstanz
  (University of Konstanz)
• Universität Mannheim
  (University of Mannheim)
• Universität Stuttgart
  (University of Stuttgart)
• University of ULM
• Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
  (University of Tübingen)

Germany is a place of vast varieties: Big-charm cities, small picture perfect villages, beautiful landscapes and magnificent tracts of forest, festivals nation wide and a rich culture and tradition. Historically, Germany has had great impacts too and it plays a very important role in European history all the way back to the Roman Empire and including event such as World War I & World War II, the Nazism and the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall. Formerly a country divided into East and West, Germany was reunified in 1990 to become one Germany, though the integration of this reunification will take time. The east, formerly under communistic ruling is undergoing modernization. However it is not only the physical part that needs to be reformed, the mindset of the people is in the process of changing.
Geography
Germany is located in the centre of Europe and shares borders with Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland, making it an excellent base from which to discover the rest of Europe. It covers 357,021 km².
The north is mostly low-lying land while the Central Uplands region (Mittelgebirge) consists of wooded mountains, mostly less than 500m in height. The average altitude increases to the south and culminates in the Bavarian Alps. The highest point, the Zugspitze, is 2962m high, near the Austrian Border.

Climate
Germany is a temperate country but the weather conditions fluctuate rather greatly from year to year, depending also on the region.
For students arriving for the summer semester in late March/April, it remains relatively cold (0 deg to 15°C) until May when spring kicks in. Warm clothing is therefore required during this period. The average temperatures are around 20-30°C in the summer (June/July – August/September)
The temperature during winter drops below 0°C. Students attending the winter semester will thus require the appropriate winter clothing.

Facts & Figures

Lifestyle

With a work hard play hard attitude, the Germans still like to follow traditions. Many natives still wear their traditional colors or costumes, depending on where they live. Along with the costumes and traditions, they still like to celebrate the local festivals in full bloom with as much spirit as they can. In contrast to that, the Germans are quite formal in every day life, maybe even more so in the northern more Protestant-dominated areas of Germany. In the eastern parts of Germany, older people are not used to seeing tourists so caution may be needed.

Food

Germany is well associated with sausages (Wurst), Sauerkraut and quality beer. Due to the large Turkish population, the doner kebab (roasted meat sandwich) is also a popular and snack. These snacks are available throughout Germany and are relatively inexpensive.

Germans eat a lot of meat, bread and potatoes. Breakfast traditionally includes bread rolls, cheese, sliced meat and coffee or tea. Students often have their lunch in the school cafeteria (Mensa) which is relatively affordable and convenient and offers a choice of menus. As dinner in the restaurants is costly, many students prepare a simple meal by themselves at home.

Transport

The train system in Germany (Die Bahn, DB) is reliable and efficient. Getting around and away to the neighboring countries is convenient via the extensive rail network which extends into almost all of Europe. Special offers are also available, including the Weekend Ticket (Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket) which offers cheap traveling for up to 5 people on a weekend.

Upon matriculation, most exchange students may receive a “Semester Ticket” which allows them to travel on the trains and buses to school. Many students prefer to cycle to school and in the vicinity, which can be convenient and offers a taste of the local student life. Bicycle thefts can be a problem, however.

Cars can be easily rented with a valid driving license at a minimum age of 21. However, driving is on the right, unlike that in Singapore.

Student Life

Most students in Germany have a rather laid-back and relaxed attitude towards studies. That is not to say that they are lazy however, simply that they don't stress themselves unnecessarily like we Singaporeans do. They study and they have fun at the same time, so don't be surprised if you're invited to a party the day before your exams!

Semester dates

Unlike in NUS, the school term in Germany is divided into the summer (April to Jul) and winter semester (Oct to Feb). Due to this difference, students going in the summer semester will not be attending classes in NUS when semester 1 starts in January. Similar, students going in the winter semester will miss semester 2 in August, and they will most likely not be able to return in time for semester 1 either. So plan carefully!

Language Preparation

The method of instruction for most courses in the universities is German. It is strongly advised to have a basic knowledge the German language before embarking on the SEP Germany, although some universities offer intensive language courses for the incoming students.

Students are strongly encouraged to join the German Language Preparation Programme (LPP) and attend up to 4 modules of German language. This should prepare them sufficiently.

Alternatively, students can bid for the German language modules under CORS, which may be subject to availability and competition, however. Students with prior knowledge of German are also encouraged to take the placement tests and continue with German classes in NUS.

The cost of living for students is estimated to be around €550 - €650 per month, which would include accommodation, food, books and other necessary expenses. Cheaper and short term arrangement can be made for travelers. One meal on average can range from €8 - €30 depending on the cuisine and restaurant chosen. Similar with accommodation, budget accommodation for short periods can range from €20 - €200 a night.

Insurance

• German Embassy in Singapore  
• VISA requirements (German Embassy Website)
• German National Tourist Board
• Deutschland Portal
• “Deutschland” Magazine online
• German Radio
• German newspapers
• DAAD
• Goethe Institute
• NUS German Club
• CLS website for German language enthusiasts