Studying in Germany is a good alternative

Studying in Germany is a good alternative

Germany, which in the past was host to many students from Indonesia, has witnessed a steady dwindling of these once impressive numbers during the past two decades.

Why? Although science and technology "Made in Germany" are still considered of excellent quality by the Indonesian public, mainly two reasons prevail: German is considered a difficult language to learn and the systems of higher education are very differently structured, which means there are problems with the recognition of degrees. Australia, The U.S. and Canada were the more obvious choices.

But in recent years, German politics have become very aware of these shortcomings. The German government's interest in attracting talented students and graduates from abroad and, at the same time giving the German university system a more international profile, has led to a whole reform package in higher education.

Its core are new international study programs. The key elements: Introducing English as language of tuition -- at least in the first year -- along with Bachelor of Art and Master degrees and a credit-point system. There are currently 50 international undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with more to come.

All these new trends and developments do not mean that a German university is not a German university anymore. What Germany believes to be major assets of its higher education system remain unchanged.

One of the pillars of the university system is the conception of unity between teaching and research. Students assist professors in their research and thus benefit from their expertise.

On the other hand professors are confronted with questions, ideas and suggestions from students which can in turn be a fruitful and stimulating contribution to their scientific projects.

A further specialty of German university education is the purpose to raise students with independent minds and well-founded opinions of their own, able to discuss and solve problems on their own and be well-equipped for international competition in business or science.

And last but not least, studying in Germany is free for all students, foreigners and Germans alike. During the current economic crisis, where it is difficult or downright impossible for many Indonesians to study in countries which charge considerable tuition fees, Germany offers high quality education for free. Students will only have to bear the cost of living; whereas elsewhere this would be additional expenses.

So, why not study in Germany? Contact the German Academic Exchange Service at telephone number 5200870, fax number 5252822.