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International students studying in Germany enjoy their stay and gladly recommend their experience to other students, according to StudyPortals' International Student Satisfaction Awards 2014. Almost 7,000 students worldwide shared their impressions and reviews about universities in Europe, on the world's largest database of international student experiences, STeXX.eu. Out of all reviewers, almost 600 students commented on their experience of studying in Germany.

Overall, Germany received a total score of 8.8 out of 10, and placed 11 th in terms of student satisfaction. Student impressions provide an interesting outlook on universities in Germany and can help prospective students decide on their future study destination.

Altogether 17 universities in Germany received an award for International Student Satisfaction. Two of them, Friederich Schiller University of Jena and Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, were awarded Certificates for Outstanding International Student Satisfaction, with average ratings of 9.5 out of 10. A further eight German universities were considered "excellent" and seven were rated "very good".

What is great about studying in Germany?

International students had very positive comments about the cities and cultural atmosphere in Germany. In fact, comments show that students in Germany placed a greater importance on the city and living environment than the European average. The big German cities maintain an international environment, attracting people from all over the world. Students were also pleased with the fact that universities in Germany provide English-taught courses, but still there are many opportunities to learn German as well. There are numerous opportunities to socialize and take part in fun activities either organized by universities or just happening in the cities in general. Most students also enjoyed travelling around the country.

"The exchange year was very well organized. All exchange students were well taken care of. Osnabrück was a very nice and safe city to live in. I have many beautiful memories from my exchange year there and, most importantly, I learned to speak German fluently and got many wonderful friends during that year!" - student from Finland

"The expenses are moderate and the semester ticket offers you the possibility to travel without any other extra cost to all over the North-Rhine Westfalia with the regional trains and buses. You can reach Belgium and Netherlands very easy as well, by train, bus, bicycle or even by hiking. The nightlife of the city, having a great number of students, was quite alive, there were places to go out, eat, drink and have fun, with cultural events. Every Sunday there were salsa courses on the main square of the city, the famous Karnival, etc. I also enjoyed the great proximity to Cologne, an amazing city with a train that circulates every half an hour! Undoubtedly a city that I would definitely suggest to live in as a student!" - student from Greece
"There are lots of events planned in Leipzig, alternative activities as well, the parks are everywhere in the city, the library never closes, it is a dreaming city to live in for a student!" - student from France
Students who studied in Germany were generally happier with the academic side than the European average, although some may argue there is room for improvement. Students are pleased with the fact that courses helped their self-development and were generally pleased with teacher involvement. Many also report high academic standards and highly experienced professors. The quality of facilities is also praised by many students.

"I came back with a lot of new techniques and insights related to my major that I and even my professors haven't heard before. This exchange/Erasmus period helped me reach broader horizons." - student from Turkey

"During my first lecture - real-time machines and robots - I was amazed when the teachers gave us a mini-robot and told us we can have it at home during the whole semester to practice on. All the practice orientated examples helped a lot to understand the aim of the lecture and get the ability to gain industrial insight." - student from Hungary

The challenges of studying in Germany

International students in Germany complained about the lack of activities in some of the smaller towns in the country. Those in these locations found the social life boring and recommended travelling to bigger cities in the country. There were also some who were not pleased with the university staff services, especially the high level of bureaucracy and the lack of relevant information for foreign students. Knowledge of the German language is highly recommended, and students should pay attention to the language of tuition, which quite often is German with very limited set of English-taught courses.

To find out more about the International Student Satisfaction Awards and universities in Germany, visit the StudyPortals country profile. Those planning to study in Germany can also find and compare over 800 master's programs taught in English, as well as 175 English-taught bachelor's programs, in addition to many other programs taught in German.

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What International Students Say About Studying in Germany

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International students studying in Germany enjoy their stay and gladly recommend their experience to other students, according to StudyPortals' International Student Satisfaction Awards 2014. Almost 7,000 students worldwide shared their impressions and reviews about universities in Europe, on the world's largest database of international student experiences, STeXX.eu.

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*Same phone policy.
*Require foreign languages to graduate.
*Track student after 5th grade.
* Both have transportation  to and from school.
* similar alphabet.

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*Can go off campus for lunch (anyone)
*More freedom
*No parking lots/ no fields
*Earlier release
*Stays in the same classroom for most of the day

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*Larger schools
*More to offer
*More technology
*More branded clothing for school
*Extra curricular activities

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American schools and German schools have many notable differences. Anke Jahn, one of our volunteers, recently sat down with Isabel Schueppel, a 16 year old student who has attended both American and German schools to discuss differences between the two systems.

The Subjects Taught
In the United States, students customize much of their education, especially at higher grade levels. They must study "core curriculum," like math, English, and science, but also can choose what language they take, whether they take art classes or shop class, and so forth. They make decisions about what interests they wish to explore, and they can change that decision if they discover they do not care for it.

German students have a much more prescribed curriculum and are not able to explore as many of their own interests in the classroom. German students learn many of the same basics as American students, but their education paths diverge earlier than students in the US. Starting in 6th grade, students are divided into those who go to Gymnasium, Realschule, or Hauptschule. Each of these has its own focus and curriculum, which is pre-determined for the students.

One of the differences Isabel noticed in her time within the American and German school systems is the difference in practicality with what is taught. For example, most U.S. students take Spanish as their second language because it has real-world applications. In contrast, German schools teach Latin and Greek, two disused languages whose cultural value is undeniable, but whose practical value is limited, especially in the real world.

Time Spent in School
In the United States, students go to school for extended periods of time, sometimes coming home from a regular school day as late at 4 or 5pm. Lunches are scheduled into the day as a regular feature, and many students arrive so early that they eat their breakfasts at school.

In contrast, German schools keep students until 1pm, when they go home for lunch. Students do not return to school after lunch; instead, they stay at home and do homework. This homework load is intense-often taking two or more hours each day to complete. Students have to structure homework time into their afternoons to ensure they do well in school.

Summer vacation functions differently in Germany and the U.S. as well. While U.S. students have 8-9 weeks of summer vacation, German students have 6 weeks off.

Isabel believes that the overall time spent in school is the biggest difference between American and German schools. It has notable effects on students, both in terms of personal freedoms and personal responsibilities, especially after school.

After School
When American students are dismissed from school, they either have after school activities or go straight home. When they leave school property, they are typically escorted by an adult-either the school bus driver or their parents themselves-and are seldom on their own. They do not have much freedom to explore the city or hang out with friends without a parent accompanying them.

In contrast, German students tend to have more personal freedom after school. While students must account for time needed to complete homework, they are also able to spend much of their time the way they wish to (with their parents' permission, of course). The German public transportation system makes it safe and easy for everyone, even children, to get around, so German students will often meet up with friends for homework sessions, or to enjoy coffee or shopping after school.

The German and American school systems both have their pros and cons, and each produces well-rounded students. While the two systems do certainly have their differences, any student would be lucky to attend either.

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American schools and German schools have many notable differences. Anke Jahn, one of our volunteers, recently sat down with Isabel Schueppel, a 16 year old student who has attended both American and German schools to discuss differences between the two systems. The Subjects Taught In the United States, students customize much of their education, especially at higher grade levels.