Why live in Germany?

As Europe’s most populous nation and one with a long history of division, Germany is a modern country of remarkable diversity. As a country that has now firmly shaken off the shadows of its 20^th century past, Germany has a new-found ability to express its distinct national character and Germans now relish in their patriotism. If you are thinking of embarking on a career in Germany, you will join a contemporary, pluralist and open-minded society in which most people, both young and old, are well-educated and enjoy a high standard of living, as well as sufficient freedom to be able to plan their lives as they see fit. Whether you are interested in history, nature, fine arts or breweries, Germany boasts cultural differences to keep your mind occupied. Culture in contemporary Germany combines traditional grandeur and exciting contemporary forms of art bursting out of each of the 16 Federal States with a zest for experimentation and surprise. As well as having the fastest cars, some of the world’s best beer, and countless celebrations, Germany is a safe, stable country with innumerable opportunities for work and study. The experiences that Germany offers will enrich you and whether you spend a month, semester or year in Germany it will help to advance your career.

Why study in Germany?

Almost no other European country offers such a diverse Higher Education scheme as Germany's universities, which combine age-old traditions with modern technologies. Germany has a lot to offer foreign students with more than 300 Higher Education institutions throughout the country. They provide graduate programs in all academic areas and Masters and PhD degrees, many of which are taught in English and recognized internationally for their quality, content and intellectual rigor. Modern German universities have an excellent academic reputation; they educate and train, have witnessed many groundbreaking discoveries and have produced some of the world’s best thinkers. Higher Education in Germany is open to anyone who fulfills the prerequisites - tuition fees are low and academic freedom is one of the basic principles of the German university system - one of many reasons why Germany has the 3^rd most international students in the world studying at its universities.

Why work in Germany?

The world’s 3rd largest economy is made up of both multinational global players and also small and medium-sized enterprises. Offers of internships and traineeships in Germany are plentiful and very popular, as companies believe students and graduates need work experience to further their careers. Germany's affluent and technologically-powerful economy has many opportunities for graduates, and there is currently a high demand for specific skills in certain industries. German companies believe in quality and they represent innovation and the most cutting-edge technology. World players include Daimler, Siemens, Porsche, Lufthansa and SAP, to name but a few. German companies have a global reputation for excellence and are interested in attracting well-trained graduates from abroad, thus Germany may be the right place for you.

DID YOU KNOW…

• Germany is the third largest economy in the world
• German has the largest amount of exports in the world
• That Germany ranks number 3 in the top locations for foreign students
• With more than 82 million inhabitants, Germany is by far the largest country in the European Union in terms of population
• German is the most frequently spoken language in the European Union and the 2^nd most widely used language on the Internet
• That in Germany, there is a 16th century law - the Reinheitsgebot - stating that the composition of German beer must only be barley, hops and water
• Gender roles have largely been dispensed of and men should be careful when wearing a tie in Germany on Weiberfastnacht (Women’s Day – the Thursday before Ash Wednesday) as on this day, women have the right to cut men’s ties off
• One tenth of the 1.8 million students that go abroad to study go to Germany
• The modern-day structure of universities around world is largely the result of reforms enacted by German philosopher and diplomat Wilhelm von Humboldt in the early 19th century
• Since 1948, 17 Nobel prizes have been won by Max Planck, and about one third of all Nobel Prizes were won by German scientists