Universität zu Köln (UNIKOELN)

We had the opportunity to do a language course at the beginning of the semester. I learned more from interacting with students and following the courses, but the advantage you have when you do the language course is that you already feel at home and have everything well arranged before the semester begins.

My stay in Cologne was very helpful in the process of improving my German. Most surprising to me was that all the exchange students communicated in German instead of in English, altough most of us had a better knowledge of the second language. Another aspect was the challenge of having to communiccate with people fraom so many different cultures. It wasn't always easy, but I think I've learned a great deal about other cultures and mind sets.

I had learned German for more than six years already and passed examinations at Goethe Institute as well as at my home university. Therefore, I had very few problems with communication even in the beginnig of my stay in Cologne. Anyway, my knowledge of the everyday´s language as well as of the language of instruction improved - i learned new vocabulary and became more self-confident in speaking and writing.

Studying in German helped to improve my language skills in both social and academic environment. Moreover, I had no difficulty in passing the CEMS German language exam. I also learned to write job applications in German.

Since German is my mother tongue, I did not have the slightest problem with the language. I can imagine though that foreign students do have rather great problems communicating in that difficult language - German.

It was difficult to find people to talk to, because most of them could speak either English or Spanish and were not patient when I was trying to speak German. But local people were OK and teachers were fantastic.