Learning German abroad: what is it, why should you do it and where is the best place to go?

What is a German language course?

• A German language course is a series of lessons in which you are taught the basics of the German language in a short period of time.
• Course levels range from level A1 for beginners to C2 for the highest level.
• TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is an advanced-level language exam. It covers the levels B2 to C1 and is internationally recognized as proof of language proficiency to gain admission to higher education
• A German language course lasts an average of 50 to 100 hours spread over several weeks or months.
• A German language course normally costs an amount that is comparable to other courses.

Why should you learn German and take a German language course abroad?

• Networking: German is an important language for people who want to work internationally, especially within Europe, in tourism, trade and technology, for example.
• Helpfulness: as soon as you speak a local language to some extent, you are immediately better able to communicate with the person you would like to help, and you can also get help yourself better
• Involvement: as soon as you speak the language of someone else, you become closer to that person. It strengthens your feeling of being involved and being part of the local culture. Experience: going abroad to learn a language is one of the opportunities to step out of your comfort zone
• Creativity: learning a language is a way to learn to use your creativity better. For example, when searching for descriptions or using hands and feet
• Empathy: you train yourself to immerse yourself in a different way of speaking and often a different way of thinking

What do you need or can you do to learn a language and take a language course abroad?

• Being aware of your surroundings: wherever you are taught, you will always have to take your surroundings into account. Every country has its own rules and customs that you will have to adhere to to a certain extent
• Being aware of your organization: every school or educational institution also has its own teaching method or vision on education. Also consider the limitations/challenges some schools face due to lack of funding or facilities.
• Communication skills: some prior knowledge of the local language is not a must, but it is a great advantage

What is the best place to learn German abroad?

• Germany: You will find a wide range of language schools, especially in cities with a university, such as Berlin, Munich, Heidelberg or Hamburg.
• Luxembourg: Nice and centrally located in Europe. Luxembourg city is a pleasant city to learn German and apply it directly in your work or studies.
• Switzerland: A fairly expensive destination for your language lessons, but you get a fantastic environment in return. The most popular is Zurich, but also look at Bern or Engelberg for your German language school.
• Austria: Combine learning or improving your German with a view of the Alps or even a ski slope. Large language schools are often located in Vienna, but you can also find good language lessons closer to the slopes.

What are the risks of a language course or a language year abroad?

• The coverage of your health insurance may be cancelled if, for example, you go and work abroad.
• You may suffer from homesickness and want to go home earlier (but there is a lot you can do about it, and prepare for it!).
• You may have problems with the organization with which you are going abroad (read more about solving problems abroad).
• What are the consequences if, for example, you end up in hospital? If you end up in hospital, you may have to pay the costs yourself if you have not taken out insurance that covers your activities.

Are you insured for a language course abroad?

• A language course abroad will be covered by your current travel and health insurance if you are not going abroad for too long, are not going to do paid work or undertake special activities. In other cases, special insurance is often recommended or sometimes necessary.
• Read more: Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
• Read more: Verzekeren van een taalcursus of schooljaar het buitenland (NL)