As international students you will encounter intercultural differences in many areas, of course also in the university. No matter whether you are attending school abroad or have already studied, you should know a few things about the culture at German universities.

At German universities, it is expected that students will be able to independently procure and acquire knowledge.

How much initiative is needed depends on the status of your studies.

In a bachelor’s study course, you are usually not expected to develop complex research questions right from the beginning. But you should learn it step by step!

As a student in a Master's degree program, it's important to be able to familiarize yourself with topics and to take the first steps in research when you begin your studies.

What is expected of you depends on the used teaching method.

In a lecture, the lecturer usually teaches the basics and the current state of research of a topic. Most of the time you can sit back and listen. Normally you are allowed to ask questions in a lecture as well.

In seminars, exercises and colloquia, however, the participants themselves should be active. Here, theories are applied, and students, for example, have to acquire knowledge themselves based on reading scientific literature. Sometimes you are asked to present your results to a group of fellow students. You'll notice: When you have to explain something, you'll see if you actually got it!

Overall, presenting is a key skill that is very useful during your studies. Whether you need to give a short talk or present your results: Creating a presentation and speaking to a group confidently is not always easy. The good news: you can learn how to do it! The practice in presenting that you collect during your studies will also be useful later during your job search and at work.

In the university,  work is also often done in project groups. When carrying out projects, the students have to plan their own working process, need to find agreements in the group and to divide the work. This can be challenging, but in many cases you can benefit from the approach of your team members!

Of course, the demands that are placed on you in a particular course are also very much dependent on the lecturer!

Some want an active exchange in their class, others expect students to work by themselves. Such and other organizational questions are often set directly during the first event or at the beginning of the semester. Therefore, it makes sense to attend the classes from the beginning and to consciously perceive which teaching style is used.

You should know that usually all lecturers also do scientific research, not just teach. The organization of courses is therefore only one of the tasks that professors and lecturers work on. Therefore, they are not always available for advice or inquiries. If you need to clarify something with a lecturer, please stick to the office hours, which are usually found on their website.

Because people at  universities usually work on many roles, they cannot be your only and central source of knowledge. Instead, you should be active yourself, e.g. by engaging in scientific reading.

In German universities it is allowed, sometimes even desired, that students question what is taught by the teaching staff. Always keep it factual and give reasons for your position. Conversely, you should also be prepared to accept criticism. Reasonable criticism is not a personal attack, but a chance to develop positively.

Have you already gained experience in the German higher education system? Which teaching methods did you not know? Which formats are you already familiar with?

Tell us about you! We are looking forward to your opinion.