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Post by jennifer on Feb 17, 2004 20:14:03 GMT -5
Hi! I found out today (and I'm quite hyper about it!!!) that I'll most likely be doing a Fremdspachassistentin Program which is a language assistant (for french) in Germany. I'll be working in a german school where they teach french and I'll organize activities to help them learn french!
This will be after my 1rst year of University, which is in 2005, ok it's far, but I need to work hard, get good grades in my german classes, save up to be able to travel once I'm abroad. Cause once you're there, it's so cheap! I'll probably rack up travelling debts, but isn't it worth it?
Well, here's my question, I sure wish people can help me, the school i'll work with gives me 700 Euros a month. I have to lodge and care for myself. I was wondering is that a lot or not, if you put it into canadian money it's about the same as I make now, it's quite enough to live, not much to travel but hey! But in Europe, what is it?
So does anyone know what is about the cost per month of an apartment or a room or a decent place to live from October to May in Germany?
Do you think this salary is decent? I also have my plane paid for and 400$ canadian extra grant, but that isn't much, it sure is a good deal though, for the experience anyways!
What do you guys think?
thanks for your help, I can't stop thinking about this! xoxo Jen
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Post by WillTravel on Feb 17, 2004 22:09:25 GMT -5
Woo-hoo! That's great news. What part of Germany will you be living in? Would you consider a flat share? Will the university help you find housing, and what do they think a typical price is? I think German prices are not too bad, compared to other parts of Europe, so it might come down to how austere a lifestyle you can put up with. If you can forego entertainment, clothing, etc. you will obviously have more for travel. I bet a lot of people would pay for this opportunity, so it's sort of hard to say what the wage should be. It sounds typical for a student assistant type job.
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Post by mooseontheloose on Feb 17, 2004 22:37:13 GMT -5
God I would give anything to do something like that! Can't help you with any of your Q, just wanted to say that!
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Post by me on Feb 17, 2004 22:57:21 GMT -5
Jen, one can often find a WG, Wohnungsgemeinschaft, where people rent a place together. but, as a foreigner, it's harder to find them. (my 1st Semester, in Freiburg, i just found a room to rent. had to get a student membership at the local swimming pool to use the shower. the room i rented didn't have one ) also, take advantage of the Mensa, government subsidised student cafeteria. it's cheap! there were also lots of student discounts in Germany. i paid DM100 to Germanrail for a half price student card - i could buy train tix for half price - it was valid for a year. (but, the next semester i got a car, so i didn't get as much use out of it) my advice: save as much cash as you can before this experience, but don't let a lack of funds stand in your way! - d
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Post by jennifer on Feb 18, 2004 9:49:21 GMT -5
Lack of funds, story of my life, I just spend away on travelling and then come home and pay for a while, I find it easier to spend then pay my debt than to save up! It was been working for me, so, even if I'll save up, I'll be travelling very often!
I do not have any info yet on where I'll be staying, I'm not inscribed yet or anything, I have to finish my 1rst year Uni beforehand but I know all the info anyways!
Would you consider a flat share? Yup, in a livable environment, it's not something I want to consider anymore cause last time was hell in my hometown, but abroad I wouldn't mind
Will the university help you find housing? They offer help, but you do the main work!
David, how much about was your room?
Thanks for the info!
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Cil
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 131
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Post by Cil on Feb 18, 2004 12:07:01 GMT -5
Woo-hoo! I think German prices are not too bad, compared to other parts of Europe Hmm, I heard just the opposite, but maybe it depends on what part of Germany. I am sure that Berlin could be more costly than other places. My older son is teaching English at a high school and middle school near Clermont-Ferrand, and living in a one-room dorm in Clermont. He is making about 800 euros a month, traveling quite a bit, and living on extremely *cheapo* food. He received a lot of help finding job and place to live from university people here in Colorado (Colorado State) as well as over there (Blaise Pascal) in Clermont. But yes, he had to do a lot on his own, get his French carte sejour or whatever it is, plus figure out transportation to his job, do lesson plans, teach, etc, plus go to his own class. It does help that he gets student benefits for the train, etc. He plans to return and teach again after he gets his degree. He is having the time of his life, and I am sure you will too, Jennifer.
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Post by WillTravel on Feb 18, 2004 13:22:49 GMT -5
Cil, I think I am comparing Germany in my mind to London and Scandinavia, because I've been working so much on comparing the prices for this trip vs. last year, and also Berlin looks like it will be cheaper than Paris this year for us. You are undoubtedly correct that Germany might not be that cheap in the overall scheme of things, even if it is cheaper than those places.
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Post by jennifer on Feb 18, 2004 13:27:18 GMT -5
Hi! Thanks for all the great advice! I know the organization helps with a lot of stuff, like the papers I need to get my visa and work permit are sent directly to me during the first few days I arrive and then I have to go to the office to get it, but it's practically already done.
They help with finding living space but they don't find it for you, they suggest places to go look, stuff like that!
I think I should be ok, but I'm wondering if living on a campus is possible even If i'm not a student, oh well, i'll see I guess, it'S still far away! xoxo Even though I can't wait....!
xoxo Jen
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Post by LHR02 on Feb 18, 2004 13:33:22 GMT -5
Can't really compare accurately to other countries, but I lived in Germany 'on the economy' for 6 years and I promise you it was not cheap at all! Housing costs are pretty steep even for very small apartments. Which is why the gov't built so much on base housing for the troops that used to be there.
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Post by jennifer on Feb 18, 2004 15:55:10 GMT -5
Would you happen to know about how much it would cost me for somewhere to live? xoxo jen
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Post by LHR02 on Feb 18, 2004 16:14:54 GMT -5
I wish I could Jen...but it's been 7 years since I lived there and anything I might offer will be sorely out of date. I can tell you we paid 1500 dm's(at the time about 1100 $) in Heilbronn for LR/DR/3 BR/2 Bath and 1200 dm's in Hohenburg for about the same. Friends had a 1 BR/conbo kitchen- LR in Heilbronn and were paying 550 dm's. The thing to keep in mind in Germany....if it says 'unfurnished' girl it is! There will be no kitchen cabinets or counters, no kitchen sink, no overhead lights....nothing but bare rooms, toilet and bathroom sink! YOU have to provide everything else. And if it says 'furnished' that does not mean furniture necessarily...mostly it means it has lights, cabinets and sinks....nothing else. For the 'short' time you will be there I strongly advise you trying to hook up with other students in an already established apartment. Otherwise, the initial outlay can criple you.
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Post by jennifer on Feb 18, 2004 17:00:12 GMT -5
I see what you mean! I heard about that! Thanks, I think I may try to find other students or rent a room in a family or something! I'm ready to adapt, anyways, I'm going for the whole experience thing so why not go different from being used to live by myself in my own peace and quiet!!! I'll try to travel as soon as I have off anyways! xoxo jen
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Post by LHR02 on Feb 18, 2004 17:13:40 GMT -5
do you know what city/town/area you will be in? In truth, we found minmal difference in pricing between big city and teeny town.....loads of government controls tend to keep most things fairly even across the board. Just curious where you may settle for a while.
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Post by me on Feb 19, 2004 14:16:32 GMT -5
Uhg! not the best way to go if it can be avoided. with fees and finance charges, you end up paying MUCH more than the price! Lack of funds, story of my life, I just spend away on travelling and then come home and pay for a while, I find it easier to spend then pay my debt than to save up! David, how much about was your room? the room in Freiburg was cheap DM200, or so, per month. but it was little more than a closet with a window. it was also across the street from the state prison! the family I lived with in Münster didn't charge me for room or food! family friends. - d
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Post by jennifer on Feb 19, 2004 17:51:49 GMT -5
Ya, I know it isn't the best way, but my dad payed off my visa after my vacation with his savings cause he trusts I will pay it back. So it's his retirement fund, since he doesn't need it for another 20 years, it doesn't change much to his life for the moment.
I was lucky to have my dad help out, I save the interest. But you know, if he wouldn't have lent me the 2000 for my plane ticket, I probably could not have managed to go, so to me it would have been worth it anyways paying 15$ interest a month, cause if not, no trip!
the room is quite cheap, although I really need a shower where i live! Oh well, I'll see! I have no idea where i'd be going, once I subscribe to the program after my first year, they can send me anywhere, I will probably have a choice between 2 places!
xoxoxo Jen
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