Graduate School in German-speaking Country

[Jelfish]

Hi everyone:

I've been really thinking about going to get my masters (or equivalent) in physics in a German speaking country. I say this because I am really fascinated by German culture and wish to go there to become fluent in the language anyway. I was thinking that perhaps I would study German there for a little while before entering classes.

So I've never actually been to Germany (or any other German-speaking country). I'm currently learning the language. As far as graduate school is concerned, I hear University of Munich and University of Zurich are good for physics. I don't know what admissions is like though.

The idea I have right now is to get my masters in another country, and if I feel inclined, get my phd in the USA or somewhere.

My question is: Are there any strong reasons why I should not do this? And for those who are knowledgeable - what is student life like in, say Germany? How competitive is it to enter a Master's program?

Thanks in advance. Let me know if more info is needed for reply.

 

[Cyrus]

Those germans are smart people. I would expect nothing less than a first rate education.

 

[J77]

From what I've seen and read, a good German masters thesis contains work of PhD quality.

Also, most I've seen are written in English - containing only an abstract in German - so your English will have to be up to scratch too.

 

[Elektrotechniker]

I am interested in doing exactly the same, though I am just entering college. My school has a German Engineering program whereby students can work for a German engineering company (here or, preferably, in Germany). I highly recommend, if at all possible, going to Germany before committing to study there. Get in contact with the http://www.goethe.de/enindex.htm", who will gladly help you navigate the process of applying to study in Germany, and perhaps more importantly, offer you language courses.

As far as learning the language goes: Try to find (preferably native) speakers to practice with. Listen to German music (Kraftwerk, Rammstein, Neu!, Die Fantastischen Vier, etc.)! One excellent resource is http://www.dw-world.de/" , which provides plenty of lessons and slowly spoken material to help you get to the point where you understand mainstream German language broadcasts.

I am currently trying to figure out how difficult it is to get a German university to recognize a U.S. degree. If you find anything out, please pass it on. My mother (who works for the Belgian Embassy) has commented that the educational systems are becoming more interoperable every day.

Viel Erfolg!

 

[Jelfish]

Thanks for the replies!

I hope my English is up to par, though 4 years at a tech school and without much (quality) writing required, I may need to brush up.

I know my university has an exchange program with the University of Zurich, and though that's in Switzerland, I hope German recognition won't be a problem. I'll ask about that though. I know some professors who were German trained who might know.

I've been on search for people from Germany to speak with, though I've been kind of holding off until I feel a little more comfortable at conversation. I'm slowly getting into German music. I listen to Deutsche Welle's slowly spoken German news, but my German isn't quite good enough yet to understand it fully.

A German student I met yesterday also told me that the majority of physics classes in Germany (as well as the theses) are in English, which I found slightly disappointing since I was looking forward to the challenge.

In regard to the Goethe Institute, I do plan on studying the language for a while before entering classes. I want to take a little break from heavy studying and research to absorb the culture. From what I've read and heard, the higher education system in Germany tends to be a bit more laid back and students take a lot more time to finish their degree (because it's free?). I think that will be a welcomed change to my lock-myself-in-room-and-work routine.

Thanks again.

 

[J77]

Is it straight physics you want to do?

If you want some applied maths, all the people I've worked with from the Weierstrauss (http://www.wias-berlin.de/) are very well schooled.

 

[Astronuc]

Funny one should wonder about studying Germany. The German State of Hessen has a special advertisement on Scientific American's website this month - http://www.sciam.com/hessen/ . There are numerous pages from various universities.

I have been to Germany several times and I have always enjoyed it. Germany and Japan are two of my favorite countries to visit.

And Germany has many excellent universities.