Meandering Paths: Germany's University System

     The school system in Germany is unique compared to that of the United States. In particular, the work load is very different. While we may have a variety of assignments to complete throughout the semester, thus cushioning our grades, German universities may only have one to three graded assignments. These typically occur at the end of the semester, and can appear as 1.) A ten page paper and presentation  2.)A final exam 3.) A term paper. The type of assignment given is largely based on the type of course you are taking. Final exams, for example, usually only occur in language courses.
     Homework does not appear in Germany as we see it. Students are expected to do research independently outside of class. There are no assigned readings or books. That may sound easy, but it's not quite so. Students are given this freedom to research as they please so that class discussions will be more interesting. You are expected to participate and add something interesting to the conversation, so slacking off it a really bad idea.

     The classroom in Germany isn't quite as friendly as that of some US institutions, especially that of MC. First of all, classes are usually set to start on an even hour, but some professors observe an 'akademische Viertel', which essentially means that class will not start until fifteen minutes after the set time. Classroom attitudes are relatively formal, and teachers must be referred to as Herr or Frau and their last name. As most classes are completely lectured through, there is little time for close student/teacher relationships. Furthermore, students do not spend much time outside of class on campus, because many Germany universities lack sports teams. Therefore, there is very little school pride.

The credit system in Germany is a little strange compared to ours, and tends to be looked at as a whole rather than completion of individual classes. Depending on class, you can meet up to ten times a week. Several of the language classes at ih Heidelberg meet everyday from eight to noon, meaning that you'll receive roughly sixteen hours a week in instruction. Germans typically end a semester with sixty credit points, with twenty-five to thirty hours counting toward the points. Essentially, a class with a total of twenty-five hours throughout the semester counts as a single credit.

In my time in Heidelberg, we will have a total of 200 contact hours, with twenty-five hours of instruction a week. This will result in 8 US credits. 25hrs = 1 credit hour

The grading system is also unique. Germany follows a six point system with 6 being outstanding and 1 being very poor. Sixes are apparently very difficult to get, and most students will leave with a five. Four and below is typically failing. Thankfully, the points line up fairly well with our own, with 6 being an A and so on.

Tutoring is available at ih Heidelberg, though it may be a little difficult to obtain during the summer sessions.

A normal student would need to complete about 60ECTS a year, or 1500 total hours. This would require that students completely about 30 credit hours per semester, which is double that of MC. Classes usually meet more frequently in Germany than in America, so the workload is still probably relatively similar.