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What to expect?

Published by:  ClaraS

My name is Rebecca and I am from the US. I will be a first year student in Cologne and this will also be my first time in Germany. I am a bit anxious that I might experience a culture shock in my first weeks so I was hoping to get some insight from people who have lived in Germany. Are people nice and welcoming, especially towards foreigners? Can you guys share with me some typical German habits or things that might be perceived as cultural differences as I really want to prepare of what to expect.

15.12.2020 5 Answers

SandraB commented on 15.12.2020

I dont think there’s anything to worry about honestly… you will be a student and universities are so diversed these days especially in the bigger cities. I come from Spain and I have lived in Germany for about two years now and I never felt discriminated. I managed to find friends with different backgrounds straight aways. For me personally people here are very nice and welcoming but you need to have some basic knowledge of the language if you want to get along easily.

ChristopheW commented on 15.12.2020

I like living in Germany as a student. People have been always nice to me and you can learn a lot from them. Over the past year I can say I have changed a lot in terms of being punctual as people here are so. This is a high priority here and sooner or later you need to learn to live with it and I found it also to be very helpful for me in a personal aspect. Soooo if you were disorganized before be prepared to change that :D

MelanieO commented on 15.12.2020

I am also an American and I have always admired European culture. For me personally the food aspect of their culture is the best. You know what we eat back home mostly fast or processed food but here I found a whole different world. Their cuisine is amazing with so many different dishes Knoedel, Spaetzle, Currywurst, Brezeln and many more that I love. You can try it on their food or Christmas markets.

HannahV commented on 15.12.2020

A typical trait if I could put it so about Germans is that Sunday is Sunday. Most of the shops are closed on this day and Sundays here are usually quiet. This is usually the time when people are supposed to rest at home and in some cities you are not even allowed to do any noisy housework like mowing your lawn or anything else that is loud.

RebeccaH commented on 15.12.2020

I really cant wait to experience everything on my own now. I am also fascinated with European culture but I guess it is normal to be anxious when something unusual is happening in your life. Thanks fo rthe comments guys.