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Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? - Travel (40) - Nairaland

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by janettee(f): 9:07pm On Apr 30, 2019
fieryy:


Meine*

Da. ich. ein. netter. Mensch. bin und. du. sehr. daran. interessiert. bist., die. Sprache. zu. lernen, mache. ich. natürlich. gern. eine. Ausnahme.

Wie. wär's. mit. 9€. pro. Stunde.? 19 ct. weniger. als. der. Mindestlohn? grin

Spaß grin

I'm not sure if I can be the teacher you need. I find it very difficult explaining the rules behind certain things, since the language came naturally to me. Being a kid when we came, I just picked it up like kids pick up the language spoken around them.

I can try to explain.....I'm just saying don't expect much

Es.ist.verboten, hier. auf.Deutsch .zu .schreiben.

Be guided please grin.
Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 9:08pm On Apr 30, 2019
Eke40seven gave his view concerning what Pauluche said

You have to understand that most times, lower rents could also reflect lower economic opportunities. For instance, i had a feedback from guys in the alternative city i was suppose to go to, in Saxony anhalt, my enquiries yielded that although rent could be between, 240-270 for a one room apartment all inclusive (not shared flats o) but you will be lucky to get these Turkish people that will pay you 3/4 euros per hour (even as illegal as it is)...thats way below the statutory minimum wage. But of course, cities like Munich are also an extreme case of this situation, high rents (200 euros may not rent a bathroom), but there are way more economic opportunities, especially when you dont speak the language.

The trade off will be getting somewhere that is in between, but as we all understand, we are not always spoilt with such choices. As for Many, getting one admission letter didn't come easy.

The best thing to do whichever way will be to apply for a place at the studentenwerk, as early as possible in order to get a space. Its more economic and cheaper

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 9:12pm On Apr 30, 2019
janettee:


Es.ist.verboten, hier. auf.Deutsch .zu .schreiben.

Be guided please grin.


Wir,. wissen grin
Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Cnwag: 9:30pm On Apr 30, 2019
Good job bro...keep it up
So what's the city of cologne like?
If you are to compare it with Berlin which is more expensive?

3 Likes

Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Raheembisi: 9:43pm On Apr 30, 2019
Wow very detailed. Thanks alot. I really appreciate.
Hadampson:






There you go bossman smiley

2 Likes

Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 9:57pm On Apr 30, 2019
Raheembisi:
Wow very detailed. Thanks alot. I really appreciate.


You are highly welcome sir smiley
Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 10:03pm On Apr 30, 2019
Cnwag:
Good job bro...keep it up
So what's the city of cologne like?
If you are to compare it with Berlin which is more expensive?

Logically, Berlin is more expensive than Köln smiley

2 Likes

Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 10:30pm On Apr 30, 2019
Bloodeagle:
It seems Kiel is a village.
nobody seems to know anything about it here... I have been asking since last year.

Williamso personal experience in Kiel

First things first, Studium is important, and not quite easy! There are always presentations to do, articles to write, empirical studies to conduct, etc, and as a Master Student, it's expected that you already know quite a lot (screw BSc from Naija for putting me in this position grin grin ) so it's important that you study a lot. Thankfully, the results so far have been good. Generally speaking, my advice would be to study at the pace you feel most comfortable with. Some people can take more than 30 credits in a semester, some can't take more than 20. You must not finish your program in 4 (or 3) semesters; and this also applies to Bachelor students.

Secondly, language. To me, this is almost as important as the studium itself for various reasons: You're in a German speaking country, so don't expect people to pity you and speak English with you. It's their prerogative to use the language(s) they feel comfortable with so you must accept this and step up. Also, you go to your school's library for a research and you need a reference; out of 10 books on a topic, 8 are in German. Also for a successful studium, internship is necessary and when you're competing with Germans, what better way to get an edge than to have "Deutschkenntnisse"? Even for the programmers where the Language is not as important as the arts, imagine working with the German version of eclipse, of even the entire Microsoft office suite in German. Need I say more?
Learn the language from Nigeria if you can, and if you can't, make a conscious effort to learn it when you get here; I didn't know "Guten Tag" as at September last year smiley

Thirdly, Arbeit(work). I know many people will read only this paragraph grin Anyway, as money is important, this must also be important. But balancing working and studying isn't easy but under strict discipline, it is doable. And yes, there are jobs; I know people here that make more than 1.500 after tax per month with little or no German knowledge (I will not talk on this as the people are taking a gap semester, or not focused on school at all). Nevertheless, German knowledge is important to get jobs: My pidgin Deutsch helped me get my job cheesy

Fourthly, Fest. Haven't seen any real "Fest" yet. Ich freue mich auf die Kielerwoche im Juni smiley Janette help us translate this biko cheesy

Fifthly, Freund machen(making friends) Spaß(fun) and Frauen(women). My opinion is that a lot of Germans are very reserved when they're not drunk. Many things could happen when they are, or if you can string some sentences in German or both cool cool cool
Also, the weather now is really great. Great time to go to the beach or wind surfing or spazieren... many things to do, can't list them all.

Sixthly, Essen(food). I miss pounded yam and egusi soup cry I have had enough potatoes to last a lifetime, And I'm sure I'll be having a lot more over time. Abeg who dey enter Kiel anytime soon, I get list of things wey you go help me bring

Finally, my advice to anyone coming here: LEARN DEUTSCH!!! It's even more important than learning a programming language (and this is coming from someone with a programming/IT background). Integrate properly; don't get angry/upset/confused when things don't happen the way you're used to (*cough* dress codes *cough*), and your stay could be more enjoyable than you anticipated.

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 10:49pm On Apr 30, 2019
Bavarian opinion on racism in Germany

There´s racism everywhere and with my own experiance, blacks that hate us treat us worse than white people. Honestly, I don´t have issues here at all & Germans are law-abiding, quite & very shy people & sometimes people mistake their reservness & shyness to racism. You see, they´re naturally not very outgoing people & not as friendly as the British but they´re honest, humble, less racist, neutral and very straight forward so you see it if they don´t like you. UNLESS! you go to premitive cities in the east or some parts of east berlin.

Munich is really ok and you can do your thing here, it´s a big time tourist & international city (although very expensive) because you have the high density of high income earners living in this city but you can feel at home a lot here with immigrants from all over the world.

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Goztino(m): 11:33pm On Apr 30, 2019
This Hadampson, you too much.
Kudos, e be like say we go make you the course rep of this thread

5 Likes

Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by dolpaz: 11:56pm On Apr 30, 2019
willy2000:

Dude as long as your salary is routed through your tax number to your account, the Finanzamt knows everything. Once you surpass the threshold they will call. So your friend is not telling everything.

Not only Finanzamt, The Auslanderamt knows every penny that comes to your account in as much you submit your tax number. They seems to have centralized their system now and this is how I noticed:

Initially, most employers will ask you to submit Polizeiliche Fuhrungszeugnisse (Police Character Report). You can get this by going to the Rathaus. But nowadays, most (if not all) employers can easily access your police report from a central Portal.

My advice to you guys over working is to be careful and thread softly. I have some guys who got mails from the Finanzamt asking them to explain why they over worked and this is a big offence because the auslander can cancel your residency permit having violated the § 16 law. you can type this into google (aufenthaltsgenehmigung § 16 and read in english to know more). The auslander could also decide to give you a resident permit without allowing you to work. I have seen this couple of times and it ain´t funny.

As for the 10,000 euros in a year....hmmmm, what else can I say undecided undecided undecided


Lange zeit dass ich hab nicht von dir gehört.
Ich schreib dir auf Whatsapp
mfg

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by 7Alexandre: 2:17am On May 01, 2019
dolpaz:


Not only Finanzamt, The Auslanderamt knows every penny that comes to your account in as much you submit your tax number. They seems to have centralized their system now and this is how I noticed:

Initially, most employers will ask you to submit Polizeiliche Fuhrungszeugnisse (Police Character Report). You can get this by going to the Rathaus. But nowadays, most (if not all) employers can easily access your police report from a central Portal.

My advice to you guys over working is to be careful and thread softly. I have some guys who got mails from the Finanzamt asking them to explain why they over worked and this is a big offence because the auslander can cancel your residency permit having violated the § 16 law. you can type this into google (aufenthaltsgenehmigung § 16 and read in english to know more). The auslander could also decide to give you a resident permit without allowing you to work. I have seen this couple of times and it ain´t funny.

As for the 10,000 euros in a year....hmmmm, what else can I say undecided undecided undecided


Lange zeit dass ich hab nicht von dir gehört.
Ich schreib dir auf Whatsapp
mfg

@Dolphaz

Can a student in Germany save about €10,000/year by working while still studying full time...

Based on my own experience in the United States most students can never save about $10,000/year just by working while studying full time...

Heck, even U.S. Citizens don’t save $10,000/year while working full time...

I believe his friend might not be telling him the whole truth...

Can you please elaborate on this matter...

Thank you...
Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 4:19am On May 01, 2019
Goztino:
This Hadampson, you too much.
Kudos, e be like say we go make you the course rep of this thread


grin grin

Eldeee and Philfit are the course rep and assistant course rep respectively of this thread cheesy

2 Likes

Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 4:30am On May 01, 2019
Kuthvic contribution

You go start classes in the morning and 6pm here day don dark . The europe n russian guyz dey follow but be like say the Afri guys need 2 study n study oh as I no know if na similar curriculum wey we use for the past 4 yrs them self use o .NO TIME 4 CLUB OR PLAY O cheesy

On the area of Food, Here is what I do . I buy sliced bread and nutela and take 4 slices in my bag to school everyday. In september i spent over 200 euros on food but in october i spent less than 100. i ensure i cook . Make plenty stew n soup every weekend then boil rice or make Griess everyday morning and evening. Griess of 29 cent can be made 3x. Rice of less than 1 euro can be cooked like 3x too.


ON School Location, I got admission in schweinfurt and Hamburg. The cheapest i saw in hamburg was over 400 euro 4 shared flat and about 1 hr or so by train from school. But I took schweinfurt as the accommodation is 247 for self contain and 5 mins from my school on foot.

So, if u leave in a small city u may save more and stress less. Imagine when i have a class by 8:15 i can leave my room by 8 but if it was far i will have 2 leave by 7.

There are jobs but u must know German that is a plus to big cities though as u may get job with very low german lang.

BUT to be sincere when u wan take do u work ? when u get over 300 slides to understand or cram? u go enter lecture of 90 mins u no go fit ask question as u no even get idea of the theories when they prove?

Omo as them announce credit transfer I sharply go transfer some so that my life go easy o grin

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 4:47am On May 01, 2019
Experience isn't always the best teacher, i tell people you can always make the experience of other people your best teacher. You don't have to go through the same experience to learn.

Yes, from the old/new posts, most German veterans emphasized on learning the language to some level before leaving Nigeria for Germany.

Please i know some people are very occupied but try to adjust your schedule, even if na just 30 minutes everyday.

Goethe institute is there for those that have the money to learn it there and if you happen to be like me (poorest guy grin), you can learn by yourself. I know somebody here on nairaland who learnt Hwagui to the level of fluency before travelling to South Korea for studies. If he can do it, you can do it.

Hwagui is by far more difficult than German. Instead of studying the grammar rules and sentence structure, you can start memorizing the useful phrases. I think its faster that way.

For those that fall in the second category.

You can follow these handles on instagram

@unsreddr - For nouns
@hallo_fraufuchs - Pronunciation and grammar
@lernen_sie_deutsch - Nouns/phrases
@langgoals_deutsch - for useful phrases
@deutschlernenmitjolca
@dw_deutschlernen - Grammar/Nouns
@deutschmaster - useful phrases
@deutsch_mit_olga
@learngerman_de
@english_deutsch_lernen - Useful phrases
@deutsch_lernen7 - phrases and words

On twitter, follow these handles

@dw_learngerman
@jabbagerman
@_learn_german
@einfachDeutsch

On youtube, follow learn German with Jenny, learn German with Anja and learn German in 3 minutes episodes.

You can also download these languages learning applications on PLAYSTORE or APPLESTORE.

•Busuu
•Memrise
•Babbel
•Duolingo
•DW learn German
•German vocabulary
•German grammar task
•Pimsleur


Besten wünsche

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Philfit(m): 4:52am On May 01, 2019
Hadampson you too much jor.!!!
Especially with this your referencing to old veterans it has helped a lot of people and giving insight on what to expect from Germany.
Nice effort to keep the thread going cool

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by hadassaheke(f): 4:54am On May 01, 2019
Kenechill:
I saw the question asked by basalt on can someone save up-to 10k euros a year. Almost Everyone who replied him were either mean or trying to make him look stupid. It's totally wrong.

Someone say they want to jump very high. Instead of you to tell him he shouldn't cos he head go nack ceiling or he may be cut by the fan, you tell the person he shouldn't jump Except e wan die or he shouldn't jump cos nobody has jumped that high.
No offence, all I saw were pessimists.

Now, my childhood friend schools in Bavaria which has the toughest educational system in Germany as many people have confirmed. He works Two jobs. One pays 450 euros, another pays 960 euros after tax.
He lives in a 250 hostel room. Pays 90 euros insurance, spends 60euros on food as he still has food stuff and goes out once in a while.
Can you see that he used just about 450 euro?
He still has 960 euros.
He goes to school very well sef.
Just that he doesn't have babe there and he drinks once in a while.
Save that 960 X 12 months?
It's over 11k

So whoever is being pessimistic and trying to weigh that basalt guy down, keep your lack of ambition to yourself.

Finally, there's a saying "if people don't laugh or shout at your dreams, they aren't big enough.
This example I gave is real life One.
He's been in Bavaria for two years now.

Just to add, let's do a calculation for you if you're still in doubt.
If you have a 450 euros job. It pays 10 euros per hour. You work 11 hours every Saturday. That's about 450 a month.

If you have another job that pays 12 euros per hour. You work 5 hours a day Monday to Friday that's about 1200 a month.
Let's say they take 300 tax.
You have 900 a month.
If you pay 300 rent. 90 insurance and 60 food. That's 450 a month.
Your student card covers your semester transport ticket.
The remaining 900 X 12 is 10,800 euros.
Let's say you use 800 euros for semester fee every year.
You still have 10k euros!

So what are you guys saying? For the fact you haven't done it, doesn't make it impossible. I've seen people do it.
Everybody ginger no be the same.

Shalom! (in honorable seyis voice cheesy )
Not everything is white and black sir. You can't stay in Nigeria and do the calculations and conclude about how much he is spending.
And FYI? public health insurance is 95€.

He is doing two jobs and going to school very well? Please make your findings and be sure of what you're saying. Kindly remember also that what works in city A might not work in city B.

As someone rightly said, there are some things he isn't telling you. If he is taking a gap year or taking studies slowly then it might be possible to work more, but if that's not the case then there is definitely something missing.

You can't plan to earn 10k€ in a year and still have plans of getting very good grades. One of them must definitely suffer and that's the truth.
Get your facts straight so that you don't get your hope's up for nothing. Don't let motivational speakers deceive you into setting very high and unrealistic goals.

Goodluck.

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 5:04am On May 01, 2019
Philfit:
Hadampson you too much jor.!!!
Especially with this your referencing to old veterans it has helped a lot of people and giving insight on what to expect from Germany.
Nice effort to keep the thread going cool

Boss, na the path you laid down for me i dey follow smiley

1 Like

Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 5:06am On May 01, 2019
hadassaheke:

Not everything is white and black sir. You can't stay in Nigeria and do the calculations amd conclude that he is spending just 450€.
And FYI? public health insurance is 95€.

He is doing two jobs and going to school very well? Please make your findings and be sure of what you're saying. Kindly remember also that what works in city A might not work in city B.

As someone rightly said, there are some things he isn't telling you. If he is taking a gap year or taking studies slowly then it might be possible to work more, but if that's not the case then there is definitely something missing.

You can't plan to earn 10k€ in a year and still have plans of getting very good grades. One of them must definitely suffer and that's the truth.
Get your facts straight so that you don't get your hope's up for nothing. Don't let motivational speakers deceive you into setting very high and unrealistic goals.

Goodluck.


Thank you for this Schwester smiley

1 Like

Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 5:22am On May 01, 2019
The naked truth by Schwartz

If you're coming to Germany because you truly want to study that particular course and you have financial back up in Nigeria, Come! You are welcome to Germany

If you intend to borrow your blocked account money to come to Germany to study, forget it! It will take you years to pay back that loan. You will be frustrated when your debtors will start to call you except you have no conscience and don't intend to pay back as agreed.

You have seen posts of 8.50€ per hour minimum wage and 450€ per month mini job and you brought out your calculator and you totalled it to be over 100k per month! And you thought to yourself, I will hammer in Germany. Sorry.

Forget that Naija mentality where you are sure of a certain amount every month. Not here. Majority of jobs for students is 'as it comes'. Meaning today your agent may call you, tomorrow and next no work for you. Basically there's hardly any permanent job that you can depend on. You need to keep looking out for new jobs. Here, say you get an agent, they send you to clean people's homes, wash plates, carry load, packaging, baby sit, and other menial jobs (forget suit and tie), you can't even be sent to work everyday. Its against your visa rule. No company will hire you for 30 days straight (except holiday jobs during just few months of holidays)

Do you know what it means to leave your house sometimes 4am to go to work? Sometimes you return from work 2am? Be ready to work at odd hours. The cold here is brutal. Imagine entering into a deep freezer everyday. Sometimes its even colder than your freezer. During winter you can get -16°c. Brutal cold with wind and ice block falling on you from the sky. Passing through that so you can eat and pay bills.
Everything thing you make goes to expenses. Germany is a very expensive country. When you convert basic things you normally buy cheaply in Nigeria to the price in euros you will cry. Imagine buying small plastic rubber to store something in the fridge that will cost nothing more than 100 naira for 2pcs and you buy only 1pc for 1€. Everything thing is at least double the price in Naija. Some are far more expensive. It means that the high amount you make goes back to spending. Now get this, depending on the city you live in, your house rent

You will most likely eat most of what you can make. Target from 200€ for monthly rent and be ready to share kitchen, toilet and bathroom with others. I have seen students in some major cities pay 500€ monthly just for a room in a flatshare. You want self contained? Rare and far more expensive.

Then you got to pay your insurance. Don't take crappy insurance because its cheap. When you fall sick then you know what you did to yourself. Some are around 30, but also expect within 30 - 160€. Most pay around 80€. Get your calculator and start converting. Cheap city rent all bills inclusive 250€, insurance 80€, feeding(cook by yourself and pack lunches), toiletries, recharge library card, recharge internet for phone, internet for house,let's say 120€. Your city will determine your expenses but my calculation hits 400€ monthly in a moderate city maybe in the north. So you see that 450€ you were happy about, its returning to pay bills. If your school doesn't offer semester ticket or only limited ticket sorry. Transportation in Germany is unbelievably expensive! Imagine paying 2.60€ bus, 5€ train about 500 naira for very short distance. Same distance that won't cost up to 100naira in Naija.

Visa renewal: when you arrive, everything depends on your city. Many cities in Germany, when you go to extend your visa from initial 3 months they bring out calculator and check your bank balance. Depending on what you have in it they divide by 670. Many people got 8 months, some 1year. Take it as luck if your city can issue you 2 years. But keep an open mind. Some Auslander behorde are strict. Okay, you got 1year, and the following year to renew you got to have another 8,000€. Lol. You cannot have 8,000€ sitting in your account doing nothing. How much do you make to even save that amount within a year? When there are mandatory expenses to be made? Some students are running helter shelter cos of this. Some are running everywhere looking for someone to help with sponsorship letter. Hardly will you find someone willing to stand for you with that letter. There are legal implications for that should anything go wary. No one wants to mess with the law.

Getting passport though Citizens: I have travelled from north to south of Germany and I say with all sincerity that I have not been able to count up to 10 black and white couples. Generally here couples go out together a lot. They are always seen together. Why don't I see a black girl and a white guy together or a black guy and a white woman together? That is because it was in the past that it was easier to get a white into marriage. Now its harder. Don't count on coming to marry oyinbo and get passport. You may search and search, try and try but it ain't leading no where. BTW if you succeed marrying them or having a baby with them getting the passport is not automatic. Takes some years and not so straight forward as you thought. I personally know a guy who has a baby with German citizen Na when pikin don reach 10 years them finally give am passport. Just keep an open mind. Don't let anyone lie to you. Don't allow anyone paint beautiful stories. Don't be moved by pictures they snap beside fine buildings, fine cars ( not theirs), fine clothes. Don't leave your job, your business, apply for one crappy course just so you can get in. You will regret it.

My guy sends things from Germany. OK. Used things? Grade one tokunbo? Those things are for free ! People put up ads on eBay, shpock and give things they don't need for free here. Some are in really good condition. He sends it to Naija and you think, my guy don hammer. The one who comes home throwing money around as if there's no tomorrow, chances are they are into something dirty and illegal.

Bottom line is, I am not trying to scare anyone but those are the challenges of an average student plus real experiences of some nairaland guys I personally met here. No one will be abroad and want to paint this kind of picture. No one wants to be laughed at. Some come here and say something totally different from what they pass through. I know some Nairaland guys already making applications to change schools. Reasons being the course is too hard (tougher than they imagined) some because the city doesn't give them what they planned on (few jobs to hustle) and that's what most come for. Some have failed out of school. They won't come here to say all this.

Still want come? This are some of the challenges but you got to be very brave and strong in mind and body to brave the odds.


Kenechill, please sir, i want you to read and digest this write-up. Although its an old post but you will surely learn one or two things there.


In summary, lower your expectations, even if na heaven you dey go.

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Eldeee(m): 5:22am On May 01, 2019
Hadampson:



grin grin

Eldeee and Philfit are the course rep and assistant course rep respectively of this thread cheesy

Hahahahahaha.... for where, na you be our chairman oooo. See as you just dey give everybody their own handouts, digging facts from old posts. Kudos bro, you are doing a great job.

2 Likes

Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 6:27am On May 01, 2019
Some reactions to what Schwartz posted

Rubber
We've all seen such posts on USA, UK, Canadian thread and the rest. He should have nailed the coffin by telling us how he madly regrets ever going to Germany. Who doesn't know over-expectation is bad? When you zoom off without plans or preparations and expect to make a million euros without hardwork , that's what's bad and thats when one would be disappointed. I doubt any smart person thinks that way. Or are you advising ode's? They barely exist on this thread. So everyone in Germany works from 4am to 2am, suffer in school, gets molested by ice block, saves only 50euro per month and ends up frustrated? I didn't know all that. People still come and drop long posts about how horrible life is in the states and blabla and people are still there making it smartly. You even get money to pay bills, come for Naija see if bill even dey for boys to pay (Shey you go get crib before you pay rent? grin ).

I've seen people point out challenges in nicer ways and even hint on how to overcome most. Atleast that's how we got orientation on stuffs like learning the language et al. What the dude posted from A to zett is negativity. How will that encourage anyone who's out there dreaming quietly? That there's a high chance of regretting? How are people now doing it? How did he do his own? Well I believe only a dummy would let a random post by some dude online daint their aspirations. Keep dreaming bloods, keep working hard, give your very best and always be smart about it all. Trust me you won't have regrets. Das ist alles.

Hampy
@Schwartz said "If you intend to borrow your blocked account money to come to Germany to study, forget it!” And you said he’s not discouraging anybody…I’m afraid you’re the one who’s missing the point here. If I don’t have rich parents/guardian/sponsor or someone who can finance my studies….And I have dreams of studying abroad, and I intend to raise the money by borrowing from family and friends,

@Schwartz said I SHOULD FORGET IT! That I will run into problems because of some issues some people have in Germany. What’s that? encouragement?

I’m not a weakling bro. I’m a go-getter. I don’t give up on my dreams. And I will not have any issues in Germany by the special grace of God. If that’s what you wish for me, then your wishes won’t come true. Sorry to break your heart.

Rubber reacted again cheesy
Yeah I'll learn to excel despite negativity. I'm not fiending for German fairytales. Ironically, your reaction is also a very common one in any thread, no be oga again? smiley You've just been reading his mind since and analyzing his imaginary subliminal points. Would've made brain if he came out to discourage illegal migration, planning on going to marry some woman for passport and co. Rather his post attacked even students with good intents. I'll be waiting for someone in Germany to read it with "unclosed mind" and say going for studies in Deutschland is not really worth if afterall, that we should stay back (the nairaland buddies he mentioned inclusive)Till then

Ohaskid
My people let's us please try and have a plan before traveling just like wat rubber said. Let's keep our faith and hope alive, it's not easy anywhere my people even the so called Nigeria we are in, a lot are really suffering. We need to leave Nigeria and get expose to other things.

Kilo4sure
This story of how difficult things are abroad is on almost all travel threads and is nothing new. In my opinion I believe the advantages in the end outweigh the disadvantages. Going to Germany as a student with unrealistic expectations of a rosy life is obviously simplistic of course, especially with just Blocked account. And finally we do not know why those in Germany do not come back to comment regularly again, but most of them do make clear how difficult adapting to the new academic life is. So we can't just run to conclusions yet as to why they aren't regular. What's more? Most would begin their exam soon or have even begun. I also eagerly wait with bated breath for them to come share their experience as well.

Dam12
I just laugh when I see some posts. Some things r just common sense. Before one takes a huge decision such as moving to a foreign land it's logical to make adequate plans Whc will align with ones goals in life. Not everyone has the luxury of huge financial support from family nd relatives but sm have a dream nd a pertinacious spirit to achieve it. If such person thinks he can borrow the money nd go thru the struggle to meet up I dnt think it's a bad idea esp wen the person is focused nd has a goal. I believe some risks r worth taking wen a man knows wt he wants nd has a well defined goal with adequate plans to it backup even an angel investor will grant u loan when u have a profitable idea with a laid out nd viable plan to execute it. we all hv different experiences nd our grace differs, same thing dt some set of ppl r complaining abt is wt sm folks r finding easy esp wen God is involved. Its not easy anywhere, I see on diff threads on NL where ppl just cme nd say all sorts of hw it's not easy bla bla (like nigeria is any better) yet upon all the harsh conditions over 85% r not willing to cme back to naija it's not even among their options. The ones dt come bck even mk things difficult for folks here with only nigerian certificates cos they r given preference in the job market. Irrespective of how good or bad the picture of a place is painted, if u desire a good life for urself u hv to brace urself up nd work hard for it cos nothing good comes easy. Follow ur hrt, walk with God nd u will see hw things will fall in place. It will all end in praise

ezekuse
Lol at the waking @ 4:00am to go to work in germany when people already do that in Lagos daily without a single complain. What was the op expecting? Germany to roll out the red carpet for him when he arrived. It is tough everywhere and there are Nigerians doing well financially just as some are equally struggling in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany etc including Nigeria. I do agree with the op on the need to manage expectations but I think tips on getting and balancing work, school as well as achieving good grades would have been much more appreciated to further help applicants make informed decisions.

Eke40seven
@Schwartz, Your assertions about borrowing might be true based on location and your level of language profiency.

What i can say is this, Germany is not for the lazy bones (when you are working for 8 hours, you only have one hour break in between to chat and rest, for the working period, you will certainly be on your feet (literately or other wise)
You are certainly going to work at odd hours for some jobs.


If your heart is set towards making some money, then, DON'T go to backwater towns with little economic activities especially if you don't speak the language.

Some cities will not offer you long term extensions, as that guy mentioned, you could even get 8 months. (Luckily, Munich gives between 24-30 months at least but rent here is the highest in the country grin )

There are jobs here, plenty of them begging for workers but the language will restrict you in many. So, for those coming, your single most important meal ticket here is the German language, Learn, and you won't have any complaints like the majority of us here.
And men, the level of education here is on another level, if you are mediocre, make sure you pump up your energy to the power of ten, combining work and school will place some demands on your mortal flesh


Fapper
I wonder too ooo like say no b dis same germany i de dey chill and enjoy without stress in terms of jobs and study. I hv no prob at all. Well my advice b say make u sabi d city u de go wella b4 headin dere cos some can make life kinda hard bt neva d less am sure u will survive truout ur studies here in Germany so my pple stop listenin 2 all dis stuffs, i guess d guy wu posted dis is in a city dat has bin stressin him, anyway i don c pple wey don send dier block acct go 9ja finish here in berlin and i don send over 4k go house sef though my acct is still blocked with dis monthly stuff of 670euros so i work and earn without touchin ma block acctount again sef so y should u jst say make dem no borrow money enter abeg if u fyt do ritual enter sef do oo lolz jst kiddin no go de too desperate oo all i jst wanna clear is d fact dat u can return d money bck early if u r in d right city with alot of job opp .......abeg i no vex any1 oooo jst xplainin cos na same deutschland i de, lolz wat a lovely country. i hop dis motivate sum1

luv u all and stop being panic

Cahnellven
Guys , nothing has changed..... If you have the intention of coming to Germany, do so at ALL 'COSTS'.

As much as some of what Herr schwarz posted is true, it doesn't apply to me and people in my immediate circus. Life is always tough in a foreign land,so some of those things applies to US, UK CADDY etc.
Considering the situation of things, Germany is still an infinitely better choice than the UK and CANADA. (My opinion)


All thanks to God, Munich, eke40seven, seunstein and God again, I don't have to worry about bills, residence permit or anything.

If I'm to point to a major disadvantage here, it is their overly intensive education, which is a far cry from that of the UK /US.

Like eke pointed out, try to go to a major city like Munich/Berlin where you get longer rp and jobs are in abundance.

All in all , na God get power.
If some people regret coming to Germany, it's their opinion..... As for me I don't .... And I'll make the choice a thousand times over

Hampy
What exactly is your point here? That people shouldn’t pursue their dreams of studying abroad, even if it means borrowing the funds? You’ve been very informative with your post, thank you. But you’ve only succeeded in playing on people’s fears and you may have discouraged quite a few peeps in the process. You may never know. You criticised those you say come on here and paint glory pictures of Germany, while you have done exactly the same thing by painting sorry pictures of Germany. How about those that borrowed money to fund their blocked accounts, got to Germany, paid back their debts, go to school, work the regular menial jobs you say are available, make good grades and come back home with a very good certificate? It’s either those people are not in Germany or you’ve just been so unlucky not to have met them.

IF YOU HAVE DREAMS OF STUDYING IN GERMANY - DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED! DO NOT LET ANYTHING STAND IN THE WAY OF YOUR SUCCESS. FORGET THE STORIES THEY TELL YOU ABOUT THIS PERSON OR THAT PERSON. BE READY TO PURSUE YOUR DREAMS - EVEN IT IT MEANS “GOING TO WORK AT 4AM, COMING BACK AT 2AM, OR HAVING ICE BLOCK FALL ON YOUR HEAD”.

The boss, dolpaz
The statement below does not count undecided

"If you intend to borrow your blocked account money to come to Germany to study, forget it"

Schwarz has raised some very good and salient point. But I need to stress the fact that Its not "Rossy" everywhere. I doubt if you ever had the chance/opportunity to hustle in Nigeria, you would get my point better.

Life is all about ups and down. Nigeria has alot of negativities, yet we are surviving. Likewise in every other country. The key to surviving in Germany is the language, coupled with the energy to work and study at the same time. I believe he should have balanced the write-ups with some other advantages. You cant just come and paint the whole country as if people are not making it there. Life is not fair to everybody. You may be in a city/town where economics activities are not taking place. but some other cities are bubbling. In as much I respect your advice, you went too deep about painting the economics aspect..

If its gonna cost me to sell properties to get to my destination, am gonna do just that. The hustling spirit never give up. I can authoritatively tell you a whole lots of students borrowed money, got loans to achieve the German dreams and they still got high hopes.

I have always been positive, determined, aggressive, with the "CAN-DO" ability. As for me, I will choose Germany over alot of developed countries without thinking twice..

A Negative Thinker Sees A Difficulty In Every Opportunity.......A Positive Thinker Sees An Opportunity In Every Difficulty.

Picture this a moment for Kodak cool

Gemeinsam Sind Wir Starke !!!

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 6:49am On May 01, 2019
Tipps for job hunting by Cindino20

Try Amazon....amazon.force.com select country Germany and select state.

Also join the nigeria scholar in Germany in Nrw ON facebook...u can get info from there.

Also in Germany you ve to plan things ahead...if u knew u would ve freetime u would ve applied for Mercedes jobs ahead....

If you reside close to koln....check this firm out LDZ logistics.....get their address and call them if there is vacancy.


Cnwag, take note of the emboldened smiley

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 7:07am On May 01, 2019
Cindino20 tips

I would like to chip in some advise on stuffs you need..for the guys try to come with some good jeans (they re expensive in Germany) a good jean in germany will set u back with about 80 - 100 euros..even if some may refer to ours as Aba made but try to get some good ones the weather and neat environment will nt allow them to fade with time....also try to come with some nice shoes too..buyin a good sneakers for 150 euros (nike) or a boot for abt 200box (timberland) is not something you wanna do within ur first few mths ..its easier to buy these stuffs when you start workin here and earning euros rather than use ur naira converted to euros for such...

and when you arrive ..you polly gonna live in a furnished apartment but the kitchen untensils may nt be there for these visit Tedi ein euro shop. the shop is in every city just use ur google map..you can get cheap household stuffs there and also some writing materials.

For those whose German re up to scracth you can register
www.jobruf.de
https://www.studenten-vermittlung.com/home
Jonweise.de
And also check ur sch job portals to check for some jobs within ur state. These jobs dont require working permit..they re just for hrs (3 to 4 ) and the pay is 10euros pro stunde.(its legal)...

all the best.

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 7:11am On May 01, 2019
GottSeiDank Tipp

To all #team winter hopeful, if you have the opportunity to learn the German language please do. As you are gathering your documents and preparing to apply to different schools, it will do you well by learning the language. You will integrate well and gets better student jobs with other lots of benefits . I will advice you enroll at Goethe Institut but you can also learn on your own, there are lots of materials online. But trust me learning at the Institute is better. A1-A2 or maybe B1 will do. Make sure learning the language is part of your to-do list grin
Danke schön

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by uptimum123(m): 7:11am On May 01, 2019
Nice job @ Hadampson

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 7:19am On May 01, 2019
Armstrong34:
is there anyone studying in Paderborn o??...

pls how is the city in terms of students jobs o

iyke20024 view on Paderborn

Studying here no be beans especially in Uni-Paderborn. To get admission easy but come study na

One tip.. if you good and wants study IT related course - Computer Science..etc

Come here..Top school for Computer Science. Na here Hienz Nixdorf dey but take note.. must be good student or ready to learn.. because here na perfection them wants and small school dey form hard..

First semester is hectic and no time

Hopefully next semester I go take only 3 courses

I am not looking for Job..yet..

But there is many Job prospect.. Paderborn main stadt now gives 2 years.. but with condition you will come back to show your money.. Dat one na jeggy sha

Anyway.. Job here is no problem but would be more professional job if you speak German.

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by sassy92(f): 7:26am On May 01, 2019
Thanks a lot Hadampson
They say a good man learns from his mistakes but a wise man learns from the mistakes of others. I wanted to apply for winter 2019 but after reading this thread and the student visa thread thoroughly I understood that if you want to succeed in DE, you have to plan thoroughly. So now I've pushed back my application to summer 2020 so I can write at least A2 here in Naija. It seems so far away but I know it'll surely be worth it.
My advice to my fellow aspirants: Patience is a virtue and knowledge is power.




Hadampson:
Experience isn't always the best teacher, i tell people you can always make the experience of other people your best teacher. You don't have to go through the same experience to learn.

Yes, from the old/new posts, most German veterans emphasized on learning the language to some level before leaving Nigeria for Germany.

Please i know some people are very occupied but try to adjust your schedule, even if na just 30 lesson everyday.

Goethe institute is there for those that have the money to learn it there and if you happen to be like me (poorest guy grin), you can learn by yourself. I know somebody here on nairaland who learnt Hwagui to the level of fluency before travelling to South Korea for studies. If he can do it, you can do it.

Hwagui is by far more difficult than German. Instead of studying the grammar rules and sentence structure, you can start memorizing the useful phrases. I think its faster that way.

For those that fall in the second category.

You can follow these handles on instagram

@unsreddr - For nouns
@hallo_fraufuchs - Pronunciation and grammar
@lernen_sie_deutsch - Nouns/phrases
@langgoals_deutsch - for useful phrases
@deutschlernenmitjolca
@dw_deutschlernen - Grammar/Nouns
@deutschmaster - useful phrases
@deutsch_mit_olga
@learngerman_de
@english_deutsch_lernen - Useful phrases
@deutsch_lernen7 - phrases and words

On twitter, follow these handles

@dw_learngerman
@jabbagerman
@_learn_german
@einfachDeutsch

On youtube, follow learn German with Jenny, learn German with Anja and learn German in 3 minutes episodes.

You can also download these languages learning applications on PLAYSTORE or APPLESTORE.

•Busuu
•Memrise
•Babbel
•Duolingo
•DW learn German
•German vocabulary
•German grammar task



Besten wünsche

4 Likes 1 Share

Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 7:30am On May 01, 2019
Short advice from willy2000

Language is the key to unlocking a financial stress free life in Germany.

There are loads of scholarship online which you can apply to. Try and join different groups on campus, mix with the locals and your life will never remain the same.

And for those going to bigger cities good luck, na persin wey wear shoe, know where e dey pain am smiley


Learning programming language is important but learning German is more important. This is the summary of what i have shared here


•Learn German

•Manage your expectations

•Link up with NIGERIANS who live in the city you are heading to. This is very important.

•Register on Ziprecruiter and other job search websites that has been shared immediately you touch down in DE. No time to check time

•Socialize with people from different countries not only Nigerians and avoid asylum seekers group.

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 7:39am On May 01, 2019
Life after studies by Eke40seven

My indian neighbour and his friends studied Automative Engineering in FH Aachen, and they both came to Munich in search of a job. His friend now works in BMW, (his friend told me personally) and his starting annual salary is around 46-8k, while my friend got one in Stuttgart to start very soon with a starting annual salary of 34-36k (can't remember exactly), all Bsc. and they are all.even looking for bigger offers from there.

They have one thing in common, (their German language proficiency is at least at B1-B2 and they did a STEM course. The other guy is now planning to start his process of applying for his EU blue card. These guys inspired me to go back to learning German. They said ALL their interviews were in German. However, these people don't expect you to speak like native speakers but at least be able to communicate.

I have heard about a few people that are frustrated after school without a job and the common hindering factor is that of language.

My point is that, Your proficiency in German is as important as your results and hunger for money during studies, if you finish your school and have not attained up to B1-B2 in German, then Germany MAY not work out well as a place to settle and work.



Language is very important. All the people saying i will learn it when i enter Germany, it's not gonna be easy cos education is kinda hard in DE.

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Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by erny11: 7:46am On May 01, 2019
dolpaz:


Lange zeit dass ich hab nicht von dir gehört. Ich schreib dir auf Whatsapp mfg
It's good to hear from you again Baba Dolpaz..... Thanks for your contribution, will appreciate more tips and info.
Re: Nigerian Students In Germany..how Do You Survive?? by Hadampson(m): 7:46am On May 01, 2019
Obiwannn emphasized on the language aspect

LANGUAGE! If you sabi language u go fit work for office. If you sabi operate Computer and software (programming like my oga dolpaz) you you go see work plenty and u no go need to dey go cleen people piss or pack people poo or carry load upandan. But if you no sabi language, hw u go take write the code? Na language be the difference between Germany and other "easy" countries afterall. Plus book here hard. I never been to Canada nor UK, so no no if book simple there or not, but book simple for US... So in the end, na Language be the koko..and no free money for here. You gats work for every single penny! In the end, what I tell myself is; Its no longer if you survive Nigeria, you can survive anywhere.. Now it's if you survive Germany, you can survive anywhere in the world.
(PS: Everyone has their own definiton of suurvival. Some dont value good grades, others do). It refines your life, makes you a better person, makes you a hard worker!!! I know it might be surely boring and difficult as hell now, but I am very confident that there's a God, who sees the hardwork and dedication of man... Not necessarily whether you believe in Him or not, but the simple recognition that He exists plays a major role as the Grace to succeed will just come out of nowhere.

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