This thread was inspired by "Being Black In Berlin/Germany " by Danielhouston. I read and enjoyed the thread while it lasted, this motivated me to start something different.

I discovered that there is an information gap for people who want to understand how life is in Germany, though we have several threads on visa application, survival tips for students. I want this thread to be an avenue for people that have emigrated to Germany(with or without their families) to share their experience to help future applicants about living in Germany.


Kindly share your experience and comments on :

* Your visa application experience in Nigeria

* Travelling experience/ adjustment status experience.

* How you converted your visa to a residence permit (required documents).

* What are the immigration rules to follow?

* Residence permit renewals.

* If you are a Student.
How do you find German universities
How difficult/ easy are your courses
What are the avoidable pitfalls for incoming students
How can one balance work and study
How can one make friends
Fun things as a Student

* How can one go about job applications/internships?

* Using a credit card( things to avoid)

* Tips on how to cloth and cope with the cold weather

* Where you live and why you like it or don't you like it? Tips on choosing the right neighborhood. (Internet plans, phone plans)

* Public Transportation Vs Driving in Germany.

* Driving in Germany? How long can you use your Naija driving license before you get a license?

* Tricks and tips to successfully get a license

* Childcare for children below 5

* What culture shock have you experienced?

* How to locate Nigerian restaurants and market in your location

* How much do you or your family survive on in a month?

* Fun things to do

* And any other advice.........


Please, I created this thread not because I want to share my story, but because I want everybody to share his or her own story. The mistakes some of us made, should not be made by incoming ones. I will want to reiterate, this is not a thread about RACISM and DISCRIMINATION in Germany, neither is it a thread for ASYLUM or IMMIGRATION questions.

In fact, I want this thread to be for those who have started their German dream to share what, where, and how the experience is so far.
I will not debate with anyone and I'll also not answer any questions pertaining to school, work, visas, or therein.
I do not know it all, and whatever I share here is my biased opinion. If you get hurt, I am sorry.

Let's go there bro but promise you won't quit because of trolls

willy2000:
This thread was inspired by "Being Black In Berlin/Germany " by Danielhouston. I read and enjoyed the thread while it lasted, this motivated me to start something different.

I discovered that there is an information gap for people who want to understand how life is in Germany, though we have several threads on visa application, survival tips for students. I want this thread to be an avenue for people that have emigrated to Germany(with or without their families) to share their experience to help future applicants about living in Germany.


Kindly share your experience and comments on :

* Your visa application experience in Nigeria

* Travelling experience/ adjustment status experience.

* How you converted your visa to a residence permit (required documents).

* What are the immigration rules to follow?

* Residence permit renewals.

* If you are a Student.
How do you find German universities
How difficult/ easy are your courses
What are the avoidable pitfalls for incoming students
How can one balance work and study
How can one make friends
Fun things as a Student

* How can one go about job applications/internships?

* Using a credit card( things to avoid)

* Tips on how to cloth and cope with the cold weather

* Where you live and why you like it or don't you like it? Tips on choosing the right neighborhood. (Internet plans, phone plans)

* Public Transportation Vs Driving in Germany.

* Driving in Germany? How long can you use your Naija driving license before you get a license?

* Tricks and tips to get successfully get a license

* Childcare for children below 5

* What culture shock have you experienced?

* How to locate Nigerian restaurants and market in your location

* How much do you or your family survive on in a month?

* Fun things to do

* And any other advice.........


Please, I created this thread not because I want to share my story, but because I want everybody to share his or her own story. The mistakes some of us made, should not be made by incoming ones. I will want to reiterate, this is not a thread about RACISM and DISCRIMINATION in Germany, neither is it a thread for ASYLUM or IMMIGRATION questions.

In fact, I want this thread to be for those who have started their German dream to share what, where, and how the experience is so far.
I will not debate with anyone and I'll also not answer any questions pertaining to school, work, visas, or therein.
I do not know it all, and whatever I share here is my biased opinion. If you get hurt, I am sorry.

wow welcome boss

Nice one. Eyin ti germani make una yarn us na

Help me LORD!

I will begin by saying, please forgive my writing skills. I was never a good writer, which is mainly one of the reasons I often write on forums to improve my writing skills. I was lucky not to have written my master thesis in English lol.


* Your visa application experience in Nigeria
My visa application in Nigeria was quite straight forward. I got admitted, used the admission letter to get an interview date, went for the interview, blocked some money in an account, and boom visa granted.

* Travelling experience/ adjustment status experience.
My flight to Germany was my first time flying, I felt this tingle sensation as the play was taxing for take-off, and mid-air I felt a strange pressure inside my eardrums. The feeling was weird, but hey, I did not vomit.
I landed in Frankfurt, and I stood for like 5mins, I was completely awed.
Frankfurt am Main airport is gorgeous, then came this strange feeling, I was virtually the only black man on the flight and at our baggage collection belt. Then came the steers. How did I adjust, I sha adjusted anyhow. I learned how to stir back and return the cheeky smile I got. This is something you will have to learn.

* How you converted your visa to a residence permit (required documents).
To be on the safer side, make sure you come with enough cash, you can not get access to your block account immediately you land, you need an address to unblock it and to rent an apartment, you need money. And without an address, you can not apply for a residence permit.
To convert your visa, you have to book an appointment with the foreigners' office, and you can ask what documents are required. I have learned that the people there do not like to speak English, so maybe try to get anyone who speaks German, or register for a tandem partner at your school, this is very important

* What are the immigration rules to follow?
Do not work above the stipulated number of hrs given.
Once you get your residence permit, it is stated therein.

* Residence permit renewals.
My city gives yearly residence permits. This means you have to return every year with proof of financial sustenance to get another year if you have a job contract that is equivalent to the required money, you are good; otherwise, you have to show a bank statement with the required balance. This, however, is not the norm, depending on your city; each city has its own interpretation of the law.

Thanks willy2000, am here to learn more.

Bruder Guten tag
Hadampson comman see something

willy2000:
I will begin by saying, please forgive my writing skills. I was never a good writer, which is mainly one of the reasons I often write on forums to improve my writing skills. I was lucky not to have written my master thesis in English lol.


* Your visa application experience in Nigeria
My visa application in Nigeria was quite straight forward. I got admitted, used the admission letter to get an interview date, went for the interview, blocked some money in an account, and boom visa granted.

* Travelling experience/ adjustment status experience.
My flight to Germany was my first time flying, I felt this tingle sensation as the play was taxing for take-off, and mid-air I felt a strange pressure inside my eardrums. The feeling was weird, but hey, I did not vomit.
I landed in Frankfurt, and I stood for like 5mins, I was completely awed.
Frankfurt am Main airport is gorgeous, then came this strange feeling, I was virtually the only black man on the flight and at our baggage collection belt. Then came the steers. How did I adjust, I sha adjusted anyhow. I learned how to stir back and return the cheeky smile I got. This is something you will have to learn.

* How you converted your visa to a residence permit (required documents).
To be on the safer side, make sure you come with enough cash, you can not get access to your block account immediately you land, you need an address to unblock it and to rent an apartment, you need money. And without an address, you can not apply for a residence permit.
To convert your visa, you have to book an appointment with the foreigners' office, and you can ask what documents are required. I have learned that the people there do not like to speak English, so maybe try to get anyone who speaks German, or register for a tandem partner at your school, this is very important

* What are the immigration rules to follow?
Do not work above the stipulated number of hrs given.
Once you get your residence permit, it is stated therein.

* Residence permit renewals.
My city gives yearly residence permits. This means you have to return every year with proof of financial sustenance to get another year if you have a job contract that is equivalent to the required money, you are good; otherwise, you have to show a bank statement with the required balance. This, however, is not the norm, depending on your city; each city has its own interpretation of the law.

Bruder ich danke dir sehr for this thread.

Hadampson your food don land oo

Bruder pls feed us photos too

pls bfor the thread goes on things detail out
1.detailed info bout the method of application
2. how u got approved by the embassy
3.cost of processing(in bulk)

By your post, I don't know if you learnt German before going.
Did you ........

I was supposed to go last year or early this year but I needed to learn German and get up to B2 level ( my friend had learnt it as well but he stopped at B1 because that's where the former requirements needed, so he couldn't go as well and the blocked account was increased to 10k)

Reex12:
pls bfor the thread goes on things detail out
1.detailed info bout the method of application
2. how u got approved by the embassy
3.cost of processing(in bulk)

You will find answers to your questions on this thread for intending Germany international students below:

https://www.nairaland.com/5621308/part-8

willy2000:
This thread was inspired by "Being Black In Berlin/Germany " by Danielhouston. I read and enjoyed the thread while it lasted, this motivated me to start something different.

I discovered that there is an information gap for people who want to understand how life is in Germany, though we have several threads on visa application, survival tips for students. I want this thread to be an avenue for people that have emigrated to Germany(with or without their families) to share their experience to help future applicants about living in Germany.


Kindly share your experience and comments on :

* Your visa application experience in Nigeria

* Travelling experience/ adjustment status experience.

* How you converted your visa to a residence permit (required documents).

* What are the immigration rules to follow?

* Residence permit renewals.

* If you are a Student.
How do you find German universities
How difficult/ easy are your courses
What are the avoidable pitfalls for incoming students
How can one balance work and study
How can one make friends
Fun things as a Student

* How can one go about job applications/internships?

* Using a credit card( things to avoid)

* Tips on how to cloth and cope with the cold weather

* Where you live and why you like it or don't you like it? Tips on choosing the right neighborhood. (Internet plans, phone plans)

* Public Transportation Vs Driving in Germany.

* Driving in Germany? How long can you use your Naija driving license before you get a license?

* Tricks and tips to get successfully get a license

* Childcare for children below 5

* What culture shock have you experienced?

* How to locate Nigerian restaurants and market in your location

* How much do you or your family survive on in a month?

* Fun things to do

* And any other advice.........


Please, I created this thread not because I want to share my story, but because I want everybody to share his or her own story. The mistakes some of us made, should not be made by incoming ones. I will want to reiterate, this is not a thread about RACISM and DISCRIMINATION in Germany, neither is it a thread for ASYLUM or IMMIGRATION questions.

In fact, I want this thread to be for those who have started their German dream to share what, where, and how the experience is so far.
I will not debate with anyone and I'll also not answer any questions pertaining to school, work, visas, or therein.
I do not know it all, and whatever I share here is my biased opinion. If you get hurt, I am sorry.

Pleaaaaassse!


0yewale Goztino

Basalt Bracket

Chriswazo dolpaz

pompido janettee

fiery Munichlover

What happened to the other thread

Op talk about the types of black people in Germany.

jesmond3945:
Op talk about the types of black people in Germany.

Hahahahhàhaa this is important tho

Guten Morgen OP !

Let me continue from where I stopped yesterday.

* If you are a Student.
How do you find German universities?

German Universities are very organised, old and most times are intimidating. Let me say this; only a few Universities have a campus-like setting, where the school and hostels are nearby, the rest Universities have their various faculties scattered around town.
In Germany, you have the traditional Universities, Technical Universities, applied science Universities, school of music, arts, etc. They all award equivalent degrees up to MSc.

From what I have heard about applied science Universities, their modus operandi is kind of rigid, compared to a traditional University. What do I mean? In both Universities, you need to acquire a specific amount of study points(ECTS) before you can graduate. For a University, you have to choose which course/modules you want to take, bearing in mind, these modules will determine/influence your area of specialisation, this does not apply to applied Universities( stories from friends).

How difficult/ easy are your courses?

Personally, the first two semesters are not child's play. If you want to succeed, you have to believe in yourself and your abilities, learn how to pump yourself up when you are down, and above all, you have to be very disciplined. The distraction you will face is more than enough to knock you off course. If you happen to fail any module, do not let it get to you, it happens, and it is not something new, pick yourself up and move on.
Studying in Germany is tough, and I mean it. The grading system does not also help because it is very high. As an African Student, have to prove that you are no pushover, as a result of this, you have to study harder.


What are the avoidable pitfalls for incoming students?
If you fail any course/module try as much as possible to know why you failed. Request for your script(written exam), and if it's oral, ask your examiner what your deficiencies were. Trust me; your problem is half solved if you know the root of it. One thing I always tell Nigerians is to try as much as possible to have German friends in each module they take(you need the language to achieve this successfully). Should your friendship end after the semester, don't take offence, it's the norm.
Studying becomes easy if you do have them as friends, you get to learn how they read and study for exams, how they go thru lecture slides, prep for oral exams. Why do I emphasise on this, most Germans you find in a University went thru the rigour of a Gymnasium, you have to be smart to attend this school. The few ones I have met were brilliant.

How can one balance work and study?
You have to be disciplined, do not overwork yourself. Ask around; if you have financial troubles, you may find someone who will be your saviour and tell you how to apply for a scholarship. Scholarships abound in most schools, but you have to ask and dig before you can access them, sometimes VITAMIN B(man-know-man) helps in making the application process short. Just ask, do not die in silence.

How can one make friends?

Be yourself, learn the language, and don't be uptight.

Fun things as a Student?

I don't know, we all are different, some like travelling, some fancy photography, video games(you have excellent internet to play ps4 till thy kingdom come), partying and clubbing etc. Most importantly try to mingle and enjoy yourself, provided you don't overdo things.

* How can one go about job applications/internships?

Getting an internship offer is not easy. One major factor that may influence your application is your cv. How do you make a killer cv? You have to build your self according to the career path. Start learning and doing things you can add to your cv. Rewrite your cv to the German form. I am not too fond of the German format because you have to attach a professional picture; this sometimes exposes you to the structural racism that already exists. This method is for those who have a fascinating background with lots of experience.
If you have no experience, my advice would be, try as much as possible to mingle with your fellow students, tell them what you are searching for, or join any meetup group in your locality attend conferences.
Socialise, engage in small talks, and at the right time, tell people what your need, you will be surprised how helpful they are.

* Using a credit card( things to avoid)
If you do not have a steady income, do not take a credit card, it is tempting but stay off.

following and abeg no reply anything way go make you vex.

Xavfra:
By your post, I don't know if you learnt German before going.
Did you ........

I was supposed to go last year or early this year but I needed to learn German and get up to B2 level ( my friend had learnt it as well but he stopped at B1 because that's where the former requirements needed, so he couldn't go as well and the blocked account was increased to 10k)

Yes, I learned German to B1 level before I left Nigeria, this helped me settle in faster because I understood virtually everything. However, I struggled with speaking because the tempo at which native speakers use the language is not taught in Nigeria. You learn that here over time.

Ride on boss

jesmond3945:
Op talk about the types of black people in Germany.

You should at least READ my initial post and try to comprehend the essence of this thread.

willy2000:


You should at least READ my initial post and try to comprehend the essence of this thread.

your thread is the same as this
https://www.nairaland.com/5621308/part-8
so nothing new.

jesmond3945:
your thread is the same as this
https://www.nairaland.com/5621308/part-8
so nothing new.

Do you know that on this forum you can not have two threads with the same content! I doubt you do.
If this thread is the same with your link, then it is better you head over there and ask your questions.


I created this thread for people to come in and share their experience if they choose not to answer questions, it is left to them, but this attitude of entitlement should not be encouraged.
So if this thread does not fulfil your expectation, you can create one or move on.

Uyi168:
What happened to the other thread

Ingrates and ITK spoilt it

willy2000:


Do you know that on this forum you can not have two threads with the same content! I doubt you do.
If this thread is the same with your link, then it is better you head over there and ask your questions.


I created this thread for people to come in and share their experience if they choose not to answer questions, it is left to them, but this attitude of entitlement should not be encouraged.
So if this thread does not fulfil your expectation, you can create one or move on.

the link I posted is even the part 8 and it encapsulates all one need to know about migrating and settling down in Germany. What made Daniel Houston's thread interesting, is that it was a deviation from the norm, he delved into the black experience in Germany from a real point of view which I personally have encountered. Just watch this thread die a natural death.

* Tips on how to cloth and cope with the cold weather

As a rule of thumb, learn to live accordingly, people do not give a hoot about your designer wears. Just dress moderately, moderation is the keyword here.
Also, don't be surprised to see people rushing to buy clothes during SALES. I do this too.
The trick in buying quality cheap wears is shopping during sales, meaning you purchase winter jackets at the beginning of spring, and you buying summer wears at the beginning of autumn. You have to be on the lookout because most people also follow this constellation. Same goes for shoes, and you will be amazed at how cheap some things could be.

Coping with cold weather is challenging. The winter months are harsh and hard. Using a heater to sleep affects the quality of the air you have in your room, which leads to dry skin and a bloody nose. My tips are, try sleeping with your clothes on, adjust your thermostat to number two and place a bowl of water on your heater, it helps increase the humidity in your room. If you can afford a humidifier get one. You will need to use baby oil or shea butter for your dry skin.

* Where you live and why you like it or don't you like it? Tips on choosing the right neighbourhood. (Internet plans, phone plans)

I live in a small town in Franken, Bavaria. Most people in the other part of Germany do not like Bavarians, because they are proud and pompous. But hey destiny brought me here, and I kind of like it here, although it was quite challenging at the beginning. The people are very conservative, and they do not come to you, you have to go to them. Getting to know them is like asking a primary school pupil to solve an algebra equation. They build this invincible wall, you do not see it if you don't speak the language, and as long as you communicate with them in English, they don't trust you. The language is usually the key to removing the wall, and sometimes the same language can also be your downfall. One thing about the people here is the love for anything American. Well, I won't blame the Americans, we had a military base in my city, this I believe brought this Americana love here. You do often come across people who hate foreigners, my motto is always, as long as you don't cross my personal space, your hate, your problem.

Choosing the right neighbourhood is tricky, being that in Nigeria, your main search criteria is the University and the course you want to study, then which of the Universities granted you admission, before you decide which city to choose. I will, however, say, if you can speak German to B1, do not look at prominent cities, try smaller ones, unless you are more of a city kind of person.

* Public Transportation Vs Driving in Germany.

Public transportation in Germany is excellent, and as a student, you already pay for this when get matriculated, it is part of the fees you pay.
There are disparaging differences in the kind of transport tickets you get as a student in each state. In Bayern, there is nothing like a student ticket that covers the whole state, and your student tickets are only valid in your region. Unlike what is obtained in Hessen, NRW and co.

Driving in Germany is usually expensive if you are a student or don't earn up to a particular threshold. Bills such as CO2 tax, which is paid yearly, parking space in town, car insurance, this is very important, regular car maintenance, tyres all add up. I said tyres because you need eight tyres ( 4 for winter and 4 for summer). You can get all year round tyres, but most people do say they are not the best. The all year round tyres are usually made to be medium-hard, so sometimes they can be too hard for winter or too soft for summer. Considering all this cost, using public transport is cheaper and most times faster.

willy2000:


Yes, I learned German to B1 level before I left Nigeria, this helped me settle in faster because I understood virtually everything. However, I struggled with speaking because the tempo at which native speakers use the language is not taught in Nigeria. You learn that here over time.

Alright...
Thank you very much.