How To Play The Game

Welcome to Germany.

This is the first lesson in your ''Street Education.'' This entry is not for the faint of heart. This is for non-students. It's for grown folks that have no intention on matriculating at a traditional university. This is for my peeps that are fresh off the boat and must hit the ground running. I keep it real. I am sharing lessons from my own experience in this country.

When you get to Germany, make sure you have your finances together. You have to show that you have the means or resources to stay. They don't want broke foreigners in Germany. Straight-up. You must prove to the Immigration Office that you've got paper to support yourself for at least a year. Unless you hold a student visa to enroll full-time in school, you're a responsible adult in the eyes of the law and you're expected to contribute to the German system.

How to Play The Game


There are three key items that you'll need to bring to or retrieve from Immigration:

1. An official Residential Registration: You need this in order to obtain your resident permit. In other words, you need an address. I suggest you get permission to use the address of the local Youth Hostel (of course, you have to stay there for a little while) and meet people. If you write to me and introduce yourself, I'll give you some other suggestions. The beauty of the international community is that people really do look out for you. If you're traveling abroad for the first time, I think it's always better to start off in a small German city and get your feet wet before trying to play ball in the big cities. Hence, Freiburg.

2. You need to open a bank account right here in Germany. Again, you have to show that you have some money. If your bank statement indicates that you have a low balance (less than $1000), get a letter from a family member explaining that a relative will sponsor you. Whether or not that's true is something you'll have to work out on your own. The point is that you need something in writing that verifies the source of your income.

3. If you're struggling with number two, get a job. Your employer can write you a letter certifying that you are legally employed in Germany. Teach English (more information on that later), or get a job at a local coffee shop. One interesting place where I've met employed Americans is at Starbucks, working as baristas. When I first arrived in Germany, I was advised to check out the Irish Pubs, too. Maybe you'll skip the bartender or waitress thing and work directly for an NGO like General Electric.  There are many American corporations with offices throughout Germany.  Research the company of your choice and find out if they have an office here. 
*Once you obtain a job, you qualify for a work visa. You'll need to bring your letter of employment to the Immigration Office.

Searching For Employment

The list for gainful employment is a short-one unless you possess an adequate command of the language. Don't be like me and play your hand at the language once you arrive. Take a German course before you come here. German has been such a struggle for me but that's because I'm hard-headed and I can be lazy. However, if you prep yourself before leaving, you'll be in much better shape than me.

Teaching English is the fastest way to get into the system. There are a number of courses leading to a TESOL or Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. However, the CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) qualification is the cream of the crop. You can work anywhere in the world with a CELTA. It'll cost you somewhere between $2000 and $2500. For me, I got my teaching qualification through Transworld Schools in San Francisco. Typically these workshops run for about four weeks. You're in class everyday for around eight hours. You should accumulate at least 100 hours in classroom instruction including six hours of teaching observation overseen by a teacher trainer.

If you have any other questions about teaching English in Germany, please shoot me a quick e-mail.

Until next time...Tschüss!

Sir

Additional website information:
http://www.freiburg.de/
http://www.britishcouncil.org/teacherrecruitment-tefl-qualifications-certificates-2.htm

Go to School in Germany...It's Cheaper!

Did you know that up until the year 2006, a public university education was free-of-charge in Germany? I need my fellow Americans to grasp that fact.  We pay almost six figures for our overpriced education while German students pay only a fraction in tuition.  We've been duped.  Big time.  We've been convinced that an American education is the most direct path to success. Therefore, we must consider that there are other reputable institutions located outside America that offer a high standard of education without the exorbitant fees.  

In Germany, the average undergraduate may pay between €500 and €700 per semester ($738-$1,033) for as many courses as she can handle.  That's still around €1400 ($2,066) per year.  That's peanuts compared to what we pay in the States.  The inside scoop is that many foreigners study German and apply for admission to a university here.  It's a tough road, but they get there.  I applaud the young students that work hard.   Imagine how envious I feel when I meet young Togolese students speaking German and earning their degree here for almost nothing. It's not for everybody but I would think twice before blowing a hundred-grand just to say I went to an American university.  If you feel it's for you, do your thing.  Just know that you have options. Know that you don't have to put yourself in debt for the next 10 years after you graduate from school.  There is more than one route to realizing your goals and dreams.

Another thing I noticed about being a student in Freiburg is all the perks that come with your status.  You have unlimited discounts from theatre tickets to public transportation passes.  For example, as a student you can purchase a Student Semester Pass (specifically for public transportation), and it costs around €69 ($100).  It's valid for six months and grants you access to the regional trains, trams, and buses.  It pays to be a student. Hell, I wish I was a student! I know a lot of grown people that enroll in school just for the student benefits. 

So, my first piece of advice for coming to Germany is to try and obtain a student visa.  

Go online and apply for admission to a German university. There's a ton of helpful information on the German Academic Exchange Service's website (officially the DAAD or Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst). You'll notice that many of the schools offer degree programs in English, too.  However, some schools may still require that your level of German is functional at the university level, but don't be discouraged. You can still come here and pick up German along the way, although I'd at least take a survival course at a local community college before making my way here.

Oh yeah, before I forget: a student visa also allows you to work about 80 hours a month.  Remember, it is not so simple for a foreign non-student to get permission to work here. Sure, you'll get permission but the Immigration Office has a tight leash on the non-student immigration community. However, the city absolutely loves students because Freiburg is a university town (thanks to the historic University of Freiburg).  So...become a student and hop in the game.

Once you start checking things out for yourself, you may suddenly decide that travelling to Europe to obtain a degree is not such a bad idea, especially when compared to the nightmare of a bill that  Sallie Mae (the  most prominent financial institution of student loans in the States) is waiting to slap you with.

However, if you've decided to do things the hard way, like me, then stay tuned.  I'll be posting a general protocol for what you can expect should you decide to relocate here as an independent expat.

Until next time....Don't forget to check out the DAAD website at: www.daad.de. 

Tschüss!!

The Expat's Journal: Reflections on why I left the States in the first place...

Why America?

Some people might think that leaving America is not for them.  That America is their home.  Really?  Never forget the trials and tribulations it took to make America "free".  And maybe you might say, Reg, that's why I'm staying.  I'd tell you to think about Marcus Garvey. Then I'd mention a long list of famous expats who left America.  People like WEB Du Bois, James Baldwin, and Josephine Baker.  Now, you don't have to hop the next steamship to Africa but you should get away from the States long enough to really understand America.  

I am aware that America has made progress. We are fortunate to have President Obama.  I feared that if we had continued down our previous political path, Americans might not have been welcomed anywhere abroad.  Now that Obama is in office, you can see the crushing weight of old politics that he must deal with. You can see the critics coming out like buzzards circling a carcass. That old system, that old machine is slow to die.  So, let me not waste time meandering and speculating.  It is what it is.  Let's talk about why you should bounce.

Get off the Grid

If you've got bad credit, like I had bad credit, you need to disappear for a while. Now you don't have to necessarily leave the States, but you should get off the grid. Destroy your credit cards. (They sell pre-paid ones anyway.) Use cash and make yourself untraceable if you can. Be anonymous. Start over. I don't believe that there's such a thing as a "Credit Doctor" or "Clinic".  If your credit is hurt, it's difficult to find a job.  It can even be difficult to rent an apartment or apply for a mortgage. When your ability to earn a living, in a country drenched in wealth, is based on your credit score, you need to consider other options.

Trust me when I say that your credit nightmare is over in Germany.  First of all, you won't be getting new credit anytime soon. Banks in Germany place  higher restrictions on who they allow credit. A German friend once told me that I was lucky to even have a checking account. "They don't give those to just anyone," he had said. America is the only place in the world that gives out credit like it's air. Is there any wonder why the subprime mortgage crises happened in the first place?  People who think that you should be a good, responsible citizen and maintain a good credit record don't understand that "credit" is a form of capitalism that puts everyday, hardworking people in the poor house. You are dreaming if you think the credit card companies care if you pay off your debt.  They hope you never pay your bill. "Credit" is what keeps Third World Countries, Third World. It's also what keeps America the so-called World Superpower.   Skeptics and haters should feel free to read a book entitled: Confessions of An Economic Hit Man by John Perkins. 

There is something else that is completely mind-numbing about American behavior.  We live beyond our means and judge other people by what they own.  There are so many broke people driving flashy cars and living in large homes that they can't afford.   Financial Expert Robert Kiyosaki even stated that Americans have little to zero net-worth on paper despite all the toys they have. 

During my travels, I have had a string of odd jobs. One particularly interesting job I recall was working as a salesman for an automobile dealership. I could not believe the number of months extended to new car buyers, most of whom had little money. You should've seen the evil grins plastered on the faces of my managers when some young dude strolled onto the lot checking out the latest SUV. I quickly realized that the absolute worst thing you can purchase is a brand new vehicle on credit with little or no money down.  It could potentially put you in the poor house for several years.  I know I'm not saying anything that the average consumer doesn't know.  I'm just saying it's time to return to the basics. 

Less is More!

Money doesn't grow on trees and neither do automobiles, houses, or clothes.  In fact, we need to start thinking more about the environment.  If you must absolutely buy a car, consider a compact, electric, or hybrid car. If you can help it, get a bike or take public transportation. 

Personally, I am tired of the capitalism game.  If I am going to play it, I choose to play it on my terms which means I have less money, less stuff but more freedom to see the world.  We Americans are a very materialistic lot and it hurts us.  Money remains the number one reason for divorce.  So, what do I propose: live like an expat!  Streamline your living situation.  Buy everything small and compact. Live frugal. Have the very basics and plan your life so you can remain mobile. 

This philosophy allowed me to walk away from America.  And yes, I do miss my family and close friends, but I do not miss that country. 

Until next time...

The Expatriate

The Expatriate Begins...

When I first came to Germany, I was helped out tremendously by the African community living in Freiburg.
They told me what to do in those first critical months following my arrival in Europe without a job or a permanent place to live.

I also met a host of kind Germans who offered me shelter and helped me find work.  It was a unique and beautiful orchestration of good will conducted by people who had nothing to gain other than allowing their humanity to shine.

There are many things happening in this town.  And there are many things not happening in this town.  Maybe I could be the go-between, a sort of social liaison for foreigners new to Freiburg.

Yes.  I will design my blog site around the needs of new foreigners to Freiburg, Germany.  My approach will be based on a narrative of my experiences here in Germany. Through the good times and bad times, I will share what I've learned firsthand for those who want to cut through the red-tape of relocating here and get in-the-know right away.  

My blog will explore certain themes such as:

1) Dealing with Immigration

2) Learning your way around the city

3) Why going to school here might be a better option

4) Dating in Germany (a mind blowing experience)

5) Facing the challenges of living here

You could think of this blog as my personal diary or journal for social networking and bridging the gap between my home in the States and my new home in Europe.  Forget the bureaucracy.  I'm going to let you know why you should consider visiting or relocating to Europe.  Maybe this is something for you.  Maybe not.  

You be the judge.