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