• You can learn German by attending German language school in Nigeria at Goethe Institute before coming. More information can be obtained from http://www.goethe.de/ins/ng/lag/enindex.htm. Goethe institute is the officially recognized German language institution and is located in Lagos state.

• You can also German free online from Deutsche Welle online courses (http://www.dw.de/learn-german/german-courses/s-2547)

• You can also learn German at any German University most of which offer intensive language classes for foreign students. Some offer this intensive language course for a reasonable fee. There are also free language courses (not intensive but twice a week language course) that the Universities also offer.
• You can also go to the nearest bookshop and buy books and audiotape for German beginners so that you can start with the basics.

Ways to improve your German

• By watching movies in German language or movies that are subtitled in German language.
• Watching German News and reading online Articles.
• Reading poems and storybooks for kids
• Finding a Tandem partner

• The best way to learn the language would be to move to Germany and immerse yourself completely

First, it is important to note that no language is easy but if you are determined to learn any new language especially German, Yes you can! Interestingly after Russian, German is spoken more by people in Europe, which makes it essential for the sharing of knowledge. Learning German will not only help you to cope with everyday life it will also, quoting Hyde Flippo ‘’ Das Erlernen einer neuen Sprache ist das Erlernen einer neuen Denkweise’’ which simply means ‘’ learning a new language is learning to think in a new way’’ help you to think in a new way.

Finding accommodation in Germany is not a difficult but it is better to start looking for accommodation as early as possible before you arrive Germany and this you can do easily via Internet anywhere you are. However, the cost of accommodation makes up a large part of your expenses greatly depends on the size of the room or apartment and it varies from city to city. In most Institutions, an organization called (das Studentenwerk) provides social, financial and cultural support services to students. This organization also runs some accommodation facilities and can help you in searching for accommodation, in case you haven't found one. A temporary arrangement for accommodation can be made for you in a student or Youth Hostel where you can stay until you can find a suitable accommodation. This option might be a little expensive. Please not that the cheapest rooms and apartments are mostly found in student residences. Another alternative for you to find accommodation is by living a shared apartment (Wohngemeinschaft, WG). It is the most popular form of accommodation amongst students. This is usually run and administered by the tenants. All tenants share a common kitchen and bathroom as well as the rent. If you would prefer to live on your own, you might start with a small apartment. There are a lot of vacancies on the Internet and in the local newspapers. Some apartments may either be furnished or unfurnished and this also affects the cost. Here are some helpful websites for student hostels: www.wg-gesucht.de www.studenten-wg.de www.studentenwohnung.de www.zwischenmiete.de  

Germany is known for quality and this holds true especially in the field of education. The quality and standard of education in all the Universities in Germany is high and thus, they are highly rated and well recognized worldwide. Most of the Universities or colleges are well funded. Education, Science & Research has been playing a key role in the advancement and development of the German society. To name a few inventions - Aspirin, Phenol, MP3, Diesel Engine, Tachometer, Electromagnetic radiation, Gauss, Hertz, Ohm, Roentgen, X-ray Crystallography, Automobile, Zeppelin all come from Germany. Time is testimony of the fact that Germany has produced 103 Noble laureates. The University system is very well structured in such a way that it guarantees practical knowledge in addition to solid theoretical foundation. Be rest assured that studying in Germany would be a worthwhile experience.

a.  Am I allowed to work while studying in Germany?

• Yes - as a full time student, you are allowed to work part-time for 120 days (240 half days) in a year.

• A working permit is included in the first residence permit received in Germany (on the expiration of your visa from Nigeria).

b. How can I find a student part-time job?

• There are a lot of student job vacancies during semester and holiday periods posted on Universities' publishing boards on campus.
• Other good sources are regional job portals, newspapers and magazines.

  c.  Must I hold a good command of German Language in order to have for a part time job?

• This depends on the nature of the job in question. However you stand a better chance if you understand and speak the language.

  d.  Where can I get help or assistance when looking for internships and professional Jobs?

• All universities in Germany have an international office, where support and assistance of all kind are rendered to international students.
• Most universities have career services / career centers to advice and guide students in their chosen field.
• The student union (Studentenwerk) in your city is also a good source for help.
• The “Bundesagentur für Arbeit’’ is also another option to finding a job.  They have their offices located in every city in Germany.

There are several organizations in Germany that offer scholarships to students within and outside Germany. There is however, no general that strictly applies to all these organizations. The criteria are set by the respective organizations. We advise that you look through their websites for further information regarding application procedure and deadlines. Below is a link that offers scholarships to students from bachelor up to PhD level. www.funding-guide.de