Is German Taught Masters a BAD Idea?

Summary

In this video, Bharat from 'Bharat in Germany' addresses a viewer's concern about studying in Germany, particularly in a German-taught program. He shares his personal experience of the initial struggles with language and cultural differences but emphasizes the long-term benefits. Bharat highlights the importance of mastering German for better job opportunities and networking. He provides practical tips for adapting, including preparing for lectures, practicing presentations, and seeking help from professors. Overall, he encourages ambitious students to opt for German-taught programs to gain a competitive edge in the job market.

Takeaways

• 😨 Studying in a German-taught program can be daunting at first, especially if you're not fully comfortable with the language.
• 📚 The initial weeks can feel overwhelming, but persistence helps; things start getting better by the third or fourth week.
• 🇩🇪 Learning German and studying in a German-taught program offers more opportunities, especially with local companies.
• 🤝 There’s a bigger cultural shock in German-taught programs compared to English-taught ones, but it’s key for integration.
• 💼 German companies value language proficiency, and being able to communicate in German can boost job prospects significantly.
• 👨‍🏫 German universities provide sufficient material for students to prepare for exams, and tutorials are crucial for learning.
• 📈 Doing a degree in German leads to long-term benefits like better networking and job opportunities, especially for business.
• 🎤 Presenting and speaking in German during your studies helps build confidence and prepare for future client meetings and managerial roles.
• ❓ Don't hesitate to ask professors or batchmates for help; they’re generally very helpful and willing to assist.
• 💡 Focusing on a German-taught program can open doors for personal growth, business ventures, and deeper cultural understanding.

Q & A

What challenges did Bharat face when he first started studying in a German-taught program?

Bharat found it overwhelming at first, especially with cultural differences and the German language barrier. He struggled in the first few weeks, feeling uncertain if he could succeed in his master's program.

How did Bharat's experience improve after the initial weeks of struggle in a German-taught program?

After the third and fourth weeks, Bharat started getting more comfortable. He began to understand the concepts better, and his ability to follow along with lectures and assignments improved steadily.

What is Bharat's advice for students who are worried about learning in German at a German university?

Bharat advises students to not shy away from the challenge. He emphasizes that German professors teach everything that will be on exams beforehand, and students should attend tutorials to ensure they fully understand the material.

Why does Bharat believe that studying in a German-taught program offers more opportunities?

Bharat believes that studying in German makes students stand out in the job market, especially in Germany, as it shows proficiency in the language. This opens doors to better opportunities with German companies.

What tips does Bharat give for getting comfortable in a German-taught program?

Bharat recommends going through lecture slides in advance, using tools like Google Translate to understand key concepts, attending tutorials, and not hesitating to ask professors or peers for help.

How does Bharat suggest overcoming the language barrier during presentations in a German-taught program?

Bharat encourages students to present as often as possible, even if they feel uncomfortable. Practicing presentations helps students gain confidence, which will benefit them later in job interviews and client meetings.

What long-term benefits does Bharat see from learning German while studying in Germany?

Bharat highlights that learning German helped him not only during his studies but also in building a business in Germany. Speaking the local language allowed him to connect with German companies and expand his network.

What strategies does Bharat recommend for students to succeed in their German-taught programs?

Bharat suggests actively participating in lectures, asking questions during professor office hours, doing research on topics beforehand, and regularly interacting with German classmates for better understanding.

What does Bharat believe is a common misconception about studying in German universities?

Bharat argues that many students believe they need to be brilliant to succeed in a German university. However, he clarifies that as long as students follow lectures and tutorials, they can perform well regardless of being top students.

What does Bharat consider the most significant benefit of studying in a German-taught program?

The most significant benefit for Bharat was the enhanced job market opportunities. Having German proficiency allowed him to communicate better with companies and clients, ultimately leading to more success in his business ventures.