Some of the main underlying social themes of the country of Germany are those mentioned above. Hey, I'm a big fan of things being organized, I hate being late, and I'm pretty fond of it when things are clean. The three things above have managed to help this country come out of major world wars and rebuild a country that literally had been smashed to the ground. Coming out of what the German people went though, you can maybe understand why these things are so important - whether they recognize it or not. The youth try to deny it most of the time, as most young people in any culture try to pretend they are anarchists against "the man" or in Germany, "der Mann". Personally, it gets to me sometimes but most of the time I enjoy these facets of Germany because it makes my life much easier here in a lot of ways.
Okay, now that I've told you that throw it all out the window if you should ever happen to attend a German University.
There are no admissions advisors, there are no office hours, you don't know your requirements, you don't know really for sure if you classes is going to take place, the buildings don't have names or the room numbers are so off it doesn't make any sense, and you don't have to register for classes - just show up. Of course the German students are aware of all these things and reconize the frustration that will come along with attending University (but, hey, it's pretty much free so why complain too much). Also as German citizens they are well equipped to handle the confusion and nonsense that sometimes comes with the bureaucracy of public institutions in Germany. It's the same in the States, I probably just notice it a lot more here.
My first lecture went well and I showed up for my second lecture later that day. Classroom was empty, no one was there - and it was just me and four other clueless people standing outside the classroom. No note, nothing indicating it had been cancelled. I double checked and yep, it was supposed to start today. This apparently is a common occurance. I was warned about this, but didn't think it could happen already on the first day. I had to laugh at myself and think "So much for Ordnung and Puenklichket" but at least the classroom was clean.
Okay, now that I've told you that throw it all out the window if you should ever happen to attend a German University.
There are no admissions advisors, there are no office hours, you don't know your requirements, you don't know really for sure if you classes is going to take place, the buildings don't have names or the room numbers are so off it doesn't make any sense, and you don't have to register for classes - just show up. Of course the German students are aware of all these things and reconize the frustration that will come along with attending University (but, hey, it's pretty much free so why complain too much). Also as German citizens they are well equipped to handle the confusion and nonsense that sometimes comes with the bureaucracy of public institutions in Germany. It's the same in the States, I probably just notice it a lot more here.
My first lecture went well and I showed up for my second lecture later that day. Classroom was empty, no one was there - and it was just me and four other clueless people standing outside the classroom. No note, nothing indicating it had been cancelled. I double checked and yep, it was supposed to start today. This apparently is a common occurance. I was warned about this, but didn't think it could happen already on the first day. I had to laugh at myself and think "So much for Ordnung and Puenklichket" but at least the classroom was clean.
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