Student Blogs/Rachael in Germany
Hallo! I’ve been studying at HWR (Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Rechts) for a little over 8 weeks now and I would really like to share with you what it is like to study in Berlin, and Germany. Studying here is a little different than back home at Carleton, and it definitely took me a little bit to get used to.
The first difference is that HWR is a “hochschule”. What that means is that it is a small university based on one or two concentrations; the entire school is smaller than the Sprott School of Business. The best side effect of small schools is small class sizes. Of the 5 classes I am registered in, only 2 have more than 20 students. These small classes lead to much more of an informal atmosphere, which in turn allows the instructors to individualize their teachings to their students. For example, my macroeconomics class has about 10 students and we are all on exchange. My instructor uses the different countries to create real life examples that we can relate to which then leads to discussions from personal experiences.
Another thing is that students studying in Germany are not required to purchase textbooks. Copies of chapters relevant to each unit are uploaded to the course website before or after each lecture and multiple copies of each book are kept in the library. Without the cost of these expensive textbooks like we have in Canada, the only fees students pay at HWR are for their student government and transit pass.
Additionally, grades are presented backwards. Students are graded on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 is perfect and 5 is a failure. It has taken me a bit to get used to this, but I have to admit that some days I still think of marks like at Carleton and become a little confused. Also, classes are organized without midterms and final essays or exams are worth between 50% and 100%. Teachers do expect attendance and homework to be completed but I feel this marking strategy gives both exchange students a better opportunity to travel, and all students the possibility to study at their own pace.
Clapping is important. Students applaud the lecturer at the end of every lecture in addition to applauding presentations and guest speakers. However instead of clapping their hands, students instead rap their knuckles against their desk. I think this is a pretty cool way for students to show their appreciation for their lecturers. Do you think that we could start this for our Carleton professors?
This last one does not apply to exchange students here at school but I have found it really interesting. All German students write a thesis paper at the end of their bachelor before graduation. They have a semester after finishing their classes to complete this paper and it relates to their studies. My roommate is currently working on hers and I must admit, I am very glad that I will not have to complete one for Carleton.
Grüβe!