Preparing to Study Abroad: 5 Tips of Advice

Are you preparing to travel to Germany or another country for your studies abroad? Are you a bit anxious about the traveling and arrival process?

Here are five tips we have collected from our students and staff to make sure you are as prepared as possible for your travels abroad. Do you have another idea? Share it with us in the comment section below!

Alert your bank of your upcoming travels. 

You may only be traveling with one credit card or debit card, but in order for it to work abroad and for you to retrieve money as soon as you arrive to Germany, make sure your bank knows that you will be traveling and living abroad. Also, it is helpful to write down the emergency numbers for your credit cards in case they are lost- you can call and cancel immediately.

Share your email address with your family and friends.

The best way to stay in touch with family and friends initially will be through email. When you arrive to Europe, the time difference will make it difficult to get in touch with your family and you will be so busy adjusting to your new life that it may be hard to schedule a Skype date right away. Therefore, make sure you have everyone's email address so that you can at least send notes to your close family and friends!

Make copies of all important documents.

Make copies of all important documents including your passport, visa, credit cards, birth certificate, and travel plans so that your parents can have copies and so that you can keep one set in your luggage. If for some reason you lose your passport or credit card, you will have access to a copy that will in turn  help you replace it.

Bring a small gift for your host family. 

As a nice gesture and "thank you," a small gift is appropriate for your host family. Some examples could be a book about your hometown or a coffee mug from your high school. Presenting your host family with something small but thoughtful from your home country will be a great start to your relationship.

Don't forget to come with an open mind!

Besides all of the important paperwork, bringing your open mind when studying abroad is the most important thing to remember! When you arrive in your new country, the language will be new, the food will be different from home and the way of life may take time to adjust to. But always remember that these differences are the reason you are studying abroad- to be culturally immersed into a new life and a new way of seeing your surroundings. Gute Reise!

Do you have more ideas to share about your studies in Germany or in another country? Leave a comment in the section below or on our Facebook page!

Bicycle Rides & German Lessons: High School Orientation Begins!

Our inbound students sporting their new DFSR shirts!

This week we welcomed seven students from Canada, Ecuador and Brazil for our High School Program. They are spending two weeks here at the DFSR headquarters in Heppenheim, Germany before meeting their host families and going to their new homes throughout the country.

So far this week, the students have enjoyed shopping at the local supermarket, riding the new DFSR bikes throughout the Heppenheim countryside and learning German in their intensive course. They stay at the DFSR student residency and are able to get to know one another, the DFSR staff and the town of Heppenheim. By getting to know each another, the students form a bond and support system for their remaining year in Germany. With intensive German courses for two weeks, the students will be able to dive right into their classes at their new high school!

We asked Katia from Canada about her time here so far in Heppenheim and she explained:

"My favorite part so far is that there is a connection between all of the students and we are able to become very close.  I also like that Heppenheim is so small and easy to get around and that we are able to have independence here. The food is different but in a good way- very different than in my home country but it's fun to try all of the new foods! What I am most looking forward to about meeting my host family is to see the connection between us. I have talked to them on the phone and we are both excited to meet each other!" - Katia

Katia from Canada enjoys a bike ride through Heppenheim.

Time for a bike ride with the new DFSR bikes!

Learning about fruits and vegetables before visiting the market

Students in the intensive German course

Students enjoying lunch together in our  kitchen

Welcome to our Inbound Blog!

Welcome to our new DFSR Inbound Blog! Are you thinking of studying abroad during high school? You are in the right place! Here you will find up-to-date news about your high school year in Germany, new programs offered here at DFSR, events and everything else you need to know about your time abroad. 

We are excited to share with you what life is like in Germany and the experiences of our current inbound students. What can you expect when you come abroad? Your experience will surely be unique to anybody else, but we hope to at least give you a glimpse into what could be the best year of your life!

Have you studied in Germany with DFSR in the past? We also welcome you to share your experiences with us and other students from around the world. We are looking forward to receiving numerous exciting reports, photos, videos and much more. Enjoy and stay tuned...