One of the main principles of education in the country is the connection between the educational process and scientific research. Many renowned scientists work at German universities. Discoveries of world-class significance are often made here.
As a rule, scientific and educational processes are not limited to theoretical studies and developments alone - German universities also provide practical work experience in the profession. Students are required to undergo internships where they apply their knowledge. The letters of recommendation they receive here help them later when seeking employment. Therefore, internships should be taken seriously and one should try to show oneself in the best possible way. Applied sciences exist alongside fundamental research. There are many examples of successful cooperation between universities and international corporations and foreign research institutes. All this increases the competitiveness and career prospects of graduates from German universities.
Those who do not aspire to a scientific career can choose one of the specialized higher education institutions or enroll in one of the polytechnic institutes. Students at these institutions become familiar with the practical side of their chosen profession at German enterprises. Industry is interested in establishing contacts with foreign students, whom it views as potential managers or business partners abroad or as good specialists in their home countries.
German universities have various forms of academic activities: lectures, seminars, exams, etc. Moreover, each student creates their own schedule for attending lectures based on the time of the sessions. It is important to know, especially for first-year students, that the start time indicated in the schedule does not always correspond to reality. If the abbreviation c.t. (cum tempore) is added, then the lecture or seminar begins a quarter of an hour later (akademische Viertel). But s.t. (sine tempore) means it is better not to be late!
The lecture (Vorlesung) is the classic form of instruction at the university, during which the professor presents material and students take notes, later working through the topic further. Often, instructors conduct special sessions with students where they can acquire additional skills for the practical application of new knowledge. On some faculties, these sessions are called tutorials (Tutorium), and they are led by senior students. During these sessions, various exercises are performed, and the knowledge gained in lectures is deepened and applied in practice.
In seminars (Seminar), students and instructors work together through the course material. At many universities, seminars in the initial course of study are called proseminars (Proseminar), and during the main course they are divided into intermediate and advanced seminars (Mittel-, Haupt- oder Oberseminar).
On many faculties, it is customary for students to give presentations at seminars, which are then discussed by all those present. After successfully attending seminar sessions, students receive a special certificate (Leistungsnachweis / Schein).
Such certificates of participation in seminars, lectures, or practical sessions are the most important documents of student life. There are several types. For example, a certificate of attendance - Sitzschein - merely confirms passive participation in the event. To obtain other certificates (of active participation), it is necessary to complete various assignments: homework (Hausarbeit), papers (Referat), tests (Klausur). A student is only admitted to an exam if they can present a certain number of such documents. The list of these documents and the corresponding requirements can be found in the "Examination Regulations" (Pruefungsordnung) of each faculty.
Tatiana POMINCHUK,
association "Golfstream".