Culture Talks Fall 2007

On Monday, October the 8th, 2007, 15 students from Germany visited the University of Illinois in Chicago. The students were interested in studying in the USA and therefore organized a discussion group with American students to learn more about the American university system as well as talk about the German system.

After visiting several classes where UIC teaching assistants teach German, the 15 students from Germany, their two teachers, students from the Department of German Language studies, as well as other students of UIC all met at the new Language Oasis for the discussion. It became very lively and lasted for over an hour. Both Germans and Americans were very keen in explaining their system to one another.

The discussion started with a general explanation of the two educational systems. First, two German students spoke about the different possibilities German learners have to achieve specific degrees. Two American students followed in explaining the American way of studying and receiving diplomas.

The conversation shifted its focus to studying at a University and how it differs in each place. Since the main difference between German and American Universities is the tuition, most questions centered on finances. The following questions were analyzed; How do students manage their money? Where do you get a job in the city you are studying in? Is it cheaper to live on campus or to rent an apartment in the city? Is there a support for foreign students?

Following the discussion on the main differences between the two countries other topics were explored, such as the difference between a college and a university, and the difference between studying at a public or at a private University?

To sum it up, everybody who was interested in studying either in Germany or America had the great possibility to get answers in this discussion. Hopefully, some students will have the spiritedness to study abroad now. We also hope our guests from Germany enjoyed their visit as much as we did.

Jorge Arvujas

Department of Spanish, French, Italian & Portuguese

Monday Oct 29 3:30-4:45pm GH 308