Hey Asins! Great profile pic, btw. Well, I taught ESL for two years in Taiwan and 1/2 year in Prague. I think you will find that many people speak English in Germany, but it is always appreciated by the locals if you at least try to learn a few words in their native tongue. The most crucial are: hello, goodbye, thank you, sorry, excuse me, beer, numbers 1-10, bathroom, “Where is the…” and “I don’t speak German.” Definitely pick up a phrasebook (Lonely Planet surely has one).

OK, I’ve never lived in Germany, but I don’t think you need to worry too much. It is a western country. The best part of living abroad is that every day is an adventure—simple things like going to the grocery store is a totally different experience in every country.

I would say, though, to be prepared for some culture shock. I get culture…not shock, exactly, maybe, culture zaps even when I visit my in-laws for several weeks in Scotland (for example—how many cups of tea is normal for people to drink? Maybe it’s just my in-laws, but they brew up a quick cuppa about 72 times a day). However, recognizing these differences and respecting them is what broadens your mind.

This is a sweeping generalization, but I find Germans to be very genial but with a very dry sense of humor. Very dry.

Ah, you are so lucky! Germany has such great beer, beatiful scenery, and mind-whalloping history—the good, the bad, and the ugly are all on display. You are going to have so much fun. Are you taking a TEFL course first, or have you already taken one, or did you not need to take one? You will definitely meet fellow expatriots in a TEFL class or at your school. There will also probably be an English-language newspaper which will have information on where expats hang out.

Send me a message if you have any questions about living abroad or teaching ESL. I absolutely loved it. Have a fantastic time!!!

I taught English in a Japanese middle school for awhile..it was one of the best experiences of my life. You will have lots of fun. As far as Germany goes my mother is from Munich and some of my family still lives there. So I have been there a lot. So I could probably answer quite a few questions that you have. Germany is a pretty easy country to live in in many was. It has excellent public transportation, very helpful people(who are usually quite good at English), excellent health care, and the cleanest cities in Europe.

I don’t know much about where you are going to live or what your program is like so it is hard to give specific living advice….I would read as much as you can about the area you are going to, germany in general, and teaching english as a second language. Research before you go is one of the keys to dealing with culture shock i think.

You do not have much time but learn as much German as possible before you go. Immersing yourself in the language is a great way to learn about the culture..but as I said before..the Germans tend to be pretty good at English.

Take information and materials that relate to where you are from(culture, famous things, pictures). They will come in really handy for your classes. English language newspapers also are handy.

Let me know if there are any specific questions, don’t promise I will know, but I wil try to answer them.