2023 Update: New Blocked Account Sum for Study Abroad in Germany

Attention Study Abroad Aspirants! 🌎✈️ Stay Informed: 2023 Update on Blocked Account Requirement in Germany!

• How to dodge the Blocked Account overall you can find here.

• Coracle - the best Blocked Account Provider

2023 Update: New Blocked Account Requirement for Study Abroad in Germany

Studying abroad in Germany presents an exciting opportunity for international students, but it also entails fulfilling specific financial requirements.

Among these requirements is the necessity to open a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto). You have to demonstrate adequate financial resources during the visa application process!

In 2023, an important update arrived for a blocked bank account, which prospective students must be aware of. Read carefully to ensure a seamless application process and to successful study abroad.

What is a Blocked Account and Why is it Important?

A blocked account is a specialized bank account that serves as evidence of financial stability. Consider it to be children's money. Your parents used to give you money per day/week, same here, but per month!

Germans want to make sure that students possess sufficient funds to cover their living expenses. This includes tuition fees, and other financial obligations while living and studying in Germany.

The significance of a blocked account lies in its ability to act as a financial safety net for students. The Germans want to make sure you won’t be relying on public funds. It showcases students' responsibility and commitment to their education while removing concerns regarding their financial well-being.

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Students who applied for a visa before 01.01.2023 or those who are already in Germany

The change is only applicable to later applications, however, to be on the safe side, be cautious. German embassies across the globe have already started requesting the updated amount.

Solution: either add an extra sum to your blocked account and request a confirmation. Or put more money in your account for a visa extension once you have arrived in Germany (prior to the visa extension).

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Students who apply for a visa after 01.01.2023

Attention! Do not disregard this news putting yourself at risk!

Students with the old blocked sum may have:

1. Visa delay due to a request to resubmit the account confirmation

2. Visa denial

All these visa applications must have an increased blocked account balance confirmation.

Solution: transfer the difference between the new and the old blocked account sum to your account. Request an additional confirmation from a selected bank afterwards. Make sure to take a confirmation email or document with you to the appointment.

Are There Alternative Methods to Prove Financial Stability?

Some students may question whether there are alternative methods to prove financial stability instead of a blocked account.

While it is true that exceptions or alternative financial proofs exist for certain students, a blocked account remains a common requirement for many international students.

You can consult me, or university or the immigration authorities to determine if a blocked account is necessary for you!

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The 2023 Update: Increased Requirement for Blocked Bank Account

One significant factor is the increase in the monthly financial assistance allocated to BAföG beneficiaries under the German Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG). This increase sets a precedent for adjusting the blocked account amount, ensuring it remains relevant.

Effective from January 1, 2023, the required amount for a blocked bank account will increase from €10,332 to €11,208. This update reflects an 8.5% increase to align with inflation. Rising living costs also have an impact.

Drawback: Initial financing required is higher. Keep in mind that 1st-year expenses are much higher than the next years, because of the university deposit, tuition fees as well as accommodation deposit payments).

Benefit: Monthly withdrawal capacity increases, which helps students to support their living expenses from one month to another.

The increase also impacts the monthly withdrawal limit, which will rise from €861 to €934. Staying informed about these changes is essential to meet the updated requirements and avoid any complications during the visa application process.

Generally, when consulting students, I advise you to schedule your expenses the following way:

• Year 1: 30000 Euro for everything absolutely plus maintaining a good social living standard

• Year 2: 20000 Euro considering you would be doing internship and summer jobs for 90 days

• Year 3: 10000 Euro considering you will be working or switching to a part-time job already

The German authorities increase the amount required for a blocked bank account time after time in order to adjust it to the needs of students and living costs in Germany.

New Yearly Budget	11,208 Euro
New Monthly Withdrawal	934 Euro

Old Yearly Budget	11,172 Euro
Old Monthly Withdrawal	931 Euro

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Steps to Meet the New Blocked Account Requirement

To meet the new requirement of €11,208, prospective students must follow certain steps for their German Study Visa & Blocked Account Confirmation.

Step 1: Choose a Bank or Provider

Research reputable banks or providers that offer blocked accounts tailored to international students. It is crucial to select a reliable institution that caters to your needs and provides the necessary services.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Prepare the necessary documentation

• passport,

• visa application,

• proof of enrollment or acceptance at a German university,

• and any additional identification or financial documents required by your chosen bank or provider.

Step 3: Transfer Funds to the Blocked Account

Transfer the required sum of €11,208 into your blocked account. Keep in mind that certain banks may charge fees for account opening or fund transfers. Check those beforehand.

Step 4: Obtain Confirmation and Documentation

Once you transfer the Blocked Account fees, you will receive a payment confirmation. Take it with you together with educational, private & university admission documents during your visa application.

Also, make sure to take these documents with you to Germany!

Step 4: Schedule an Appointment for Visa Application

Regarding the visa application, you have 2 choices according to your residential address: Embassy/Consulate or VFS application. Make sure to check which one is the closest to you. Contact the relevant authorities to schedule an appointment for your visa application.

During the appointment, you will need to provide proof of solvency, educational documents, and acceptance letters (non-conditional, after paying the deposit) from the university.

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Additional Financial Considerations for Studying Abroad in Germany

While the blocked account requirement is a critical aspect of financial planning for studying abroad in Germany, there are other financial considerations to keep in mind.

You should consider the Blocked Account sum to be sufficient to live off in the small cities (accommodation + food + telephone bills) but it most probably won’t be sufficient for the big cities like Hamburg, Munich, and Berlin. Make sure to carefully plan your finances, and stash some cash before flying (at least 1000 Euro) to have a smooth move to Deutschland.

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Here are some additional tips:

Health Insurance: Protect Your Well-being

Germany mandates that all students have health insurance coverage. Research and obtain an appropriate health insurance plan that fulfills the German requirements and provides comprehensive coverage for your healthcare needs.

Visa Fees and Additional Expenses: Plan Ahead

Apart from the blocked account requirement, there are visa application fees and other expenses associated with studying abroad. Take these costs into account during your financial planning and budget accordingly.

Part-Time Jobs and Student Discounts: Maximize Your Resources

Consider exploring part-time job opportunities while studying in Germany to supplement your finances. Additionally, take advantage of student discounts available for various services such as transportation, cultural events, and student memberships.

Financial Resources and Support: Seek Guidance

Familiarize yourself with the resources and support available to international students concerning the blocked account requirement. Official websites, forums, and support services can provide valuable information and guidance throughout the process.

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Fulfill the Financial Requirements for an Enriching Study Abroad Experience

The blocked account requirement remains a crucial aspect of studying abroad in Germany, ensuring financial stability and independence for international students.

The 2023 update regarding the increased amount of €11,208 underscores the importance of staying informed and meeting the updated requirements. Opening a blocked account and maintaining the necessary funds demonstrate your commitment to your education and financial responsibility.

Remember to research reputable banks or providers, gather the required documentation, and transfer the required sum into your blocked account.

Consult with me or the university academic office or both, afterwards reach out to the immigration authorities to determine if a blocked account is mandatory based on your individual circumstances. Proper financial planning, including budgeting and considering additional expenses, will contribute to a successful study abroad journey in Germany.

Take action early, seek assistance if needed, and embark on your study abroad adventure with confidence, knowing that you have fulfilled the necessary financial requirements for a fulfilling and enriching experience in Germany.

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This information is not relevant to you but you know someone who would find it helpful?

Make sure to share this article with them.

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Still unsure which blocked account option to choose? Contact me for advice!

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Interested to Study Abroad? Contact me today for a free consultation. Feel free to reach out at any time. I am happy to lend a hand.

Still having a lot of questions or doubts about the topic? Click on the button below to learn more about:

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I’ve been where you are. I moved from Russia to study abroad in Germany. 10 years later, with my consultancy, I am helping international students go abroad and study abroad

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2. URGENT: This Is What Blocked Account In Germany Will Amount To From 2022!

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APS Certificate for German Student Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide

🌟 Unlock Your Path to Studying in Germany! Master These Steps to Obtain Your APS Certificate and Secure Your Student Visa with Ease!

APS Certificate for German Student Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you an Indian student interested in pursuing higher education in Germany?

If yes, obtaining an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate is essential for you now from 2022 onwards!

For students who wish to study in Germany, the APS certificate verifies the equivalence of their educational qualifications. I'll walk you through the step-by-step process in this comprehensive guide, so you'll be well-prepared to study in Germany. Stay tuned!

Understanding the APS Certificate

International students studying in Germany should familiarize themselves with the APS certificate. APS certificates are issued by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in collaboration with the German Embassy.

It evaluates the academic qualifications of international students and determines their eligibility to study in Germany. Specifically, this certificate is required for students from India. However, for a decade before India introduced those, China, Vietnam, and Mongolia already had them in place!

Good news: your visa processing time is reduced because the main workload now falls on the APS equivalency.

Eligibility Criteria

The APS certificate requires certain criteria to qualify. The following requirements must be met:

• Completing 12 years of education from a recognized board or university.

• Applying for undergraduate studies (bachelor's degree) or postgraduate studies (master's degree) in Germany.

• Considering the future education program out of the list of qualified professions. For example, engineering, medicine, natural sciences, business, or related fields.

Application Process

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the APS certificate application process:

Step 1: Research Your Desired Course and University

From India to Germany soon!

Before applying for the APS certificate, it is crucial to thoroughly research the course and university you wish to attend in Germany.

Use the DAAD website for uni in Germany or my website and free consultations for the best uni selection! Check the admission requirements, program details, deadlines, and any specific prerequisites for international students.

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Step 2: Collect Required Documents

APS Zertifikat

Gather all the necessary documents for your APS certificate application. These typically include:

• Filled application form (available on the DAAD or APS office website)

• Valid passport

• Official transcripts and certificates from previous educational institutions

• Proof of language proficiency (usually German or English)

• Curriculum vitae (CV)

• Statement of purpose (SOP)

• Any additional documents required by the APS office

• If you already have offer letters and study contracts, attach those too!

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Step 3: Submit Your Application

Your completed forms may be sent with all the supporting documents to the APS office in India by post or be brought in person.

Mind the new updates from the APS & German embassy websites about the digital opportunities appearing!

Ensure that you provide accurate and complete information to avoid any delays in the evaluation process.

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Step 4: Attend the APS Interview

The majority of students are invited to the interview (not all) once the application is received and processed.

This is to assess your academic background, language skills, and motivation for studying in Germany.

Prepare well for the interview by researching and answering these 4 questions:

WHY GERMANY? WHY THIS CITY? WHY THIS UNIVERSITY? WHY THIS PROGRAM?

Be ready to be asked questions about your future goals.

Hint: if you mention, that you want to contribute to your country when you return (not that you have to return) it will give you bonus points!

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Step 5: Be patient and await the APS Certificate

After the interview, the APS office will evaluate your application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the APS certificate. The evaluation process may take several weeks or even months, so it's important to be patient during this period.

Students who apply to study in Germany with me are individually guided by me and partner universities. Because of that, we receive an APS certificate earlier!

Contact me here to find out more!

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Preparing for the Student Visa Application

Preparing for the Student Visa Application

Once you receive the APS certificate, congratulations! You're one step closer to your dream of studying in Germany. Here are the next steps and articles to help you find your way step by step.

Step 1: Research Visa Requirements

Thoroughly research the visa requirements for Indian students planning to study in Germany.

Visit the official website of the German Embassy or Consulate in India for detailed information on the documents needed, application procedures, and visa fees. Consult me if you need help with the German language!

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Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all the necessary documents for your student visa application. These typically include:

1. Valid passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Germany.

2. APS certificate: This is a crucial document that verifies the equivalence of your educational qualifications.

3. Proof of financial means: Provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in Germany. This can include bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship documents.

4. Health insurance: German law requires all students to have health insurance coverage. Obtain comprehensive health insurance that is valid in Germany.

5. Proof of accommodation: Show proof of your accommodation arrangements in Germany.

   This is a myth: accommodation is NOT required for a visa. Rent a cancellable AirBnb/Hotel/Hostel!

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Step 3: Complete the Visa Application Form

Fill out the student visa application form accurately and truthfully.

In my experience, you can send the ready version to the academic or admissions office of the university to have a second glance. However, mostly only private universities offer such a service.

Double-check all the information before submitting the form to avoid any mistakes or discrepancies. Be sure to include your APS certificate details and other relevant information.

Step 4: Schedule an Appointment

Schedule an appointment at the German Embassy or Consulate closest to the address you are checked in at (written in your passport) for submitting your visa application.

It is essential to book the appointment well in advance, as there may be a high demand for visa appointments during peak seasons. Make sure to bring all the required documents with you to the appointment.

Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview

On the scheduled date, attend the visa interview at the German Embassy or Consulate. There most probably will be an interview, unless you submitted the documents via VFS by post.

Hint: they may ask you some things in German, remain calm and say that you will be studying in English (if that is the case), but showing off some German words will always do good!

Be prepared to answer questions related to your study plans, financial solvency, and motivation for studying in Germany once again. Provide all the required documents during the interview, and be honest and confident in your responses.

The rule in the embassy is: more is more. Bring as many documents as possible, even more than required in the checklist!!! Let them pick out the relevant and irrelevant ones on their own.

Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the applicable visa fee to the Embassy, VFS center or the Consulate. Keep the receipt as proof of payment, as you may need it for future reference to pick up the passport.

Step 7: Patiently Wait

After the visa interview, your application will undergo processing. Due to APS, the processing times are not more than 1-2 months now! This is good news, however, the duration for processing may vary, so it's important to be patient. Once a decision is made, you will be notified of the outcome.

Once your visa application is approved, you are asked to bring insurance and passport (unless it was kept) for stamping. Yay!

Should your visa be denied, we, together with my students and universities appeal for a visa decision.

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Up until now 100% of students were given a positive visa or a positive answer on appeal!

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Additional Tips for a Smooth Process

To ensure a smooth process of obtaining the APS certificate and student visa, consider the following tips:

Start Early: Begin the application process well in advance to allow sufficient time for document gathering, evaluation, and visa processing. This helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures timely completion of all requirements.

Seek Guidance: If you have any doubts or concerns regarding the APS certificate or student visa application, let me know!

Obtain Language Proficiency: Consider daily Duolingo practice, an intensive 3-month course prior to arriving online or in-person to improve your language skills.

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4 Insanely Useful Tips To Learning German

(That Will Change Your Life)

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How To Find Work In Germany

Without Speaking German

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Focus on Financial Planning: Plan your finances carefully to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees & living expenses.

A Blocked Account or an Invitation (Verpflichtungserklaerung) should cover you in small cities. In big cities that may not be sufficient).

Research scholarships, grants, and part-time job opportunities to support your financial needs. Scholarship info can be found here.

Check Accommodation Arrangements: Start looking for accommodation options early on, as finding suitable housing can take time.

Explore university dormitories, shared apartments, or private rentals based on your preferences and budget, and make sure to take full use of this article on accommodation!

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The Ultimate Guide To Finding Accommodation In Germany For International Students

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The majority of students get AirBnb, Hostel, or Hotel for 2-3 weeks from arrival date. Because they want to check the long-term rentals in person (also safer this way).

Health Insurance: Familiarize yourself with the health insurance requirements in Germany. If you haven’t yet obtained insurance for travel (tourist one) make sure to get it.

The majority of students get insurance from the Blocked Account providers or subscription-based options (TKK AOK etc) in person in Germany. This will ensure access to quality healthcare during your stay.

Stay Informed: Stay updated with the latest information and changes in visa regulations, application procedures, and educational policies.

Regularly check official websites, attend info sessions, and engage with relevant forums or communities to stay informed and make informed decisions.

Obtaining an APS certificate is the last step together with a visa separating you from your goal of studying abroad in Germany.

By following this step-by-step guide, conducting thorough research, and staying organized throughout the process, you can increase your chances of a successful application.

Remember to start early, gather all necessary documents, and seek guidance when needed. With careful planning and preparation, you'll be on your way to pursuing your academic dreams in Germany.

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Obtained A German Student Visa?

23 Strategic Steps To Smooth Relocation (A Guide)

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I wish you all the best in your journey toward obtaining an APS certificate and pursuing your studies in Germany. And if you are my student or my prospective student, you know where to find me ;-)

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Read Success Stories of foreigners who study abroad. We have a bunch of questions - international students have a lot to tell. Russian, Turkish, Iranian, Indian, Mexican…

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4 Insanely Useful Tips To Learning German (That Will Change Your Life)

Frau Flamm will teach you German in 4 steps. German learning has never been so fast and easy!

When people think about the German language, they probably imagine very hard grammar and long harsh sounding words.

Well, it’s kinda true but only from first sight. After learning German for years I can definitely say that this language is truly beautiful in its logic and structure. And today I’m going to share with you some useful tips on how to start learning German and how to make this process faster and easier.

1. As I always say, motivation is the key. First of all, you should decide why you learn German.

Language learning is a long process (I would even say a never-ending process), so knowing your reasons and understanding your own language goals will help you to keep going and to know how close you are to your goals. For example, you want to study in a Master's program in Germany. So you know that one of your language goals is to pass a certified language test. Knowing what you have to achieve makes it easier to succeed.

“A different language is a different vision of life.”

— Federico Fellini

2. The second tip - take it step by step.

When you know your big goal, make many smaller goals out of it. As you might have heard, our brain doesn’t like tasks that are impossible to complete. We simply give up thinking it’s too hard. So why not make it easier? Why not divide your big goal into smaller manageable tasks. For instance, in order to learn more German words try to learn 3 new words a day and repeating it 3 days and 1 week after.

It seems too simple? But this easy task really enriched my everyday vocabulary, when I was just a beginner in learning German.

3. Another good tip would be to connect to the language through popular culture.

For example, if you like listening to music, then choose some German songs and try to sing along. That was one of the tactics I used while learning German and English. Not only you start to associate language learning with some fun (which can be crucial when you lose your motivation), but also it improves your accent, you learn more new words through the lyrics and you gain some confidence in speaking.

The same can be done with reading international magazines which you used to read in your native language or watching movies which you really love in its German version with subtitles.

4. It’s important to have a certain kind of learning structure and learning habits.

Having a structure will keep you intact while having daily learning habits will accelerate your progress. There are many free online resources that you can use for creating this structure.

Where you can get free information on learning German through the channels solely dedicated to learning German:

• YouTube Resources

  • German grammar explained in German, suitable from B1

  • Anja explains German in English and German language

  • A great channel to learn real German and different dialects

• Free apps like Duolingo

• Facebook pages

  There are plenty of Facebook groups about learning the German language out there. I would strongly recommend finding a study group in your native language. For sure you can understand most of the explanations in English but having people who can relate to the same problems as you have can be very helpful.

  For example, the rolling R is usually a pronunciation problem for many Russians which I also experienced. However, my study friends used to give me really useful tips on this topic. And slowly but surely, I fixed it. 

• Instagram pages

  • A very useful page for multiple daily content

  • Simple phrases and useful words with pronunciation

  • With this page, you will enrich your vocabulary not only in German

Study groups can be also formed in real life which I find to be even more motivating because you can have more funny interactions, help each other on a more personal level and form good friendships.

Last but not least, studying the language should always come hand in hand with the good sense of humour. This is how I teach my students through my Instagram

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And here is your first English - German lesson

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Many of you have asked me about how I learned German language and how long time did it take me to have an advance level. Well, today I share with you my story:

When I arrived in Stuttgart in 2013, I kinda thought that I will have an easy relaxed exchange semester. Luckily enough I could visit free german courses in my Uni. Straight away I got into A2 group (till now I don't know how that happened)... and I was a lousy student! I hated German grammar and refused to learn der-die-das Regeln (who needs these articles anyway). I was sure that I will come back to my study in Canada, so I had no motivation in learning German. It was like that till I've met someone special who spoke mostly German and suddenly the knowledge of this language became very important to me. I wanted to speak with my boyfriend's parents and friends in German since most of them didn't speak English (or Russian)... as I always say: motivation is the key! So in less than 3 months I prepared for TestDaf and successfully passed it even though my previous level was B1.

Right now learning German is not just a hobby of mine which I actually enjoy (never thought that this moment will come) but also a very useful skill that maybe will turn into my digital entrepreneurship!

• What is your story of learning this hard language?

• Why do you want to learn this language?

• What motivates you the most (does it bring you closer to your dream job/study)?

Viele von euch haben mich gefragt, wie ich Deutsch gelernt habe und wie lange es dauerte, bis ich ein fortgeschrittenes Sprachniveau erreicht habe. Nun, heute teile ich mit euch meine Geschichte.

Als ich 2013 in Stuttgart ankam, dachte ich, dass ich ein lockeres, entspanntes Austauschsemester haben werde. Zum Glück konnte ich an meiner Uni kostenlose Deutschkurse besuchen. Ich bin sofort in die A2-Gruppe gekommen (bis jetzt weiß ich nicht, wie das passiert ist) ... und ich war eine lausige Studentin. Ich hasste die deutsche Grammatik und lehnte es ab, die 'der-die-das' Regeln zu lernen (wer braucht diese Artikel schon?). Ich war mir sicher, dass ich zu meinem Studium in Kanada zurückkehren werde, daher hatte ich keine Motivation, Deutsch zu lernen. Es war so, bis ich jemanden getroffen habe, der hauptsächlich Deutsch sprach. Und plötzlich wurden mir die Kenntnisse dieser Sprache sehr wichtig. Ich wollte mit den Eltern und Freunden meines Freundes auf Deutsch sprechen, da die meisten von ihnen kein Englisch (oder Russisch) sprachen ... wie ich immer sage: Motivation ist der Schlüssel! Also habe ich mich in weniger als 3 Monaten auf TestDaf vorbereitet und erfolgreich bestanden, obwohl mein vorheriges Niveau B1 war.

Deutsch lernen ist im Moment nicht nur ein Hobby von mir, an dem ich wirklich Spaß habe (hätte nie gedacht, dass dieser Moment kommen wird), sondern auch eine sehr nützliche Fähigkeit, die sich vielleicht in eine digitale Unternehmerschaft verwandeln wird.

• Was ist euere Geschichte vom Lernen dieser harten Sprache?

• Warum willst du diese Sprache lernen?

• Was motiviert dich besonders (bringt es dich deinem Traumberuf/Studium näher)?

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About the Author

Alesia Flamm was born and raised in Samara, Russia.

Since she was 8 years old, she has been learning foreign languages. In the beginning, Alesia absolutely hated it. But after the first time abroad she has realized how important it is to know a foreign language, especially such as English. It definitely opened up a lot of doors for her, one of which was an exchange program in Germany.

In 2013 Alesia came to study in Stuttgart as an exchange student from Canada, where she was finishing her Bachelor's degree. German was definitely not an easy language to learn, but within one and a half years she managed to achieve high proficiency in this language. Since then she has been helping other people to perfect their German and English by creating free online resources to learn these languages.

Alesia is still at the beginning of her professional path and it's still a lot to be done, but knowing that she has found her true purpose in life makes everything possible.  

Study Abroad - Partner Institutions

University placement service to Study Abroad - Foundation, Bachelor, Master, MBA, Studienkolleg - choose what you want to study and where and apply here.

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4. Why Study In Germany?