Moving to a foreign country - Transferring to a foreign university

Question

I am a United States citizen and am wanting to move to Germany. I want to attend an Art University there. The thing is, I don't know where to start or what to do. I've found one school in Berlin that I've emailed to ask some questions but thought I'd ask here as well.

I'm not looking for a specific school, what I'm wanting to know is the general steps I would have to take in order to move there. The different options as well, I suppose. (citizenship, student visa, etc).

Also, what are the requirements for attending a university in Germany. I know it may vary by institution, but anything, even general would be helpful. I do know that you are required to pass a language test. I don't think my German is proficient enough, I've seen that some universities will offer courses, but does anyone have any suggestions? If I were to go some months earlier, do you think I could still get a student visa?

I know this is a somewhat vague and possibly confusing question, and I apologize, I'm just not sure how to approach this.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Unless the classes are in English, you WILL have to take a German exam. If you think you are not ready to pass one, why not go abroad for a semester or year to learn German? Then once your German is better, you can take the language exam for the art school. I have taken German exams to get in and they aren't all that bad. Anyway, once you get accepted into a language course at a school (a fairly easy process compared with the application process in the US), you can apply for a visa. You just have to prove that you have enough money to survive for a year and you will get it. Then in April of the next year (or whenever the deadline is), apply for the art school and take the exam. Since you will already be in Germany, you will only have to prolong your resident permit.

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It really depends on the university where you study. If it's a university, chances are they will offer language classes. If it's a specialized art school, they might not, but they might advise you on places where you can go. I studied at the IFA in Stuttgart. Many of the students in my class were working towards a certificate which would allow them access to German universities. However, I'm sure there will be lots of such schools in Berlin. Or, you can always take the DAF ll exam now in the States and see how you rank. You might not be as bad as you think you are- then you can receive a certificate and avoid wasting a year improving your Germn if it's not what you want to be doing. Good luck!