Living in Berlin?

Question

I have two years left of college and have thought about relocating to Berlin for awhile. I don't know the language very well but I feel that two years would be enough for me to begin. A friend of mine suggested that I get my masters in Berlin so that way I'd be given a student visa in order to find a part-time job, could this be true? How hard would it be for an American citizen to find a steady job in Berlin? Yes, I've been to Berlin twice already, thanks.

Answer 1

Berlin has a severe unemployment problem as far as what the Germans told me in late 2004 when I was there.Maybe it is better now.

Answer 2

First of all, yes - if you register for a Master's degree, except for education, you will get a permit for a part-time job. The "catch": public universities in Germany usually teach in German (in which case 99% of the course is tuition free); with only a few public university courses in English (or in private colleges, which charge tuition). I would also not just start a master's degree in "anything", but think about something that is good for me and my future.

In any case, you can find Master's programmes taught in Berlin in your subject here:

http://www.daad.de

Or in each university's website (Humboldt, Free University, Technical University, etc.) .

I have several American friends who live in Berlin and have gotten a job-permit. Most of them have used their skill as native English speakers to try to get a job permit as an English teacher; other professions could also apply.

Unemployment in Berlin is bad, but if you're skilled enough and willing to do "everything", it is less of a problem - many of the unemployed here are also people with very low skills and motivation.