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Writing Tests in a Foreign Language

How long was it since you last studied in a formal environment of a classroom, professor and classmates? Whether just a month ago or short of several years, the process of studying can be a daunting thing when you don’t quite know how to go about it.

I found it helpful to keep several things in mind when I did – and I was studying in German, not my native English! That adds a whole new spin to things. I had to be mindful of my grammar as well as the sense of my sentences. There were subjects where my answers were the only things that counted, others included a grammar score that could severely affect my final result.

Understand your Material

By far the most important thing for any studies in general, but it applies studying in a foreign language even more so. If I didn’t know what the key verbs of a sentence meant, I couldn’t apply the sentence later on in my tests unless I had it memorised – which I didn’t! I would use my textbook and notes as a word sheet and would look up new words once I’ve come across them. Sometimes I would mark them and get back to them later. I always made sure that the meaning was clear to me. It would then be much easier for me to write about it in my own words, rather than copying word to word out of the textbook.

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Medical Insurance and Studienkolleg

Well, this is certainly interesting – studying in a Studienkolleg gives you roughly the same status as a person doing a language course. You’re a student, but your position is slightly changed. The major difference has been the medical insurance, which is a requirement for all students in Germany. “Standard” students can pick any insurance there is in Germany, while Studienkolleg and language course students have to stick to a private insurance.

This usually comes out to be cheaper, but your coverage is limited to accidents/pain/aches/broken limbs. You can’t go and get a fancy tooth implant. Then once you’re done with your year of studies, you can take up a normal insurance like everybody else.

The Leipzig Studienkolleg provides support for its students in this respect, I was able to fill out a form and give it up to the same person and had the inner nuts and bolts explained to me. I couldn’t recommend it enough, if only for the support (among many other things!)

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After Admission

Continuing my series on preparatory college education in Germany with a post on admission and the entry process.

This is all just a guideline to keep in mind, a bit of personal experience to help you on your way to a German preparatory college, known in Germany as Studienkolleg. The procedure and manner of doing things will probably differ from state to state, but it’s good to keep track of things you need to be doing. There was plenty a time I felt lost about the mere progression of things – you couldn’t find solid, practical information! When do you open a bank account? Do you need insurance? Which documents should you have on you before you arrive to Germany?

Give my post about studying in Germany a read, it’s a good start.

Invitation

I received a letter in the mail about the decision of the university to enroll me on their course conditionally – condition being that I complete the two semesters of Studienkolleg. I was given a small pamphlet with examples of both exams, German and Math, with additional information on their website. It’s now about two-three months before the exam date, enough to apply for a visa and study for the upcoming exams.

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Studying in Germany, links

Studying in Germany –  A thorough guide for German studies tailored for the international student. It’s a good, informative read from a trusted source. You can begin your study queries with it, if needed; it provides a good platform from which to further your knowledge.

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Math exam – What’s Underneath

• - Calculating with fractions, variables and polynomials
• - Solving linear and quadratic equations
• - Applying properties of linear and quadratic functions
• - Calculations of simple geometric figures
• - Solve simple word problems
• - Applying properties of trigonometric functions
• - Apply basic rules of differentiation and integration

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Math – More German Curriculum!

Right, I’ve gotten my hands on more valuable Maths websites, so without further ado, here they are:

Grundwissen/Übung Mathematik - A treasure trove of Math subjects sorted by classes. This is exactly the sort of thing that really gauges you on where you stand. I know that I personally find these quite hard once I start going through grade 9.

The website has both general information and briefing of a subject and exercises with solutions (step-by-step too!)

The Math Page has various useful information on the limit “infinity” as well as general Calculus. I tend to use the approach of visiting several websites on the same topic when I’m learning something new, it helps to see the topic with different eyes and helps me when one single source may fail. Karl’s Calculus is another page worth a visit.

Updates:

Bruchgleichung, or the calculation of fractions. Here are some more exercises.

Wurzelgleichung, equations with roots and radicals. This website goes step-by-step to show you the ways of solving.