An outside view of the German education system. An internship at the ZLB.

Dear Florence, you now have two months of internship behind you. What have you been doing over the last two months?

Florence: I conducted interviews about the German education system. I learned that the system differs from state to state. I also went to a comprehensive school, where I learned that there are different types of school: Hauptschule, Realschule and Gymnasium. I particularly enjoyed working with children at an elementary school.

I also got to know different perspectives on sustainability: not only ecological, but also economic and social. Sustainability is a very complex topic.

I also noticed that everything is very structured here - punctuality is a key issue.

Many first-semester students have started their studies at the University of Kassel. What would you recommend to someone who is new to the University of Kassel or the city of Kassel? What cultural or structural stumbling blocks might they encounter?

Florence: I would recommend taking the time to get to know the city. There are many sights: the Hercules, the Bergpark, numerous museums and cultural events.

At the beginning, everything is new: you have to get to know the traffic routes in order to take the right bus or train. It happened to me that I drove on or took the wrong bus - a bit of a culture shock.

What do you think is typical of Germany?

Florence: Waste separation is typically German. The understanding of punctuality is also very different. If there's a traffic jam here, it takes at least 30 minutes. Here, people talk about traffic jams for as little as five minutes.

Train cancellations or delays are also not unusual. Once I was very frustrated because the train was canceled and I didn't know what to do. So you have to plan ahead.

What is your experience of the German education system?

Florence: In Germany, you study to become a teacher in two phases: Bachelor's and Master's. Here, on the other hand, you have to complete everything in one degree - including the state examination.

The students don't wear school uniforms here. I also had the impression that cell phones are allowed during the break.

Support from parents is also easily recognizable: you can tell who is well supported by their performance. There are also pupils who are barely active.

At the Würfelturmschule, I observed that some students have a companion. There was also inclusion: children, e.g. with trauma, who have difficulty concentrating or with language barriers, had the opportunity to take a break from playing or receive support.

What insights will you take away with you?

Florence:I want to be more patient in future. Here, children are punished when they make mistakes. At the schools I visited, the teachers seemed more patient.

I also noticed that there are projects here - art projects, for example, where pupils can win up to 100 euros. That really motivates the students.

Thank you for your personal insights!