Erasmus Student Report
My semester abroad at the University of Cologne
Rosanna Schuur
Study programme
I chose to do a minor abroad at the University of Cologne. My BA is European Languages and Cultures, with German as my Major. In Cologne, I studied German linguistics and literature, which complimented my studies here in Groningen, as I major in German, Linguistics and Literature. I chose to do a semester abroad, because I wanted to improve my German, especially regarding speaking skills. But also, because I was really interested to experience life in Germany, and because I wanted the ‘taalnotitie’ on my BA. I was excited to take more courses on German literature and linguistics, but I also needed the credits in a more practical manner: so that I can apply to the educational Master. I really enjoyed taking them, especially the literature courses. In Groningen, there is more focus on modern day literature, in Cologne we discussed older and more ‘classical’ works and authors. I took three literature classes (18 ECTS) and two linguistic courses (12 ECTS). The quality of education was similar to the quality in Groningen, I would say.
I chose Cologne because it is the fourth biggest city of Germany and the student population is relatively big, so I figured I could enjoy the big-city-experience, while still living in a student
environment. In hindsight, the city really ticked all the boxes for me, and I would love to return there for a longer period of time.
Language
The prevalent language spoken in Cologne is German, both in the city and in the official institutions, such as the university. As a German student, this was no problem for me and helped me improve my language skills a lot, especially speaking skills. I can imagine that it would be more difficult to take a semester abroad here with no previous knowledge of German, however. People assume that you can speak their language. On the other hand, Cologne gets visited by a lot of tourists from all over the world. Its ‘Bundesland’ Nordrhein Westfalen has the highest level of immigrants of Germany and there are students from all around the world, so most inhabitants speak English as well.
Finance and other conditions + Housing
Luckily, I could still get a student loan from the Dutch government during my stay abroad, but the Erasmus + grant was very helpful, because it could mostly cover my rent. The prices in Cologne are quite similar to Groningen, sometimes a little more expensive, but it depended on the area. Because of the grant I did not have to apply for a job, which left me more time for my studies, to explore the city and its surroundings and to socialize with the local students and my roommates, improving my German level significantly. I was lucky to find a temporary room within a Wohnheim. These are student accommodations provided by Kölner Studierenden Werk. It was located perfectly, in walking distance from the university and within the student neighbourhood. I shared a ‘Flur’, the kitchen, two bathrooms and a balcony with four other, German students. It was a great way make to make friends, all neighbours were students as well, including other Erasmus students. Normally the rooms in Cologne can be very expensive, but luckily these rooms had student-friendly rent pricing.
Preparation and contacts with the faculty before, during and after your stay
The receiving University was always quick to help me out with any problems I had and overall, there were no big problems. The only thing was, that there was a lack of communication between the teachers and the International Office of my faculty: the International Office would promise me 6 ECTS for a specific course, while the teacher only wanted to give 3 ECTS for the same course. Only after a long corresponding with both parties separately, they communicated with each other and it was fixed in the end. All courses that were offered were actually given and I could take all the classes I intended to take, so there was no need for any Learning Agreement ‘during’ changes.
Culture, Free Time and Travelling
Cologne is very multicultural. As I said, Nordrhein Westfalen has the highest number of immigrants of Germany and this results in an interesting and multicultural society, which I loved. I enjoyed meeting people from all over the world, not just Erasmus students, but people in my building, or people who worked in stores, restaurants etc. The multiculturality is reflected in the gastronomy: there are restaurants with dishes from all over the world, more so than I ever experienced in Groningen. Of course, traditional German culture can be found too, mostly the consuming of lots of Bier and Wurst. Cologne has the characteristics of a German city: beautiful old buildings such as the Kölner Dom, the river ‘Rhein’ and lots of cosy establishments to consume some German ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’. The people of Cologne were very open-minded, progressive, and social in my experience and I was told that this is the uniqueness of Cologne. The inhabitants are all very proud of their city and I
understand why: I loved every second of being a Kölnerin!
I spend most of my free time exploring Cologne and its surroundings. I tagged along on many ESN Köln activities. This organisation organises many trips to neighbouring cities and sights, such as a trip to Bonn (former capital of West-Germany), the Augustusburg castle, Düsseldorf, etc. I met a lot of other Erasmus students, who quickly became good friends. I also spend a lot of time in the big university canteen with my roommates, where you could enjoy a full meal (3-courses) for 3 euros.
Other
I was unpleasantly surprised by the German bureaucracy: a semester abroad already entails a lot of paperwork and things to be arranged, and once I arrived in Cologne, there were multiple offices that needed a visit or a signature. However, these ‘burdens’ were only a thing at arrival and with
departure, and during my stay there were no obligations or papers to be signed. Also, I would recommend always carrying cash money with you: in the Netherlands, I always pay with card, but in Cologne there were many establishments where I could only pay with cash money.
