Goethe Institut, Bonn

I was really impressed how things were run so efficiently and in an organized manner at Goethe Institut, Bonn. The staff there were all smiles to help us with our enquires. Basically, I went through registration, a 1h placement test and a short interview. Based on my proficiency, I was placed in the class B2.1. A is for beginners, B is intermediate and C is advance.

There are some differences between the classes at Goethe Institut, Bonn compared to Goethe Institut, Singapur.

• The lessons at GI Bonn were intensive, meaning that I attended lesson from 1.30 to 6 pm every weekday. The lessons at GI Singapur are extensive; I only attend one lesson per week from 6.15 pm to 9.30 pm. 

• There are 3 levels for B2 in GI Bonn, namely B2.1, B2.2 and B2.3 and each level runs for 4 weeks. Whereas there are 5 levels for B2 in GI Singapur, from B2.1 to B2.5 and each level runs for 10 weeks.  However, if we take into consideration of the total number of hours, that would amount to approximately 200 hours for B2 in GI Bonn compared to 150 hours for B2 in GI Singapur.

• Even though I was taking the intensive course in Germany, I felt that it was less stressful than taking the extensive course in Singapore. One reason could be because I didn't have to work there and could focus on learning. Furthermore, I am immersed in an environment which made it very conducive to speak and learn the language! Unlike in Singapore where there are mini tests being conducted, there was absolutely no test or exam when I was in Bonn! I particularly enjoyed the last 45 minutes of the lesson during which we would watch a short film and discuss or write about the film thereafter. 

• The books used in B2 are different in GI Bonn and GI Singapur. I prefer the Studio d book used in GI Bonn than the Aspekte book used in GI Singapur as the latter contains too much vocabulary. There are too many new words that I have to translate a word for every line in the Aspekte book. That kills the joy of reading. 

Studio d book used in GI Bonn

• I learn German language because I am interested in the culture. I am very thankful for the student volunteers at GI Bonn for organizing the various activities for us, working into the nights as well as on weekends. These students have completed their Arbitur (German equivalent of "A" levels) and are taking a gap year to decide on their future study paths. They organized activities like city tours, visits to museum, brewery, castle, watching Tartort (German equivalent of CSI), Stammtisch (weekly get-together in a pub) and many more.

Culture programmes organised by GI Bonn

My typical day at GI Bonn was as such: 

1.30 - 3 pm: lesson
3 - 3.30 pm: Pause 
3.30 - 5 pm: lesson
5 - 5.15 pm: Pause 
5.15 - 6 pm: lesson

During break, we would go to Relaxen Raum (room for relaxation) to chill out. There we could buy a sandwich, get a drink from the vending machine, sign up for cultural activities or simply mingle with the students at GI Bonn. The level B and C classes are held in the afternoon. Hence, I got to meet students from the other classes as well.

I stayed at a Studentenwohnheim (student hostel) arranged by GI Bonn. I was offered a single room apartment at Quartierwest, equipped with basic amenties. Even though it was not located in the city center, it could be reached by S-Bahn (2 stops, ~10 min) or by buses (~25 min). In the neighbourhood, there were two supermarkets (Rewe and Aldi) and a bakery. It was really convenient. 

Studentenwohnheim at Quartierwest

Single room apartment

The downside though, was that the walls in the student hostel were thin, such that I could hear what was happening next door at night. If you get what I mean...

There were coin operated washing machines and dryers at the basement of the student hostel. I remember one of the dryers was not working well. Despite drying my clothes 3 rounds in that dryer, they were still damp. When I used another dryer, just one round was sufficient to dry my clothes thoroughly. It would be better if there were a machine which could change notes into 50 cent coins as well. 50 cent coins were so precious to me in Germany. I needed 50 cent coins for the washing machine and dryer, and to use public toilets. 

Being a student at GI Bonn entitled me to some Ermäßigung (discount) for purchasing monthly transport ticket. The monthly ticket enabled me to travel to all areas within zone 1 by trams or buses. What irked me was that the monthly ticket was strictly valid from the beginning to the end of a month only. One could not choose a starting date, say from 27 September to 26 October. As the 4 weeks German language course ran from end September to end October, that meant I had to buy tickets for the last few days of September.

This was my third trip to Germany. The first time was in 2006 with NUS Chemistry under European Immersion Programme. The second was during 2011-2012 when I did my internship and thesis with BASF. This time was different. During the first two trips, I felt like a tourist and was curious about everything. This time, I was less of a tourist. And I no longer felt lost. I could actually understand the announcements made at the train stations! Learning a language is so empowering! After learning the language and culture, I felt myself at home. Ich fühlte mich geborgen!