It is no big secret: if you want to fit in, you need to master the local language. If your German skills are lacking, it is necessary to devote time to learning.

Accept the idea that you are a foreigner in the country and that you will have a lot to take in, once you’ve settled. In Germany, like anywhere else in the world, integration requires effort to adapt to the daily, cultural, social, and even political life.

This is the ideal that every immigrant wishes to achieve. In order to reach this goal, don’t isolate yourself too much from local people. Talking to them is a great way of improving your standard of German and, at the same time, it is key to fitting in naturally.

Try to make as many contacts as you can, with English-speaking people living in Germany, those from foreign countries and with Germans themselves, who are very welcoming towards international expatriates.

In order to speed up the integration process and gain self-confidence, you should also take a language course. German courses are especially designed for international, non German-speaking clientele and are suitable for individual students, groups or professionals wishing to develop skills specific to their field.

They will help you to achieve considerable progress in little time. You will soon be more comfortable talking to local people as the course allows you to become familiar with the German language and gives you the means to communicate in everyday life.

Taking a German course is also an enjoyable way to meet other foreigners who wish to successfully fit into German society, just like you!

Elected best language travel agency in Europe in 2010, ESL – Language studies abroad specialises in arranging language courses abroad.

They offer courses in more than 20 languages, 200 destinations in 45 countries on five continents. In order to meet the needs and expectations of German learners in Germany, ESL has purchased the established IH schools in Berlin and Freiburg.

For those who have children, choosing a school is a critical choice. Most institutions apply the German system, which will undoubtedly help children to make rapid progress in German and to understand the country from the inside.

However, you should consider sending your children to a summer camp to learn German. As a result, any fears about moving to a foreign country with a different language will be dispelled before you even settle in Germany. It is a judicious way of reassurance and ensures easier integration at the same time.

In the workplace, the major cultural difference resides in the place of the individual and the collective. In Germany, collective success is more important than individual success. Performance is held in high esteem.

The issue of time management differs greatly to some other European countries. For instance, it is important for Germans to build up a project step by step, after having discussions with all of the collaborators first.

In order to prepare for your professional career in Germany, business German courses are the perfect solution for acquiring knowledge specific to your field of work.

Finally, the knowledge that Germany is one of the countries where expatriates integrate best – according to a survey carried out by Expat Explorer1 – may reinforce your decision to move.

Of all expatriates, 65 percent join a local association, which helps integration. According to the survey, three quarters of expatriates learn German.

Find out more about the language programmes offered by ESL – Sprachreisen online and don't hesitate to get in touch for a free quote of a tailor-made programme.

ESL – Language studies abroad (Head Office)

Grand-Rue 50

Case postale 1204

1820 Montreux 1

SWITZERLAND

Tel: +41 (0) 21 962 8880

Email : [email protected]

ESL PROLOG – Berlin

Hauptstraße 23/24

10827 Berlin

GERMANY

Tel: +49 (0) 30 781 1076

Email: [email protected]

This article was produced by The Local and sponsored by ESL