Germany is recognised as one of the top five economies in the world, world-class education and culture diversity. But it is more than that.
Do you dream of your child working in Germany for a professional job? Here are 7 fun facts about Germany which you might not know about.
World-leading technology and innovation
Germany dominates across various industries, including automotive, mechanical engineering, information and communication technology and mechatronics. Check out some of the amazing automotive-related spots to visit in Germany. German Convention Bureau highlights that “Germany is the world’s largest exporter with a 19.1% share of the international industrial and mechanical engineering market.”
Industry professionals and highly-skilled workers are committed to developing talent, research and design that contribute to the industries. Like VTT, institutions and universities provide dual-training modules for the local and foreign students where they get to have hands-on experience through internships at the companies.
Autobahn, the highway without speed limits
The Autobahn is the long high-speed and limited-access federal motorway. The maximum speed to drive along the highway is 130kph / 80 mph per hour but you can drive as fast as you want. There are some areas which have lower speed limits.
Locals take football seriously
The German national football team (run by the German Football Association, known as DFB)is one of the most popular football teams around the world. The team won four FIFA World Cups. The women’s national football team won at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, UEFA European Women’s Championships and Summer Olympics 2016.
In Germany, there are over 26,000 football clubs. There is also a league system – Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga and 3. Liga. Attend one of the matches at the stadium and you will see how the local fans support their team by cheering and singing passionately.
A wide range of halal and non-halal dining options to choose from
Germany’s traditional and comfort food with local ingredients is sure to whet your appetite. More than beer, sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) and sausages, there are other dishes to try in the neighbourhood.
For starters, try the sauerbraten (roast beef stew), schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), currywurst (curry fries) and kartoffelkloesse (potato dumpling). Visit the nearby Turkish, Lebanese and Iranian restaurants and markets where they serve halal food and drinks such as doner kebab, falafel, lamb shank stew, Artan (a salty yoghurt-based drink) and Turkish tea.
Feeling ‘home’ with the Malaysian & Turkish community
5% of Germany’s population is Turkish, one of the largest ethnic groups in the country. This community welcomes you with open arms by introducing their culture through food and art. As the majority of Turkish people are Muslim, there are mosques scattered across towns and neighbourhoods.
If you child is feeling homesick, there is a huge Malaysian community that supports those who are studying, working and living in Germany. Keep yourself connected with the Malaysian Club Deutschland, a non-profit and non-political organisation that promotes Malaysian culture and traditions to the German friends and support fellow Malaysians. Before sending your child to Germany, get your child to be prepared to adapt to the local culture by spending some time with your child in these fun activities in Malaysia.
Following the German ethics
Germans apply ethics to ensure they can have well-planned routines in work and life. They also divide their time between public and private sessions for themselves. Doing this gives them a sense of security.
While studying and working in Germany, you need to be punctual in meeting with people. Germans don’t like last-minute changes and sudden surprises. Giving handshakes to people while looking straight into their eyes is a sign of being polite.
Using these simple gestures and respecting time builds a stronger bond with your fellow classmates & colleagues and the locals.
Being environment friendly
For over four decades, the German government has been implementing environment, climate and energy policies to create a more sustainable pathway to ‘green’ economy.
Fossil fuel and nuclear power are replaced with renewable energy, gas turbines and conservation. Germany has a public transport and bicycle system that helps minimise the carbon footprint. Large car manufacturers are focusing on developing electric automobiles.
The locals frequently recycle items in their neighbourhood and nearby supermarkets. They actively recycle biodegradable, food waste, glass, paper, hard rubbish, used clothing & shoes and hazardous waste. They receive collecting points after returning the bottles to the supermarket. It helps to reduce large amounts of garbage across the nation.
Looking for a program that will help your child to embark on the journey in becoming a talented professional? We have an ideal program for students who want to study and work internationally. Loan facilities are available in this program that students can apply for.
In Vocational Technical Training (VTT), students will go through a 1-year preparatory course at ICTI’s Shah Alam campus. Later in 2021, they will finish their internship through a 3 ½ years specialised course in Germany. Upon graduation, they will be able to work in German companies in Germany and Southeast Asia.