This site's categories:
German-speaking schools abroad | Holiday courses in Germany | Extra tuition for your child

1. German-speaking schools abroad

German, Austrian and Swiss schools enjoy a good reputation abroad. Information on the conditions and location of German schools is provided by the “Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen” (Centre for Schools Abroad), which aims to further the cultural and educational political goals of Germany. These include: o an understanding of the host country’s culture and society o the provision of education for German children abroad o promotion of the German language The Evaluation Authority ( www.auswaertiges-amt.de/ ) also works closely with schools abroad and is responsible for:

• 117 schools worldwide
• around 428 educational organisations as well as a number of German departments in state schools

Some more detailed information is provided by the following sites:

• Directory of German Schools Abroad: www.bva.bund.de
• For information on working in schools abroad, see www.dasan.de/
• www.auslandsschule.de/ offers a forum for former students of German schools
• With one click you can go direct to your local school using the Yahoo directory: de.dir.yahoo.com/Ausbildung_und_Beruf/...//Deutsche_Schulen_im_Ausland/
• The Baden–Württemberg cultural portal provides information on German Schools abroad: www.km-bw.de

2. Learning German Holiday courses for young people

Holiday courses for young people Numerous language schools in Germany specialize in German courses for young people. Language courses in the summer holidays are particularly popular. The following have already established a good reputation:

• Humboldt-Institut: www.humboldt-institut.org
• Horizonte: www.horizonte.com/german-for-juniors/
• DID: www.did.de/deutschkurse
• CDC: www.cdc.de/Ferienkurse-Jugendliche-12-15-Jahre
• Dialoge: www.dialoge.com/Deutschkurse_fuer_Jugendliche

3. Extra tuition for your child

German teachers are often asked whether they would like to offer extra tuition on a flexible hourly basis. As a result, many professional tuition institutes are now offering this service – a real booming business in Germany. This is hardly a surprise as the demands on school children and also parents seem to increase every year. The pressure to achieve a good position in the school league tables has led to a demand for better and better results. It is important to know what constitutes a good tuition institute and to have some idea of how much improvement to expect according to cost. Here we provide a checklist to clarify some of the most important criteria:

1. Do the students learn in small groups of up to 5 and are achievement and subject ??? linked together?
2. Does the institute have clear terms of business that are discussed during the process of registration?
3. Does the period of notice conform to the standard of not more than two months?
4. Is it possible to have a free trial lesson?
5. Do the staff have recognizable qualifications? Can they provide evidence of training or a degree in the relevant subject?
6. Are the teaching rooms quiet, light and well equipped?
7. Is there always a contact available who can discuss any questions relating to the teaching?
8. Is a record of the child’s progress kept and are the parents able to see this? Does the teacher provide a summary of strengths and weaknesses, as well as some ideas on how to learn at home?
9. Does the institute freely provide its teaching material?
10. Does the institute have a concrete educational concept that underlies its teaching process?

Extra tip: For all working and living in a foreign country, several expatriate communities have established. Over the internet you can contact:

• Connecting expatriates and communities in the world via linkexpats.com: Connecting expats in the world. The place where communities from all countries gather. Whether you live in Dubai, Singapore, or the United States, there is someone from your community nearby. The website offers forums, ads, events, and more...
• ExpatExchange.com: A world of friends abroad