German Gap Year in Munich

Hannah Bishopp
12 weeks
German course in Munich

I expected to expand my command of German, to experience a different culture and an opportunity to meet people from other countries. I also expected the opportunity to visit Munich and Bavaria and to see a large number of places of interest.

My German improved significantly. The best part of the language course was the opportunity to really practice spoken German. I thoroughly enjoyed living in Munich and Bavaria. I met a number of native Bavarians to whom I was able to practice my German on, as well as with many students from other countries.

The German language lessons in Munich generally worked very well for me. The structure of the lessons given by the large majority of teachers was good and interesting. There was good interaction between teachers and students.  The German language school was friendly and welcoming. The staff and teachers were caring and interested in students individually. Being centrally located, just back from the main station in Munich, its location was excellent for eating out, shopping, visiting the sights of Munich and being close to transport links enable me to get outside of Munich into surrounding Bavaria with great ease.

I found that the other German language students, both in my own class and within the school were friendly and I have made a number of good friends with whom I expect to maintain contact. The balance between lessons, homework and free time was very reasonable and really worked well for me.

Munich was a brilliant place to spend 3 months. There was plenty of inexpensive restaurants close to the language school, but in the centre of Munich understandably restaurants became more expensive. I also found the transport fairly inexpensive. The local people were very friendly, I found a number of opportunities to speak to them and practice my German. I generally felt very safe when moving around Munich, including in the evenings.

Munich and Bavaria offer a huge number of things to do. There was an excellent night life, a good range of cinemas, shops and some magnificent parks. It also provides a fantastic opportunity to watch European Champions League Football! I would particularly recommend a visit to the Biergarten in the Englischer Garten. Outside Munich, but within easy travelling distance, I would urge everyone to go to Stamberger and to take the opportunity to see and walk around the magnificent lake.

Overall my accommodation was satisfactory, it was very convenient to the school and for the proximity to the centre of Munich. My room was spacious, comfortable and clean.

I have nothing but the highest praise for CESA. I found CESA unfailingly patient in answering all my questions. CESA was always very friendly and able to give extremely useful and informative advice on the courses I was considering taking.  The briefing pack I was sent was comprehensive. I would unhesitatingly use CESA again and recommend them to others.

I would definitely go again, my most memorable moments were my fellow students and going to watch Bayern Munich play football!”