Learning German at 'die Volkshochschule'

Since I moved to Berlin in September I have been studying German at the Friedrichshain Volkshochschule. The Volkshochschulen are locally funded adult education colleges that offer all manner of classes, including German as a foreign language.

There are endless numbers of language schools in Berlin, and having spoken to friends I have concluded that high fees do not necessarily guarantee high standards. Therefore I recommend the Volkshochschulen to anyone looking to learn, as they are certainly the cheapest.

The course structure at the schools follows an internationally recognised ABC system. Each stage (A,B and C) contains 4 units (e.g. A1.1, A1.2, A2.1, A2.2). The Volkshochschule offers intensive courses which cover one unit over 5 weeks, 3 hours each day. And one unit costs just 130€.

Anyone coming from the EU can also take part in the Intergrationkurs, which in terms of content is identical, but the fees are partly subsidised by the German government, meaning you pay only 100€/unit. If you pass an language exam at the end of B1.2 and take an Orientierungskurs, which introduces you to German culture, government and history, you get half of your money back. So having paid only 600€ for a year of studying, you get 300€ back!

So far I have completed 4 units, and am really satisfied with my progress. It's such an amazing feeling to suddenly have this new world revealed to you through a foreign language. Just being able to make small talk, read adverts, buy things and understand what's going on around you makes such a difference.

For the past 4 courses our group has had two teachers, one of whom was excellent and clearly loved his job. There is always a chance that you will have a teacher whose style doesn't suit you, but then I think this is the case with any school. Don't forget that you are a paying with both time and money to be there and if you are dissatisfied you should always try and discuss the reasons why with your teacher.

At the beginning I was very frustrated that the 2nd teacher frequently spoke in a variety of languages other than German (depending on which student had asked a question), but once we spoke about it this stopped and the lessons became more satisfying.

Signing up to the Volkshochschulen is notoriously hard, and if you want to take part in the Intergrationkurs scheme it's more complicated still. The Berlin.de Volkshochschule page is nigh on impossible to use, especially if you don't speak German.

There are certain dates upon which you can register at the schools, so the best thing to do is find the email address of the course convener in a few of your local schools and email them directly for information on when to come in. Don't forget to bring your passport and Anmelden certificate and turn up early if you want to do a morning course - they're the most popular and fill up first. And keep the whole afternoon free, it takes a while...