A gap year in Germany
Gap years in germany
Guten Tag! How do you fancy playing football on a city beach on your weekends off next year? A gap year in Germany can be extremely rewarding – we’re talking philosophical debates, extraordinary architecture, and as much cabbage as you can eat. Backpacking out to this country couldn’t be easier: book a train pass, and you’re free to explore Europe on your way home. In winter or summer, Germany has enormous appeal. Ready to go? Start your Gap year German-style, and ski, snowboard, or courier your way to a European hopover!
Gap Year Opportunities
Imagine being paid for six months on the slopes. Teaching skiing or snowboarding is a dream come true for some Gappers. Germany includes a share of the Alps, which is prime skiing territory, so look for courses which offer placements afterwards – or seasonal work (check out our placements database).
Alternatively, if you’re TEFL-qualified, you can also teach English in Germany (though probably not at the same time as snowboarding). The language is enjoying increased interest as the country’s young people pick it up for purposes of business and culture.
For socioholics, look for work at a holiday camp or resort – the perfect blend of wage and booze. Seek out temporary placements at campsites and ski resorts, where all kinds of positions are offered – from receptionist to childcare worker.
Getting Around
Whether you’re a bus baby or a keen cyclist, you can travel any which way in this super-organised country. Inner-city trams and buses are slick and punctual, and travel between cities is just as easy. The Inter-City Express (ICE) was inspired by the French TGV. It offers quick and dedicated travel between cities and, as well as being cheap, it’s very comfortable – with leg room, coathooks and office equipment, it could be the most luxurious place you stay at during your trip! In cities and towns you’ll notice that bicycle safety is taken very seriously, so hiring a bike is a great option for exploring each region.
About Germany
The German economy relies heavily on export – 30% of the GDP (compared with 8% for tourism) comes from this area. Agricultural products (wood, potatoes, barley, cabbage) and engineering products (machinery, cars, metal and other manufactured items) are probably the most famous of Germany’s exports. Although unemployment is a historical problem, the country’s economy is exceptionally well-performing, and carefully maintained from within.
You will eat and drink well in Germany: food is an important aspect of family life. For centuries lunch was the nation’s main meal although, with working schedules and school times, most people now eat more in the evening. What might you be eating? Prepare for an obscene amount of meat: game, poultry and particularly pork features in most German menus. Food is plentiful and filling: enjoy dense rye bread, vegetable stews flavoured with herbs and juniper berries, thick soups, lots of potatoes and chunky egg noodles. To drink alongside, you must order a traditional beer – not the weak, pale stuff of British bars, but dark, wheaty and locally-brewed.
You can’t put together a piece about Germany – or travel there for your Gap Year – without mentioning the War. There’s no doubting the fact that most of Germany still lingers beneath an uncomfortable duvet of national guilt. Can natives rejoice in their national identity while rejecting the country’s former actions? A recent study from Stanford found that attitudes of the older and younger Germans are very different: the over-50s expressed feelings of national identity and pride, while many under-30s said that they often wished they were not German. It’s also true that the younger generation is today more involved in international culture, business and fashion – making them, perhaps, more intensely aware of the world’s view.
What to see in Germany
What do Doctor Faustus, Beethoven, Kraftwerk, and the Solar System have in common? They all came from Germany – okay, apart from the Solar System. But in the 18th century Immanuel Kant did correctly explain the make-up of our Solar System, replacing Isaac Newton’s “it was put there by God” theory. In the fields of art, music, literature and philosophy, Germany has been active and successful for quite some time. There’s enough culture to keep a backpacker busy for months on end. Just for starters, try a trip to the Bauhaus gallery (Dassau), a Beethoven symphony, and perhaps a late-night viewing of German classic “Run Lola Run”.
There are plenty of cities and regions of Germany for the backpacker to explore. Frankfurt is a world centre of business – it was officially the world’s richest city in 2001! – and, like many business capitals, is decorated with soaring skyscrapers – including its own Twin Towers. Sitting on the river Main, it’s fondly nicknamed ‘Mainhattan’ – and the night skyline does put you in mind of NYC. Frankfurt is easy to get around, and some of the old architecture remains – but it isn’t protected like in many EU cities. You’ll probably want to get out of the city to discover the real Germany.
What’s next on your itinerary? More youthful Dusseldorf (famous for fashion shows, carnivals, and the national champion football team) and super-cool Berlin (big on students, history – visit the Brandenberg Gate and the Wall – and its own city beach) are both worth extended stays. And don’t forget to head out to the surrounding counties for some home-cooked stew and kuchen!