Studying in Germany is actually not like in most of other countries where you could communicate in English. German is a must. That means for my external education program, I will have to in the first place learn this language. Considering it is the first time for international students to study at the University, our school specially arranged a two-week language training course. It could be viewed as my first lesson at University of Applied Sciences Jena as well as one of the preparations I have made for learning in Germany.  

Difference between Chinese and German universities: my opinion  

Huge difference is there between Chinese and German universities. Firstly, higher educational institutions in Germany fall into two groups: Fachhochschule and Universität---the former more focus on applied learning and mostly are polytechnic schools while the latter focus more on theoretical studies. Their corresponding institutions in China could be college and university (not exactly the same, just similar categories). Secondly, learning systems are also different. Duration of bachelor degree is normally four years--- eight semesters--- in China. Yet it is generally seven semesters in Germany and there is no definite definition on the number of academic years. The first five semesters are for general education and some of professional modules; the sixth is for internship and the seventh is for the some optional modules and final project. Students do not have a fixed curriculum. Upon enrollment, they will be offered a general guideline for credits and courses that they would complete. Students could decide details, i.e., learning a certain module in a certain semester. And therefore students have a great degree of freedom and could arrange their own time of learning very efficiently. If they complete all their modules in advance, they could start their intern semester without having to wait. And final project could also be completed in the company.  And thirdly, there are differences in terms of school opening date and enrollment. Fachhochschule usually starts new semester later than Chinese universities and Universität would open even later. In German universities there are no specialized offices---as is in China--- to be responsible for students’ enrollment. Students could complete enrollment online with their ID card also being updated on the machines. Semester opening in Germany is more like a reminder. Usually Chinese universities strictly regulate the exact date of opening and hold opening ceremony. However, in German universities, it is possibly the case that there is no module running even it has been two weeks since school opens.  

Successful completion of five modules  

As is regulated by external education program I could only stay with Jena for one year. I chose for my first semester two modules: 3D-CAD and  Technische Mechanik, similar to CAD Engineering Drawing and Theoretical Mechanics. The modules vary greatly from those in China with the same names. Computer room here is open to all students. Each student is allocated an account number and password. Once logging in, students could get access to their private online hard drive. All necessary software is available on the computer. Usually such software requires large storage and thus it is not possible for students to install all of them in their laptops. In my CAD module, Vice Dean is expected to deliver the lecture, as is shown in timetable. However, a young lecturer was actually lecturing most of the time. Later we learned that he is a postgraduate student of the vice dean and is doing teaching assistant. Although the software used in this module is not the same as I used in China, I could still locate the similarities. The only barrier shall be language, for the software is in Germany and lecturers deliver the module in Germany. It is often the case that I failed to find corresponding icons when the lecturer has already started the next part. Luckily there are no more than twenty students in our class. The lecturer sometimes would pause for us to keep up. The exam paper is uploaded onto module drive. Students download and complete it before the deadline. Even students could discuss with the lecturer if there are difficulties.  

Theoretical mechanics is delivered by another vice dean, a very kind, eloquent, and interesting professor. It shall be noted here that on timetable of this module, students have already been informed of what they are expected to do. Of course the timetable is not fixed for good. Temporary changes will be update timely and thus students need to check the timetable on regular basis.  

After one semester, I have been primarily accustomed to the learning in Germany and clear about my own arrangement of learning in the coming semester. I also took Germany class in other schools and successfully got B1 Germany language proficiency certificate.  

Semester 2 is my last semester in Germany. As I am already an “experienced” student, I chose three modules --- after consulting German professors --- Einführung in die FEM, Konstruktionslehre, and Grundlagen der Maschinenlehre, one of which is a challenge, for it emphasizes on theoretical analysis.  

FEM is a lab-based module and is delivered by the vice dean who were supposed to teach us CAD. He speaks very fast. Most of the time I could not follow him and I have to spend quite some time after class to study my notes. In the lad each student has two screens: one for operation and another one is the projection of the teacher’s. It is very convenient for us to compare and to learn. For the exam, we have to complete a paper, in addition to complete the software on the computer. As the paper is in Germany, I could barely complete the paper within exam time.  

Konstruktionslehre is delivered by the Dean. It is the most confusing module for me. It could be translated into mechanical principles. However, it is totally different from that in China. This module focuses on principles and theories in the process of designing and manufacturing. The great length of Germany describing principles and theories--- it could be natural for German students --- poses great challenge to me with a huge number of terms and numerous theories. Compared to my Germany peers, I have to spend several times of their energy and time to translate and sort everything out. And we also have a mission of internship: designing a piece of mechanical work, which requires two students to coordinate in designing, drawing, and manufacturing the product as well as writing instructions and sorting out relating materials.  

Grundlagen der Maschinenlehre focuses more on practice. Only five or six lecturers are done in classroom and we spend the rest of time in the lab. Students are divided into 13 groups and every 4 groups would conduct the same experiment. Prior to starting the experiment the lecturer would raise questions based on the experiment. They could be theoretical knowledge, or practical application. Students are graded based on their answers and it is also included in the final grade. For me, it is another great challenge. Sometimes I fail to get an ideal mark, only because I could not follow the lecturer. After the experiment each group is required to write a report. German rigorousness is fully presented here: for every fraction, the line has to be drawn by using a ruler; data recorded in experiment is carefully and neatly copied to another piece of paper; every task is underlined--- of course, using a ruler. The final exam is also different from other modules: students are graded based on presentation and experiment. As there are quite a few Chinese students, the lecturer specially offers a China-related topic (Chinese automobile manufacturers).  

Time flies past us like a blink of eyes. I could still recall the day when I firstly arrived in Germany: carrying two big suitcases, trembling because of the chilly wind at railway station. I was wondering then what my Germany life and learning would be like. And it was the very first time for me to leave my home so far and for such a long time. However, all will become part of my memory. Learning in Germany brings me enjoyment as well as hard times. Undoubtedly, the one-year learning will be an unforgettable, precious episode of my life.