If you speak German and can pass a grueling five- to six-hour language proficiency exam, a world of benefits awaits you at Kaiserslautern Technical University. Originally founded in 1970 in a partnership with the University of Trier, it became a stand-alone university in 1975. Located within the city limits of Kaiserslautern, this university offers architecture, engineering, biology, environmental sciences, business, chemistry, information technology, computer science, mathematics, social science and physics. The beauty of physically having a campus right in the town you’re living in is you get an actual real person exchange with your professor and students in real time. With so many soldiers, civilians and dependents overseas, most are forced to take online classes and miss out on campus life and face-to-face interaction.

Not all majors require a German proficiency exam, however. Master’s degrees in mathematics, electrical engineering, biology, computer science and commercial vehicle technology are taught in English, making the language entrance exam unnecessary. For bachelor’s degrees, however, the entrance exam is mandatory regardless of the major.

An internationally accredited university, the T.U. received the “Excellence in Teaching” award in 2009, one of only six universities nationwide to do so. And, if and when you are accepted, you can expect benefits that befit a country with a socialist view on education and a university that is 74-percent state financed. Because the Germans highly value education, the tuition per semester is a mere 211 euros for either a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and for as many classes you wish to take. Taking a full load each semester, a student could theoretically complete a master’s degree in two years at a cost of 844 euros. Most of the books and additional material you would need for classes are all available at the university’s library, free of charge.

Students benefit from other perks. An identification card from the T.U. Kaiserslautern will get you free public transportation (trains, buses, streetcars) in a geographical area that spans to Würzburg in the east and Wissembourg, France to the south. The university cafeteria offers meals that cost as little as 2.15 euros. In addition, students can go back for a second helping (Nachschlag) for free.

Since there is no limit to “second” helpings, this is essentially an all-you-can-eat experience for as little as 2.15 euros. Students wishing to take advantage of student housing will also experience bargains. Students pay, on average, around 215 euros per month for a room to themselves, or as little as 145 euros per month for a room in the student dorms, sharing a bathroom/kitchen area with one other student. Posted on campus bulletin boards are many job opportunities offered by companies looking for students who wish to supplement their studies with a part-time job. An additional bonus for students who like to travel is the partnership that the T.U. has with neighboring universities. A student ID card from the T.U. will enable you to use the services of the University of Trier, the University of Saarland, the University of Lorraine in Nancy and Metz, and the University of Liège in Belgium. There are also clubs to join such as the Classical Orchestra, the Big Band Kaiserslautern (which partners from time to time with USAFE) the Theater AG, Photography/Laboratory Club, the Campus TV Club and more.

Indeed, with these benefits, it is not surprising that the T.U. Kaiserslautern has a sizable foreign student body. Fourteen percent of approximately 13,700 students (64 percent of which are men) come from more than 100 different countries and total 2,041 students. The majority of foreign students come from India, China and African nations (there are presently only 20 American students registered with the T.U.). Any logistically supported American with a SOFA stamp in their passport is eligible to study at the university. The relatively low numbers of students ensure an excellent ratio of students per professor, enhancing the contact and guidance available for the student.

All of this to see and do simply cannot be experienced as an online student. This is where “old school” is an advantage, in every sense of the word! For more information, see www.uni-kl.de or email studium@uni.kl-de.

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