conglomerations that plague us. But, we never hear much about "Big Education", which is one of the worst rackets of all. The college textbook industry, in particular, is a gargantuan ripoff. The high cost of a college education in this country is absolutely unjustifiable. While many of our colleges are among the best in the world (in spite of our public primary schools being among the worst), they are unnecessarily expensive.

I got out just in time it seems. It was about my 4th year when tuition costs at the university of california system started going up 5% every 3 months. College students now face a tough choice... learn German and go to Germany for 4 years, or get the best in the world education here but spend 20 years in debt...

At least not in Humanities. And we all have our own gargantuan debt to pay off, if we're under 45.

a fair share of it, either.

You'll never find an easier, less expensive opportunity than when you're a student...

I'm pretty sure housing costs the same for a 35 year old in Germany as it does for 19 year olds...

As for the opportunity, unless the classes are taught in English how the heck do you learn the material as well?

I just saw it talk about tuition. In my experience, housing close to a university is more expensive and not desirable (unless you want to play beer pong every night until 2am)

is your argument that once a 19 year old leaves North America they wont play beer pong any more? Or do any other loud partying late into the night? That stuff is all great for college students, I did that myself. 15 years later I wouldn't like to have neighbors doing it.

edit: BTW it seems you are getting side tracked from my reply. I'm not trying to advocate US universities over Germany. If I was a student I'd look closely at going there. My whole reply was just about "seeing Europe" not being any cheaper to do as a student as compared to a non-student.

There are huge lodging and rail pass discounts unavailable to non students

you could help out just by quantifying these, or showing another article that does. For example, when I was a student I got a free bus pass. It saved me $3 a day.... thats pretty insignificant to me now.


edit: just read this from another poster below: https://www.daad.de/deutschland/nach-deutschland/bewerbung/en/6222-finding-accommodation/

In contrast to other countries, students at German universities do not receive accommodation on enrolment. So it is important to start the search early on.

The accommodation situation for students is generally difficult, as cheap accommodation is hard to find.

I get that the tuition is very attractive to students. It doesn't make sense to me to say "You'll never find an easier, less expensive opportunity than when you're a student"... since my tuition has been paid for years ago... oh well its minor. In the end, US students should think about going to Germany to avoid crippling debt... I wont argue with that at all.

Sure, student housing can be a bit tougher to come by in Germany, though other countries in Europe are easier for various reasons, but it's still possible even there. It's a minor nitpick however, and I can't believe you've made a moderately long sub-thread about it. Who gives a damn? You wanna discuss this OP or just harangue other DUers over minor issues?

is that allowed?

in England at Cambridge and my roommate who knew German fairly well spent a year in at the Univ. of Freiburg. We both lived in on campus housing. Overseas study is an excellent and affordable way to experience other cultures and languages no doubt about it. The rail service and trains in Britain were good, same with France and other parts of Europe like now.

If not, it's probably not relevant. Some countries partially subsidize housing for University students, and alternative housing options are often more available than in the US.

It actually makes a point that US universities help in ways european ones don't. Obvious that help is minor compared to the difference in tuition costs.

How much does Germany subsidize student housing for foreigners? The article doesn't say.

universities, since fluency in English is a desirable thing for Europeans who are not native English speakers. In addition, European languages are taught in high school in many places. Four years of high school language classes in the target language sets the stage for a quick improvement in fluency when actually living in another country.

It's definitely cheaper to go to a university in some countries than it is in the United States. That's why more and more American students are looking at that option, as the article says.

My reply was regarding the assumption it is a cheap way to see Europe.

My argument is why would it be any cheaper for adults to see Europe? You still have to pay for housing, for food, for transportation... The university isn't going to lend you a BMW, give you free gas, and buy you food and beer at okoberfest... that all costs the same for a student or non-student

Even if they are about the same as in the US, the lower tuition costs more than compensate and give you a lower total cost. However, public transportation in most European cities is far superior and less expensive than here, and rates for students for transportation passes are often deeply discounted.

No car is needed to study in Europe. It's not really needed in the US, either, and many college students don't have a car. As for beer, that's an optional thing, as well, everywhere.

Believe it or not, some university students are there to study for a degree. I know I was. Partying was not one of my subjects, nor were luxurious lodgings. I didn't have a car, either. If I needed to get somewhere, I bummed a ride or hitchhiked. Later, I got a small used motorcycle, and used that to get around. It didn't cost much and used very little fuel.

Luxury and amenities while attending a university are optional, if your primary goal is to get a great education.

As I said, the no tuition is a giant perk to students.

I am not a student. I am saying that it would cost me the same to see Germany either way, since I will have to pay the same for housing, gas, entertainment...

Again, I am not talking about tuition costs. That is not part of what it would cost me, as a non-student, to live in germany for 4 years...

and get more global in outlook if this trend continues.

That's a small plus at least.