Working Abroad in Munich, Germany
Saoirse is a German and English student at the University of St Andrews who worked abroad at the British Council in Munich, Germany. Read on to learn more about what it is like to work in Germany as a St Andrews student.
During my degree in German and English, I spent a year in Munich, Germany, as part of the British Council English Language Assistant Programme. What began as an opportunity to improve my German soon became an unforgettable year of cultural discovery, professional growth, and personal connection.
Working in German Schools
My placement was split between two secondary schools in Munich, where I worked as an English Language Assistant. Most of my time was spent helping students in small groups to prepare for their oral exams and build confidence in speaking English.
From my first day, both the teachers and pupils made me feel incredibly welcome. One of my fondest memories is joining a Weißwurstfrühstück (a traditional Bavarian breakfast of white sausages and pretzels), enjoyed as a Friday treat at school. It was during these moments that I got a real taste of Bavarian school culture and daily life.
Working in this environment helped me develop key communication and organisational skills, and it pushed me to be adaptable in a cross-cultural workplace. My spoken German improved immensely – particularly as almost everyone preferred to chat with me in German outside of lessons!
Developing My German Skills
Alongside working, I enrolled in a “German for the Workplace” course at the University of Munich e.V. This class helped me refine my professional language skills, from writing formal emails to analysing statistics and giving presentations. By the end of the year, I felt confident using German not just in social settings but also in a professional context.
Art and Culture in Munich
Munich is often called a city of art, and it’s easy to see why. The museum quarter became one of my favourite spots, and with €1 museum entry on Sundays, I quickly became a regular museum-goer. One highlight was the Lange Nacht der Museen (“Long Night of Museums”), when the city’s galleries and museums stay open all night; a true celebration of art and culture.
Outside of museums, I explored the city’s vibrant theatre scene, attending a performance of Schiller’s Don Karlos at the Volkstheater. And of course, no. year in Munich would be complete without enjoying the famous beer festivals; both Oktoberfest and the smaller Frühlingsfest in spring.
Exploring Germany
Thanks to Germany’s brilliant public transport system and the Deutschlandticket, I was able to travel widely. I visited Christmas markets in Nuremberg, explored Berlin’s rich history, and even ventured south into Austria.
Some of my best weekends were spent closer to home, hopping on a regional train for an hour to the lakes and mountains near Munich, where I discovered the German love of nature and relaxation. I even embraced sauna culture by the lakes – a truly authentic (and surprisingly refreshing!) experience.
Munich City Life
Munich itself is a city that was surprisingly easy to get to know. I loved its mix of cosy cafés, bustling student bars, and leafy parks. The Englischer Garten quickly became my favourite place for a stroll or a dip in the river on hot summer days.
I also took part in local events like the Hofflohmarkt in my neighbourhood, a huge community street flea market where everyone sells their no longer wanted clothes and bric-a-brac. It was an amazing opportunity to practice my German haggling skills and appreciate the city’s emphasis on sustainability and community.
My year in Munich was more than simply a work placement, it was a transformative experience that enriched my studies and shaped my outlook on work and life abroad. I returned home with improved language skills, lifelong friends, and a deep appreciation for Bavarian culture (and, admittedly, for Weißwurst breakfasts).