Comments about TREFF PUNKT

- what students wrote about us -

Matt from Australia was attending an intensive plus course with TREFF PUNKT for the second time. He is on the forum list and was asked several questions by a student called Bill who contacted him to find out more about us. The questions and the answers might interest you, too.

You will find a copy of their email exchange below.

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November 2001

Betreff: Re: Inquiry of Bill about TREFF PUNKT to Matthew from Australia.

Dear Bill,

I have to say at the outset, I am a great fan of Treffpunkt. I have now been back a second time and enjoyed it all the more.

With respect to your questions:

What size class were you in, and was that a good size, did it work well?

In my first 5 week stint, we had 4-5 in a class (June 2000). This is an excellent size of class. You need at least 3 others to get a decent amount of interaction. In my second stint (August 2001), our class were larger 6-8 reflecting the high peak holiday time. Even at 8 they were OK, especially if you have afternoon classes (which are always smaller or one-on-one).

Was the school challenging enough, too much, too little?

In my 1st stint, I went from no language at all to passable conversational in 5 weeks. The school prides itself on not being too German! (i.e. it is very flexible - you can ask to go up or down a level - in fact many did). I understand that at some other schools this sort of flexibility is not available.

Did you stay with a family? I'm thinking that living with a family would go a long way toward really experiencing the German culture.

I'm not sure of your age (I am 35). I lived in an apartment owned by a German woman (about my age) 1st time and then shared with a fellow student (from Spain) the next time. The school offers heaps of extra activities - everyday - which ensures you get heaps of practice. Those who stayed with a family got a different experience. Less participation with the group, but more local interaction. Either way will get you good exposure to the language. You have to speak German to eat and drink and ask directions. This is not a big city, so most people only speak German.

Were the facilities conducive to you studies? Places to study/do homework?

The school provides classrooms and has everything necessary to good learning. It is a University town, so well geared up to study. I tended to study in the University library, which overlooks the river and is very pleasant.

Were you able to interact with numerous Germans?

You bet! I travelled to Hannover with the school to the World Expo. Went to Regensburg, Nuremburg and Rothenburg each time meeting new people. I went rock climbing with locals, cycling with locals, drinking with locals - you name it. Alex (school director) has numerous friends throughout the city, whom she encourages to be part of the broader school community. These people are Germans with a love of travel and will take time to get to know you (in German)!

Was there a lot to do, e.g., hiking, museums, side trips?

I have probably answered this above. But to add, there is not a day that went by in over 7 weeks total in Bamberg that I wasn't able to do something of interest (and no doubling up - except of course "Wilde Rose" for Stammtisch, but you will have to go there to find out what that is!)

Do you value your experience at TREFF@PUNKT?

I'll be back again.

I have 10 great friends from my time in Bamberg that I keep in touch with on a regular basis. They are now friends for life (in Spain, Switzerland, US, UK and Germany). You will not regret Bamberg.

I'm happy to clarify any of the above - just drop me a line.

Regards, Matt

Matthew McGuigan-Lewis