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Helpful tips...
...from former OLEC participants:
- Bring an umbrella and warm clothes, maybe a coat- it can get cold in Leipzig even during Spring/ Summer time.
- Don’t forget a towel, you might need a shower after your flight.
- Don’t bring too many clothes – you will buy some stuff over there!
- Bring pictures from home – something to put on your dorm wall.
- Bring a smaller bag for day/ weekend trips.
- Backup cash or travelers checks are always good – just in cas
- Bring a small change purse with you to carry your change around - or have a wallet that has a pocket for change - most cashiers will ask you if you have exact change or something close. Spend your change otherwise you will have a whole bunch left over at the end.
- Make copies of all important papers – maybe to be stored with program leader.
- There are good bars all over the city, especially at the Gottschedstrasse and the Barfussgaesschen. Try different bars every time you go out.
- Try to go to the movies, the Gewandhaus and Operahaus, and visit the Voelkerschlachtdenkmal.
- If you plan on traveling a lot in Europe (especially Spring group), think about a Eurorail Pass for 7 or 10 days.
- Plan ahead for your free time so you know where you are going to go and have places to stay.
- Be aware of the culture differences - Germans are very straight forward and it is not common to smile at everybod
- Paying with credit cards is not common in Germany – many places only accept cash!
- Be aware that the food is different – ask German people or the tutors for good places to eat or buy stuff.
- Be prepared for no shopping bags at grocery stores (bring your own or backpack). They also have weird hours (usually 8am till 8pm - not open on Sundays and holidays).
- If you have papers to do, go to the library early because some books you can't check out or it might be difficult to find books. Spend an hour there for a couple of days instead of trying to do all of your research at once.
- Pay attention in the German class, even if it is a review – you might need it.
- Don't worry about the trams - they are very easy to use and it is easy to memorize the times without even trying.
- If you need help, ask for it from your professors or your tutors. Please, ask nicely though. Everyone is willing to help.
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