the first few days in erlangen and nuremberg
In a foreign country there are many things which will take a bit of getting used
to; certainly the language, usually the surroundings, often the mentality, and
perhaps the climate. Although you will usually be able to survive speaking English,
it will be a good idea to bring a good German dictionary with you and perhaps
a phrase book. Since the weather in Germany is often changeable, be prepared
to be surprised by cold and rain even in summer. It is advisable to bring some
warm clothing from home.
As soon as you arrive in Germany you will need money. There is no limit to the
amount of German or foreign currency which you are permitted to bring into the
country – but be careful to adhere to the currency regulations of your
own country. The foreign exchange bureaus at airports and larger stations are
open in the evening and at weekends. Here you can cash any travellers’ checks
you may have brought with you, or change your euros into smaller denominations
or obtain coins which you might require for telephones, left luggage facilities
or to pay for taxis or bus tickets.
Banks, in which you can change money, are open from Monday to Friday from around 8.30 to 12.30 and from 14.00 to 16.00. The afternoon opening times vary a great deal, but the banks usually remain open for longer on Thursdays, until around 18.00. Many of the larger post offices also change money.
Many of the problems you may encounter at the beginning of your stay can probably be solved most simply if you take the initiative and ask your new colleagues in your host department for help and advice. The initial hesitancy of Germans to offer help spontaneously is mostly due to an unwillingness to interfere, but if you take the first step and ask them for help, you will find that they are more than willing to assist you.
To make yourself better and more quickly known in your host department it is a good idea to give a presentation, talk or lecture early on in your stay, and so you should bring the materials you would need for this with you (slides, pictures, etc.). If your host academic does not herself ask you to give a presentation, talk or lecture, do not hesitate to suggest it yourself as a way of introducing yourself to your colleagues in your department.
