New to this site

[Marcia]

Hello, I have just found this website. I have been here is the Germany for the last 5 years. My husband is German and we live in the Koln area. I have 2 kids. I was born in Alberta and I am a former BC resident (Victoria). I am interested in meeting other Canadians or English speaking people in the area or any information about Children playgroups etc. I will be in Canada for the summer but will return for the next school year.

Cheers

[rosswag]

Hi from Stuttgart !

[Marcia]

Hello Stuttgart,

I am back from spending a nice summer in Alberta and BC with family and friends. The kids are back in Kindergarten and school.

Marcia

[Voom]

Hello Marcia - I am attempting to expatriate to Germany Jan 2009 but understand that if one lives in Germany you need medical insurance. If you have a job, then the company will provide this; otherwise not. Two questions:
1) Marcia are you covered under your husband's medical insurance ?
2) How difficult is it to obtain medical insurance in Germany if one is
not married to a German - yet !

Cheers - Voom

[Marcia]

Hello Voom,

I had no real trouble applying and receiving for medical insurance once I came to Germany, but I was already married and with a 2 and a half year old (it was also no problem getting coverage for him) when I came to Germany. And yes, I am covered over my husband. You are covered by your Canadian Health Insurance for one year abroad, just notify your Health Care Office before you go. Once in Germany you can ask if you can receive coverage over your partner if you are living common law. However, once you are married it becomes much easier. Let me know if you are moving into the Koln or the Leverkusen area and I can recommend you a good doctor.

Cheer Marcia

[Christi]

Hi Marcia

Thanks for the info on schools. I have discovered also that there are state run bilingual German /English Gymnasiums as well which are open all day about half the week. It could be difficult gaining admission though as I am sure many people try to get in.
How long did it take you to learn German to a level where you could work/write proficiently?

[Marcia]

Hi Christi,

It may be wise to apply to number of schools that you are interested to increase your chances. Since I came to Germany with a 2 year old and became pregnant with my second child shorty after I moved here I didn´t have a good chance to learn German. I took 3 intensive courses at the VHS (Volkshochschule) and then quit after the baby was born. I have still not had the time to return. Most of my German I have learned is from living here day to day. So I am not a good example. That said if you have time to take courses I would recommend the VHS, it is a public organization and reasonably priced. You can also meet other students from around the world and in a similar situation. There are also many private language schools in Koln.

Cheers Marcia

[rosswag]

Good to hear from you all.