Semester Exchange to Germany -- Applying for a German Visa

Hello guys! :-)

As you all might know, I'm going on a student exchange to Mannheim University in Germany in AY16/17 Spring Semester (Feb-Jun). My journey to going on the exchange was a rocky one (like legit), but all's well and the dust is finally settling. Many of you might be put off by Germany, especially because of the language barrier and all, but one good thing about Mannheim University is that they provide a wide range of English courses, so you don't need to have any German knowledge to go there. Another thing is that Mannheim is a little bit like a university town, so speaking English would not be a problem here!

This would probably be relevant to students going on exchange to any school in Germany since the visa would probably be the same :-) Although the application process is terribly tedious, I'm sure that it will ALL be worth it!

YEAP, so here's a step by step guide on getting your visa. Here goes!!

Step 1: Familiarise yourself/ MENTALLY PREPARE YOURSELF

Once you got your school's approval, look for the Singapore's German Embassy website (here). Click through the links to reach the page on 'visas'. Basically, there are a few different kinds of visas and the student visa (around 5-6 months) is under 'National Visa/Long-term Visa'. Go to student exchange visa and look at the required documents for the application. It's good to prepare yourself for all the crazy administrative stuff later! 

For your application, you need to bring the original document and at least 2 photocopies of (subject to changes; so do check the requirements!):

1. 2 visa application forms

2. Passport

3. Student Pass (matriculation card)

4. 2 Passport photos (need to match their requirements, they can be quite strict on this)

5. A Level Cert/Diploma/IB Cert

6. Official transcript from the school (you probably need to request this from the school!)

7. Your German University's acceptance letter

8. Your own school's acceptance letter (that you are going on an exchange)

9. Proof of travel insurance (I got NTUC's overseas student protection plan; the basic one is fine!)

10. Confirmation of Blocked Account

note: you can NOT apply for your visa without the German school's acceptance letter, but you can apply for the visa without a blocked account, just that it won't be processed until your blocked account is confirmed. 

Step 2: Book your visa appointment slot

Book your visa appointment online at the German Embassy's website. It'll probably take a while before your German University sends their acceptance letter, so it's best if you can get an appointment closest to when the University sends it. I got my acceptance letter in mid-November, so you can roughly gauge when to book your appointment slot! 

For the appointment, if you think that your slot is too late, you can keep checking the appointment page just in case someone decides to cancel and open up a new timeslot! But do note that you have to cancel your appointment first before being able to apply for a new one!

Step 3: Apply for your blocked account

Apply for your blocked bank account in Germany. Basically, they just want to make sure you have the money to stay there and not to be a hobo heh. I applied for the blocked account under Deutsche Bank (since it's one of the more popular banks). You can find the link here. Just go to their forms and download it. 

Link for the form: HERE (this is only for those above 18)

Note: the form must be filled up online before printing it out!

Head down to the German Embassy @ Raffles Place before 11.30am from Mon-Fri for the Embassy to check your documents before you mail it to the Deutsche Bank in Germany. (No appointment required!) And if you're wondering, no, the Deutsche Bank in Singapore does not do all of these. :-( I had to pay S$31 in cash for the administrative fee so do remember to bring enough cash, as they don't accept card. (The amount is dependent on the exchange rate at the time)

Then, once your documents are all approved, they will staple everything together and ask you to mail it to Germany. There is a SingPost outlet at the Ocean Financial Centre in B1 nearby so you can go there to mail it. I would definitely recommend registered mail (although it costs $60) but it takes 1-2 working days to reach Germany. But if you have a tighter budget, registered mail is fine too, but it will take around 7-9 working days to reach Germany. 

Once your documents reach DB, it takes another few more working days for them to process it.

Documents needed for blocked account:
1. 2x completed forms
2. 1x copy of passport
3. riginal passport
4. Course admission letter
5. Bank Statements
   - Your bank statements must show enough money that is going to be blocked in the German bank account. What I did was I printed the first page and the last 2 pages of my bank account book (update it if necessary!). (the first page states the bank account number, last 2 pages states the recent/final balance in your account)
   - You do not need to use this account to transfer the money to the German bank account. Basically, they just want to see that you have money to transfer over and not just open the account for fun LOL.
6. Envelope
   - You don't really need this, if you don't have it as you can just go to the post office to get one after your documents are approved.

Step 4: Transfer the money to your blocked account

Once you receive the email that your blocked account is opened, you have to transfer money to the account as stated in the email. You can use iBanking but do take note of additional charges incurred by both your bank and the Germany bank. (and apparently iBanking is cheaper!) If you want the money to be transferred in the same day, you have to transfer the money before 2pm (for POSB users, other banks I'm not sure!) It will take about 1-2 working days for the money to be sent, and another 1-2 working days for the German bank to process the money.

After the German bank has sent you a confirmation email, you can either email the confirmation letter to the embassy or bring it down in person. For this, no appointment is required.

Step 5: Apply for your visa (FINALLY!)

Apply for your visa. Make sure you have all the documents required so that you don't have to go down again. If you're fretting about the passport photo (they have certain requirements), there's a photo printing place at Clifford Centre lvl 1, called Soo Kee Color, it's operating hours are:

 Mon-Fri 8:00am-6:30pm, Sat 8:00am-2:00pm, Sun Off

Just head down to their shop and tell them that you want to take passport photos for your German visa; they will know the size and requirements. It's a little pricey tho, I paid $21 for 8 photos and a soft copy, so if you can find cheaper places outside, go ahead! (this is just for lazy and last minute people like me heh :-) ) The visa application is quite fast, basically they just check your documents and you have to leave your passport there for around 2 working days, in the event you need it back if you are going overseas. If not, you can just leave your passport there the whole way. 

*Remember to bring enough cash!!! I had to pay S$95 in cash, and I think it depends on the exchange rate so bring extra just in case!*

Documents needed for your visa (do check the requirements again! :-) )
1. 3x Visa forms (to be completed on your computer)
2. 3x passport copies
3. Passport
4. 2 Passport-sized photographs
5. 3x A-Level Cert/IB cert/Diploma cert photocopies (basically a cert which shows that you are qualified for university) + ORIGINAL COPY
6. 3x transcript (apparently unofficial one is fine :-) )
7. 3x Your school letter saying exchange is approved + ORIGINAL COPY
8. 3x German school exchange approval letter
9. 3x Blocked account stating there IS MONEY BLOCKED inside the account
   - For this, if you still haven't gotten the confirmation/blocked account, just tell then when you are applying for your visa. They will still accept the visa application but will wait till you provide them with the letter of confirmation before they start processing. 

   -You can either email the blocked account confirmation letter to them or bring it to them personally. (I emailed them LOL cause it was so far :-()
10. 3x Proof of Travel Insurance + ORIGINAL COPY

All these are tips I learnt and got from my seniors and friends who are going to Mannheim together for applying for a German Exchange Visa. I know it may seem overwhelming at first (I was really overwhelmed) and there might be cock-ups but press on and it'll all be worth it!! :-)

If you ever need any help you can always drop me a email ya :-) I'll be glad to help!! 

Luv, Tingz ♡


UPDATE: I'VE GOTTEN MY VISA! Applied on 1st Dec, received pre-approved email on 27th Dec, submitted my passport on 2nd Dec, got my visa on the same day. (although they said we were supposed to leave our passport for 3 working days LOL bruh plz)
time taken: 4 weeks +

TINGZ @ BINTAN 2D1N // Itinerary + Tips

Hello again! :-)

*UPDATE*

Vid is up!! :-))) sorry for the unstable vid ; i realised stabilization is useless sometimes :-(

Link HERE :-)

Have y'all always wanted to go on a short getaway and run away from all your problems just for a little while? Going to Bintan for a short trip was my D R E A M and this trip was supposed to be a 3D2N trip with Janey Waney (some of my closest JC friends), but due to some issues, I had to end my trip early. It sucked but I had to make enjoy my 2D1N to the fullest so here it goes!! :-)

TBH if you are looking for a cheap getaway, Bintan is NOT the place to go. Although it's only a 1h ferry away from Singapore, the food in the resorts and restaurants here are insanely expensive (for something that is from Indonesia, since it's mostly catered to Singaporeans).

T H E L I F E ♡

DAY 1

We took Bintan Resorts Ferry (link here) from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (SG) to Bandar Bentan Telani (BIN) at 5pm (rly sad that we had to go late cause of issues too :-( ). It's a short 1h ferry ride to Bintan and there's a small DFS shop at SG's ferry terminal so you can get alcohol and duty-free products there. (take note you can't get DFS when you are coming back since there is no outlet at the arrival side) Bintan's time is also 1h behind Singapore's, so effectively we gained an hour and reached Bintan at 5pm Bintan time. 

APPARENTLY, Mozaic Ferry Lines (the one that goes directly to Bintan Lagoon Resort) is still working although the website said 'they don't operate in December during the monsoon period'. So ya, do check first!

Back: Pris, Lars    Front: Me, Shihui

Shihui!

There's even a table here!

Shihui's dad had a friend working in Bintan so he drove us from the ferry terminal to Bintan Lagoon Resort, which took us around 15min. Checking into the resort was a breeze as there was no one and the service was wonderful. We stayed in a seaview deluxe room, and the view was amazing. (but it's not really the sea tbh, it's more of the interior of the resort)

View from our room

My name order is wrong HAHA

Restaurant Kampoeng Nelayan

Our tour guide drove us to a restaurant called Restaurant Kampoeng Nelayan outside the resort and everyone, please be prepared to bring loads of money. The food in Bintan is generally CRAZY EXPENSIVE unless you go to those hawker centres. You'll definitely spend less in Singapore (Bintan is mostly catered to tourists) but on average we spent around S$20+/meal. Food was alright but prices were a lil' cray for 4 LOL. 

Mango Chicken

Fried Rice (S) -- it was already enough for 4 of us girls

Hot Plate Tofu

Garlic Kang Kong

Total: ~S$24/pax

We then headed for the mama shop beside which sold really cheap beer, ~S$5. (apparently the beer in the resort is twice the price so if you want to drink, get it outside) The beer was really good (the Bintang one) and I really liked the lemon flavoured one. It tasted a little like lemon juice, with a teeny bit of alcohol in it. 

Since it was really late once we reached the hotel, we had a mini tour around the hotel and went to the resort's leisure centre to play billiard. The staff there was really nice, and he even gave us some tips and tricks ;-) We ended the night lounging around and chilling in the room and brought back many fond memories in JC :-)

DAY 2

Woke up really early for the buffet breakfast which was I N C R E D I B L E. There was a really huge variety and the food was actually good. Lars and Pris didn't join me and Shihui for breakfast cause there wasn't enough :-( and if you are thinking of paying for 1 breakfast, it's ~S$28. :-(

lounged around the resort after breakfast!

Trekking @ Mount Bintan (aka Gunung Bintan Adventure Trek) (~S$35)

Before going on the trekking tour, we actually tried googling more information about this trek, but nothing much showed up--apparently it wasn't really THAT popular. But either way we wanted to try something different so we just went ahead with the plan.

We headed out to trek at Mount Bintan and TBH once we reached the top, we nearly died (LOL). The trail was CRAZY steep and slippery since it rained an hour before. Our guide was really nice and made sure we were all safe. We took TONS of breaks, while climbing up, and it took us a total of 3h to climb up and down the mountain. At some point I really wished I could just roll down the mountain to get down asap HAHA. But we persevered and finally reached the top! Our guides were really nice and they actually carried bottles of water for us up till the summit and passed it to us there! :-) ♡

road back ♡

The summit was actually really tiny with not much of a view to boast, but personally, the act of being able to climb to the top was accomplishing enough :-) Climbing down was really ALOT easier, although we were more prone to falling as it was slippery and steep. There is also a tiny waterfall near the foot of the mountain when you are climbing down but we didn't enter cause we didn't bring a change of clothes :-(

OUR GUIDES!

cldn't fit myself in in time :-(

I climbed Mt. Batur in Bali, Indonesia previously and it was actually more tiring than climbing Mount Bintan, but Mt. Batur's temperature was lower so we did not feel the fatigue as much compared to climbing Mount Bintan.

Lars!

Bought an isotonic too cause we were DEHYDRATED :-(

Mount Bintan: 400m above sea level (SIZE OF A RUNNING TRACK)

Mt. Batur: 1717m above sea level

Here's some Mount Bintan trekking tips:

1. Wear comfortable walking shoes

    -It'll make or break your climb. Get a pair that has more friction/trekking boots so that it is easier to walk.

    -Your shoes will become REALLY gross and dirty, so make sure you are willing to let your shoes become muddy. (it can be washed off anyway)

2. Wear long pants

    -There's mosquitoes and insects there and although your pants do not provide full protection, it reduces your chances of getting bitten.

    -In the event you fall (that was us all the time), at least you have a little coverage on your skin.

3. Pack light

    -Unless you want to strain your back while climbing, I suggest packing light. Just a bottle of water, a camera/phone (to take photos) and tissues will suffice.

4. Bring water

   -Don't bring too big a bottle of water in case it is too heavy. You'll definitely need it due to the humidity and you'll be sweating buckets. It's really hot from the start to the end of the trek. Hydrate yourself! 

5. Don't wear glasses

   -HAHAHA just needed to put this in. I stupidly forgot to bring my contacts so I was stuck with glasses and it was T O R T U R O U S. My glasses kept sliding down my nose cause of my sweat, and it got really dirty cause of the mud everywhere. So if you wear contacts, JUST WEAR THEM.

6. Insect repellent

   -You'll probably definitely need it, unless your repellent repels certain insects and attracts others.

We headed back to the resort later for lunch and decided to eat at a restaurant in the resort since the prices were more or less the same :-( (and they were actually SG's restaurant/cafe price) Yes, you should be splurging and enjoying yourself while on a holiday but, the prices were just too overboard for budget people like us :-(

The Terrace

Settled down at The Terrace near the lobby which sold cafe-like food at cafe prices so we decided to give it a go. 

Terrace Menu -- 1

Terrace Menu -- 2

Got the Sriracha Fish Tacos: RP 185 000

It was quite good, or maybe cause I was hungry, but the guacamole could have been better :-)

2 Egg-cellent burgers, a bintan burrito, and a sriracha fish tacos!

The price was around cafe price and everything added up to around ~S$24 depending on what you ordered. There was also a darts place where you can play darts for free heh. We tried it for a while before heading down to the beach.

All them shag faces after trekking

Bintan Lagoon Resort's private beach

Maybe cause we came on a weekday, and it seemed like it was about to rain, but the beach was p r a c t i c a l l y empty. It was so calming to see such an empty beach, but all the water activities were closed as it was about to rain. :-(

We had a chat with some of the friendly staff there and apparently, you can surf in Bintan from December to April (monsoon season) ?!?! I never know that! I've always wanted to go Bali to surf since it was the nearest but the flight is actually quite expensive, so I guess Bintan can always be an option! :-)

Took some photos before moving on to the resort's pool to chill for a while :-)

The photos turned out really lovely so I'm really glad for them :-)))
Here are some heh (if not it would really be too much of a spam LOL)

us and those 2 being slobs on the chairs

We left early since it was starting to rain so we bathed and decided to go for our last dinner together before I have to leave :-( 

Miyako

Wanted to eat at Fiesta for their buffet dinner but it was ~S$38???!?! Even with the 'buy 2 get 1 free' offer was still not worth it. So we decided to go to Miyako, a Japanese restaurant right beside for cheaper ala-carte food. 

They folded it so nicely!

TBH, the food in Miyako was also quite pricey -- a normal set meal costs at least S$20+ and above. So the aunties in us decided to just get udon and cha soba :-( but they were actually good!!

Got the chawanmushi for ~S$5 

Cha Soba for ~S$12 

Really pricey right? Well we expected it since it's a resort and all. 

So, my 2D1N trip was a really short one but it ended on a good note which made me really happy. :-) If you are going to stay for a few more days, I'll definitely recommend the water sports offered by the beach, and do go for trekking! It's something out of the ordinary and the experience is really one of a kind :-)

Total expenses:

Bintan Lagoon Resort (booked from Expedia): S$635.76 (if you want the cheaper option, you can get the normal deluxe room which is equally good!) :-)

Food: ~S$75/pax (avg S$25 per meal) (Day 1 Dinner, Day 2 Lunch and Dinner)

Trekking: S$35/pax

Hope this helps with your planning for your next short getaway to Bintan! :-)

Luv, Tingz