Speaking German

2 and a half months in now...I would say my german has improved from a 1.5 to a 1.9. Depending on the ILR (FSI) proficiency scale: http://www.sil.org/lingualinks/languagelearning/mangngyrlngglrnngprgrm/TheILRFSIProficiencyScale.htm I would say in general when GJU students first arrive in Germany we are at level 1.5 (done with German V/B2). I think it is physically impossible to become a level 4 in only one-year's time here but I think it may be possible to reach a good level 3! BUT...you must put effort from your side EVERY SINGLE DAY!

My personal advice:

1. Have some sort of regular German channel on the radio, tv show, or songs playing as regular as possible.

2. Invest in children's books to help you get in touch with the fundamental social lingo. (I recently received "The little Prince" from a German friend and it is a very easy read and makes me giggle! I feel silly pulling it out on the U-bahn and reading but people you are sitting next to will forget you once you step of the U-bahn! :P)

3. Create a list of terms you think you will need related to your major and memorize them so you have some kind of idea what the professor is talking about in class for a starter! 

4. Speak German to the Erasmus students you meet! It is very comfortable to speak with other Erasmus students because we are all on the same level of German! Once you start out in English, it is very hard to switch back to German!

5. If your Uni offers programs of pairing you up with another student to practice german with and them english with you for example, then do so! 

6. Mingle with germans at parties, outings, dinners etc. and ask them about phrases and words you doubt and have trouble with. Also tell them to teach you local phrases!

7. Hang posters, flyers, random words, signs, lyrics on your wall in german so you see it everyday!
9. Take the German courses they offer at uni! Even if your too lazy to..push yourself and you will feel better and most confident. I take C1 now on Wednesday at 18:15-20:45...its a crappy time, but I feel much better every time class finishes!

8. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY....Review what you learned at the end of each day (even if it was just 2 words...repeat them as many times as you can to hammer them in your memory :P)