The Blog — Lab Rat Abroad

"Wait! I saw the flag on some cookies at the grocery store the other day! ...And on some peanut butter. ...And baked beans? Cake pops? What?" For anyone who's been in pretty much any German grocery store, you've probably seen products that had some stylized stars and stripes on them, and have been a bit confused. They won't say "American" on them (unless they're the type of dry chocolate chip cookies you might be used to buying a large package of back home), and won't be from a brand you recognize, but are instead by some company with a vaguely American sounding name. What's up?

Cooking and FoodStephen EnosApril 27, 2018Goceries, Grocery Shopping, American Products, Stereotypes, AmericanComment

How Should I Exchange Money In Germany?

When you're packing and planning for what to take on a trip or time studying in Germany, figuring out how to get U.S. dollars exchanged for Euros is just another hassle you'll have to sort out along the way. While most people end up opting for using a cash exchange at an airport or train station, there are other options available that might may more sense for you, based on how long your trip is.

Everyday Life in GermanyStephen EnosApril 26, 2018Money, Money Exchange, Cash, BankComment

The Difference Between German Apothecaries and American Pharmacies

What makes a pharmacy a pharmacy? That rather depends on whether you’re in Germany or the U.S.. In either country, the obvious answer is that a pharmacy will fill prescriptions and have other over the counter medications, but what would the average American say is missing from a German pharmacy (Apotheke ; Apothecary)?

Making Certified Copies In Germany

When you are registering or matriculating into a German university, one of the many paperwork requirements that you will have to fulfill is to provide certified copies of certain documents for the university's records. For those attending German university at a graduate level, this would include your bachelor's diploma and high school transcript, for those at the undergraduate level, this is your high school transcript alone. However, it's not sufficient in most cases to bring your documents to the student or registration office and have them make a copy for you, so what are you to do?

How ToStephen EnosApril 24, 2018Copies, Paperwork, Notarized, Certified Copies, Official CopiesComment

You Need To Specifically Register For German University Exams

When you register for a college or university course in the U.S., do you expect to have to register for the exam separately from registering for the course you're taking? Of course not! The registration for the course and the exam are one and the same. Depending on what and where you are studying in Germany, this is likely not to be the case however.

Studying in GermanyStephen EnosApril 23, 2018Exams, Language Exams, Registration, Course Registration, PrüfungComment

Help! I've Been Locked Out! ...Of Everywhere

As anyone who lives in a German apartment for any amount of time will tell you, eventually you'll step outside, the door will close behind you, and you'll realize that German front doors have the wonderful ability to lock themselves without turning a key or latch on the inside. And also question why their kitchen has an old-timey key in the door, for what appears to be no reason. What's going on here?

Everyday Life in GermanyStephen EnosApril 22, 2018Doors, Locks, Keys, HomeComment