cordovt Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 My name is Trey and I'm in the army. I've been for a little over 9 years now and I'm in desperate need for something new. I graduated high school at the age of 17 and went straight into the service. Looking back I'm thinking, where did the time go? But that's beside the point. I tell you that little tidbit to say this; I'm scared out of my mind. Some people think, 'well you did 9 years, why not just do the wrest?' Anyone that has been in more than 4 years would understand that it's a new army, one that I'm not cut out for. I'm currently stationed in Germany and I really like it over here. I've had a steady girlfriend for a little over 2 years now and things are pretty good, minus my stress dealing with the Army. I've caught on pretty good with the conversational language and I get along well with the population, but I still have a major problem. I would like to go to school in Germany and finish my Bachelors in Computer Science, but Germany won't let me unless I take a test called TestDaf or DSG, or I get one of a number of certificates to prove my technical German comprehension. The post 9/11 GI Bill will cover my classes, tuition, books, and housing but I have to take a certain number of classes before they will honor it. Germany will not let me take any other classes in my degree field until I have completed one of those tests or obtained one of the certs. I could go to school at one of the schools on post, but that would require me to work a logistical supported job and I wouldn't be able to afford the commute between work and school. I really want to stay with my girlfriend but as the time winds down it seems less and less possible. Another big issue is if I stay in Germany to go to school and I end up failing I will have no choice but to leave because no language, no degree, no degree no job. On top of that the Army only gives me a certain amount of time so send my stuff back to the states. I've got my mother talking to me in one ear, my girlfriend in the other, and I still have to perform my duties in the Army. It's seriously driving me crazy. But back on the subject, I've recently signed a DCSS (Declination of Continued Service Statement) so even if I wanted to stay in the military know I couldn't. I'm looking for some sound advice, what would you do in my situation? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukeb Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 I would talk to some sort of an equivalent of a career councilor what they have in the army, sounds like the problems that you are having are sort of logistical and he/she may be able to come up with something you hadn't thought of that could work for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveSoDeep Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Have you looked into on-line schools? Many on-line schools have Computer Science degrees and your TA should pay for 100% of the tuition and in some cases books are included through grants from the schools because you are active duty.... then you wouldn't even have to touch your GI bill. I agree with lukeb. Go see your base ESO it's their job to help you get your education if you truly need to take those exams to study with a German University then they might be able to help you find resources for those Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quantumst8 Posted November 24, 2011 Share Posted November 24, 2011 Another big issue is if I stay in Germany to go to school and I end up failing I will have no choice but to leave because no language, no degree, no degree no job. Stay and don't fail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psych Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 I've caught on pretty good with the conversational language I would like to go to school in Germany and finish my Bachelors in Computer Science, but Germany won't let me unless I take a test called TestDaf or DSG, or I get one of a number of certificates to prove my technical German comprehension. Why don't you take the language comprehension test? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.