Schule in Deutschland verstehen (englische Sprachfassung)

17.3
Some children are already little professionals.
Many young people interpret for their parents or grandparents, who don’t
speak German, at government agency or doctor’s appointments, or act as
mediators of different cultures, such as between parents and the school.
Many are also very familiar with another country. Performing these activities,
they acquire intercultural skills like interpreting, flexibility, empathy, and
sociableness. They are not afraid of new things or being immersed in different
languages and cultures. They have experienced misunderstandings and
know how to cope with them.
17.4
Identifying strengths is not always easy for everyone, but
important for professional life.
There are children who have managed to struggle through from secondary
modern school (Hauptschule) on to junior grammar school (Realschule)
and from there get their Abitur (general certificate of education – ad -
vanced level). Even if their school marks/grades are not the best, these
young people have demonstrated perseverance, a willingness to learn, and
a sense of purpose which are important attributes for any profession.
Important note: Your child should be able talk about his
or her strengths and achievements in an interview (Bewerbungsgespräch).
In some cultures, it is not customary to
talk about one’s own accomplishments. This is viewed as
boasting. However, for applications it is very important
that accomplishments are specified.
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