Thoroughly enjoy my teacher, but after the first day of class I was confident I was placed in a class lower than my level. I have been studying with a private tutor for quite some time to prepare for this trip from the USA to Germany, and I came here with the intention to learn and *improve* the best I could, rather than simply review concepts that I already understand well... I get that already from my tutor. I tried to talk directly with the institute about it, and the guy helping me shared the workbooks for the next level so I could take a peek, and it was definitely a better fit for me, as I was familiar with many grammar topics in those books as well. The person was at first very helpful and went to ask the teacher that was in the next-level class about having me switch, and I overheard her quickly saying that they were too full and over capacity. So, unfortunately, I now remain in a class that I understand literally everything on already, which feels like a waste of money.. especially considering these courses aren't cheap, let alone flights to and from the USA. I am still trying to make the best of it, so I am utilizing the books that are in the level higher in the library outside of class time, but it just seems very disorganized (and.. shady?) that they can't accommodate a student (me), after realizing that the course I am in is not correct. I'm PAYING for this... as a customer... surely I should be able to have a decision in which course is most appropriate for me. This can't be the first time something like this has happened, and because of this, I would not recommend this institute for another person *if* they are going out of their way to travel from far to participate in it. If you live locally, perhaps it is worth it, because you could simply request to be moved to another time period when there is an opening in the more appropriate course. For me, this was a very specific 2 weeks that I carved out of my life to make this happen. read more

I don't want this turning into a rag-fest, so I'll try to keep things concise. Note: Ss=students Cons: Slow internet service and an older version of Windows no longer supported by Microsoft. Apropos internet: two separate connections, one for the Ss (WiFi) and one for the computer lab would be best. Ss' initial assessment with respect to gauging class level is faulty thus leading to, for ex., a C1er being placed in a B1.2 class and B1.1er being placed in a A1 class--the whole thing smacked of filling class rosters first, then sorting out which Ss needed to be moved to other classes second. In some cases this meant Ss losing 2 or 3 days of instruction due to incorrect initial placement. The library staff was friendly and helpful, but of different minds when approaching Ss' behavior which caused continual, confusing situations. Depending upon who was manning the help desk, one could expect to be told varying things regarding use of the copy machine. Among them were: one is allowed to make five copies only; one is allowed to make copies, but 'not fifty pages' worth'. This meant that some Ss copied massive amounts of text book data and some Ss were rather limited in their copying adventures, much to their chagrin. Maybe simply posting a note at the copy machine regarding appropriate usage would make things a bit clearer? The first day of instruction saw the woman who runs concessions, sans 'inside voice', railing against whomever may have taken her second dish trolley. Nothing says, 'Welcome!' like a foul-tempered employee. Pro-tip: just because we're language learners does not mean that we can't understand what you're going on about. BTW: she was a sour-puss the entire month I attended. The market directly next door, Alnatura, offers healthy fare served with a non-crap attitude, so I took to going there for lunch. Some folk whom I spoke with were displeased with their instruction. Specifically, their instructor seemed to focus an inordinate amount of time on Iran as subject matter. Nothing against Iran, they'd said, but they'd come to Germany, and, specifically, the Goethe Institut to learn about Germany and refine their language skills. Pros: An array of excursions offered around town and beyond. School centrally located. Knowledgeable teaching staff. Text books used are contemporary and engaging. Some folk whom I spoke with were very pleased with their instruction. My personal opinion re: classroom experience would be gladly shared through a PM, so shoot me a mail, if you're inclined on hearing it. read more

Goethe-Institut Munich - WM-Flair - Language Schools Near Me - Munich, BY

The teachers were amazing, I cannot say it enough. Unfortunately, my experience booking both classes and housing was a mess - so much so that I will not take classes through this institution again. My housing fell through, due to Goethe's mistake, just a few days before my flight to Germany. They were only willing to refund a small amount of what I had payed for the booking, and it took several email reminders and three months for the money to be refunded. Sadly, due to a sudden rise in COVID and increased travel restrictions, I had to return home early to be with family. I notified Goethe that I needed to cancel my future bookings, but again they were unwilling to refund the full amount. For months I could not locate the amount they were willing to refund, that they had promised me was successfully transfered to my account. I emailed back and forth with booking management and the accounting department over this period of time and was getting vague responses every week or so. I asked several times to schedule a phone call so we could resolve the issue more quickly, but no one even acknowledged my request. Communication back and forth was inexplicably delayed. I spoke with a few other students that were having issues with their bookings as well, and were struggling to communicate with management to resolve their issues. I will also note that there are fewer students taking courses at this time, presumably due to COVID. Despite this Goethe is trying to fill their classes as much as possible, and to do this appear to be placing students in incorrect course levels. On top of it all, their email responses were quite informal and even rude. They expect students to be understanding as they navigate COVID, yet they are not understanding of their students personal circumstances during these times. It seems they are trying to stay afloat and hold onto as much money as possible even when they are doing so inappropriately. read more

I am sorry to say, but last Wednesday, one week ago, I passed my B1 exam with the comment sehr gut. I should have got my certificate on that day but the Goethe Institut had problems with the printer. Now I wrote to the office and asked when I could expect the certificate. I now get an email from another office of the Goethe Institut and they are asking for details as if I had never done the exam, and I am a persona non gratis. You would think they had details on the computer in 2017. This is Germany? Hallo it seems like amateur hour. Very disappointed and upset. I need my certificate. Now it seems they have NI what is going on. Get it together Goethe Institute! read more

I m so disappointed with the course at Goethe... I just wasted my time and money.. There is lots of much better language schools in Munich!

I'm completing my 4th 2-week premium intensive course at Goethe Munich & I must say, I won't be back. In prior years, the institute was nearly in the heart of downtown, the resident housing modest but comfortable, and the teachers warm & helpful. This time however, the institute is in the middle of chaos: between moving & ending up in some wage fight with the state over not paying the teachers correctly. The level placement absolutely smacks of filling class rosters, as the prior poster noted from 2 years ago. Premium courses are 8-students or less, but they clearly try to pack each class, even if the student's level isn't quite right. Although the instruction itself is for the most part good, it's quite expensive. No longer in the City, one misses interacting with Germans during breaks & lunch, which is really the point of coming to Munich to learn German, no? Previously one could walk through the Marienplatz at lunch: now you're relegated to a very nondescript business district a 15-minute walk to the nearest train, with only crummy restaurant choices in the neighborhood and no nearby good German bakeries. It's nearly a crime: no good German bakeries near by. The student housing has been run into the ground, It is filthy, and many things are broken. At the institute itself, there is no wi-fi. Professionals from around the world take time out from work to learn German, but we cannot completely turn off our lives - if coffee shops can have wifi, it's pathetic that Goethe can't. For the preeminent language school in Germany, it's quite disappointing. read more

Classes are large with 16 being average class size. Not a lot of flexibility of class time you want. Not a lot of opportunities to talk in class. Positives: technically advanced with modern class structure, full library. read more