If you have never heard of Kegeln then you have not been in Germany for very long. The rules of this age-old German game are actually quite similar to the rules of American “Bowling”. The players bowl (roll) their Kugel (balls) down the lane and try to knock down as many Kegel (pins) as possible. Each player has 2 Kugeln (balls) for each try. If the player knocks down all the Kegel (pins) with the first Kugel, this is called a “9er” or “strike”. If a player does not knock down all Kegel with the first Kugel, he rolls the Kugel again. Depending on how many Kegel were knocked down, the player receives the scores accordingly but for the German Kegeln there are different scoring methods.

The 2 major differences between Kegeln and Bowling are:

1. Bowling consists of 10 pins, whereas Kegeln only consists of 9 Kegel (pins). Also the pins are arranged in a different order at the end of the lane.

2. The circumference (size around) of a bowling ball is 68.58 centimetres (27 inches), and the weights vary to meet the needs of different people. The weight usually ranges from 6.63 kilograms (8 pounds) up to 13.26 kilograms (16 pounds). The ball has three holes in it. Some balls have five. These are for the fingers and thumbs. The holes are different sizes as well to allow for different people.
The Kugel’s circumference is only 16.00 centimetres (7 inches). The weight varies between 2.5 kilograms (4.4 pounds) and 3.5 kilograms (6.6 pounds). The Kugel usually has no holes to act as grips but if there are exceptions the Kugel has 2 holes.

Christian from the US at his first try.

Explaining the rules.

Jorge from Spain, Sandra (Programs Advisor) and Toni from Italy.

	Toni from Italy and Bianca from Hungary.	Tanja from the US and Rob from Canada.
Jorge going for a strike.

For our Kegeln tournament we split up into 3 teams. Although it took some time for the students to get used to the Kugeln (especially the Americans who were accustomed to having holes in bowling balls) everyone did pretty well. Some of the students even managed to have a 9er or strike.

All of us had very sore muscles the next day but it was definitely worth it. We had a lot of fun!

I find that absolutely everything here is older than the country of Australia itself. Heidelberg is really pretty, so pristine and clean. My first impression was that houses are very big, many of them with 2 and 3 storeys and lots of them face directly onto the street. I've had great experiences in everything I've done. It is nice to see a different culture and the different ways that things are done in Germany.
David, Australia

Have you ever seen a postcard of a place and thought "No, it cannot possibly look like that?" Well, Heidelberg is NOT that type of place. If you were to compare it to a postcard, it looks EXACTLY like that! The streets are narrow and clean, the buildings colorful and the architecture superb! Heidelberg is like walking into a postcard in person!
Jorge, Spain

My first impression of Germany was that it was very cold. This morning the temperature was minus one degree-C, but unfortunately we haven't seen any snow yet. The old town of Heidelberg is just so interesting and fun to explore! Lots of wonderful architecture, nice shopping facilities, lively bars and restaurants - and of course the spectacular castle!
Lydia, S. Korea

There is nothing like a Friday night in the fall when it is not too hot to go out, nor is the town swarming with tourists, and it is perfect to spend an evening between Heumarkt and Fischmarkt. This is where the town is bustling and alive – this is the tradition of Untere Strasse. Historically Untere Strasse has been the pub and bar street for students, but now the alleys are lined with colorful flower tubs and there is something for everyone.

On a perfect fall evening students met up at the WLE Germany Office, which is located right off Untere Strasse and went out for dinner at one of the many restaurants located on Hauptstrasse.

Having Dinner at a nice little restaurant at Hauptsrasse

Great conversations always follow good food

Students enjoying the atmosphere

Getting ready to hit the crowds

Having a drink at the famous Palmbräugasse

Chatting at Palmbräugasse and trying the famous German beer

After the Palmbräugasse we continued to Kleiner Mohr. There are two bars, one is called Kleiner Mohr (Little Mohr) and the other one is the Grosser Mohr (Big Mohr). They are both very famous student bars and during the week they offer other activities for students such as quiz nights.

We visited several other bars along Untere Strasse and by the time everything was closing up we were all very tired and ready to head home. But we are sure that many of our students will come back to Untere Strasse for a Friday or Saturday night experience.

Name

How are you finding you studies?
The first week was very challenging but after I got into the swing of things and the jet-lag wore off, the classes became exciting and very engaging.

What do you think is the BEST thing about studying here?
The best thing is the city. It is the perfect size to have an enjoyable learning experience. There are so many things to do but it is not too overwhelming.

How do you find the relationship between students and teachers?
The teachers are very good about only speaking in German to the students. I knew this coming into the program, but hadn’t realized how challenging it would really be.

What is your accommodation like?
I am staying in the Student Residence. It is a great place to live for a few weeks, but if someone is going to be in Heidelberg for a number of months and/or wants complete immersion in the language and culture, I would recommend living with a host family.

What is the most interesting thing you have done or discovered in Heidelberg?
The concerts. I have attended a number of organ performances at the Heiliggeistkirche put on by Sacred Music students from the University. I also went to Mannheim to see a production of Wagner’s Parsifal.

What kind of tips on living and studying in Heidelberg can you give other potential students?
At first, the public transportation can be intimidating, as with any city, but the street car and bus system is extremely reliable and convenient. And go to the WLE Office! There are computers for students to use and the staff is very helpful and friendly!

Are there any really interesting shops, museums, cinemas, markets, restaurants, pubs, nightclubs that you have been to?
I had a great time going to various theatres on Hauptstraße. The Gloriette theatre frequently shows films in English with German subtitles which I really enjoyed.

Do you think you will come back to Heidelberg or another part of Germany?
I would like to come back to Heidelberg and also to Germany to visit some bigger cities such as Berlin and Munich.

Sandra Hofmann is one of our WLE international Programs Advisors and is originally from Heidelberg. She joined WLE in 2002 and helped to set up the Germany office together with Christina. Sandra is fluent in German and English and graduated with a degree in Foreign Language Business Correspondence specializing in English. Sandra was awarded a scholarship to study and work in Arizona/United States a few years ago and during that time she worked with Cruise America Inc.

Sandra has a strong background working in various Customer Relations positions and thus brings some excellent experience to the WLE office. Her current responsibilities include assisting and advising international students, marketing WLE programs to the German market, organizing and arranging social activities, translating WLE programs into German, and overseeing the financial side of the WLE Germany office.