hing and research achievements. Schools are thought to all have the same value. Many fear that reform in this area will cause a drop in the quality of these institutions (Germany: A Country Study, 237).
             The programs of study at most schools are not very organized. They consist of four semesters of basic studies (Grundstudium) and then a suggested length of four semesters of main studies (Haupstudium) with areas of concentration. In law, the suggested length of study is 3.5 years. This suggested time is part of one major problem in German Higher education. Many students do not make it out in the suggested time. This is because they are able to fulfill all their requirements at their own pace. Also 20% of students change their specialization at some time which prolongs their studies. The average length of study is about seven years. The area of teaching in lower grades is the only program that can be completed in less then four years (Germany: A Country Study, 237).
             Prolonged studies may also be linked to the housing problem that many students face in Germany. There are no dorms at German universities as in the United States. Only 23% of university students and 34% of Fachhochschulen students are able to live at home with their parents. There are residence halls that are administered by Student Welfare Service (or Studentenwerk), which is part of the federally subsidized German Student Welfare Service. Churches and other non-profit organizations usually operate them (Germany: A Country Study, 237). Although tuition at facilities of higher education is free, rooms at the residence halls are not. Students are required to pay a fee for the Studentenwerk organization along with health and accident insurance (Lingens, 46).
             The housing problem is more prevalent in the west where only 10% of students can stay in residence halls compared to the east where 60% are able to stay in the halls. Many students room with each other in nearby ...