Just got a letter from the Berlin School of Economics and Law about our upcoming orientation schedule this september and this tidbit caught my eye:

For students of universities in Berlin who have registered their accomodation in Berlin after 19 March 2002, and have previously had a primary residence in another state or country are entitled to receive €100,- as “welcome money”.

Imagine an American city paying all new students $100 just for showing up! Makes this Yankee shake his head in disbelief.