International students benefit Germany, even in economic terms. Some 45 per cent are still living in Germany 10 years after obtaining their degree certificate. A recent study conducted by the reveals that each cohort of international students contributes far more in the long-term to public sector revenues than the state has invested in it. In light of the , our policy makers, businesses and higher education institutions have intensified their efforts to attract international professionals, facilitate for international students and provide better support to both groups with their integration. Four Germany alumni from different regions of the world, and of different age groups and fields of expertise, recount their experience of the German welcome culture and provide useful tips.
How did you cope with your first weeks in Germany and what were the greatest challenges?
Deryengul Galimbyek: Everything was excitingly different – the language, climate, food, everyday life. While cows were still being milked by hand in Mongolia, the milking machine on the farm where I completed my pre-study work placement managed 150 cows in two hours. I lived with this farming family for three years, which was incredibly helpful in relation to my integration. Even though I already spoke a little German, I was initially afraid of making mistakes. I enjoyed conversing with the four children in the family and learned a lot from that.
Lawrence Wakdet: I’ll never forget landing in Frankfurt: I spent ages wandering around the airport and then boarded the wrong train. But I did eventually arrive in Mannheim. I immediately noticed something positive: rather than honk their horns, car drivers waited patiently until pedestrians had crossed the road – a total contrast to Nigeria. My second was that Germans pay separately in restaurants.
Dolly Ahuja: Everything was perfectly organised: I was met at the airport and driven to my residence, then later someone helped me to open an account at the bank. I never learned German, and we spoke English in the office and in general, I got by with just a few words. Darmstadt is wonderfully green, well tended and clean – I was really impressed by the care taken with public property. I found German food to be a bit strange: there is meat in almost every dish, even in potato salad! I had though got out of the habit of eating purely vegetarian food before I left.
Antonia Sikotakopoulou: I went to Koblenz at the beginning of 2019 and initially worked in the service sector, outside my field of expertise. I wasn’t sure at that time whether I would be awarded a scholarship for my master’s degree course in Germany. My employer didn’t assist with my integration and I felt a bit lonely. Fortunately, I did receive the scholarship. There was a lot of bureaucracy associated with my move and the switch from employee to student status. I found this difficult to manage without any support.
What helped you with finding friends and your integration in Germany?
Deryengul Galimbyek: Making friends wasn’t all that easy at first. What I found especially helpful were the events for international students where I also met some Germans who were open and curious. I also took part in a run by the university, which resulted in a lovely friendship with my German tandem partner. I volunteered at a childcare facility and in neighbourhood projects during my free time. That was great fun, and it also gave me a feeling of belonging.
Lawrence Wakdet: I made good friends at the intensive German course in Mannheim and during my studies in Heidelberg. Some lecturers invited the international students to their homes, I even celebrated Christmas with one of them. Among others, I got to know a very nice German family from my church congregation. We went to museums and concerts together, and enjoyed excursions.
Dolly Ahuja: I made friends with the German students with whom I shared the apartment. The manager in the IT department ensured that I also made private connections. We all went to the together, for example, and some colleagues invited me to their homes.
Antonia Sikotakopoulou: It was easy to get to know people during the welcome week at Clausthal University of Technology (TU Claustal). I was impressed by the huge range of activities on offer that weren’t available at my Greek university: language courses, networking events, sports programmes, etc. Among other things, I became involved in a professional society for engineering students. I’d already established a small network when the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 meant we were only able to study online.
How have you developed personally in Germany?
Deryengul Galimbyek: My time in Germany has shaped me not only professionally, but also as a person. I’ve become more courageous, independent and responsible because I had to deal with many things on my own. Getting to know people from different cultures has made me more open and tolerant. Germany has shown me what is possible if you grasp your opportunities. As a lecturer, I’m now attempting to build bridges between our countries.
Lawrence Wakdet: I’ve learned a lot about . I see punctuality, striving for technical perfection and a culture of respect for others as being . That’s what I’ve taken with me.
Dolly Ahuja: My colleagues worked with a lot of energy. If there was a problem, they dealt with it immediately and didn’t procrastinate. They even got really absorbed in their hobbies! I learned in Germany that you have to work hard to realise your dreams.
Antonia Sikotakopoulou: My experiences as an employee and student have helped me to become more structured. I now even make precise plans for my holidays. The importance of and have also become clear to me. It was hard at first having to struggle through on my own. But I nevertheless achieved my goals, which has boosted my self-confidence.
‘The German language is the key to everything’
What tips do you have for planning a stay in Germany?
Lawrence Wakdet: My tip is to go to a smaller city rather than a big one, because there it’s often easier to get to know people. Anyone who is religious can join a congregation. A sports club or other hobbies can also help with socialising.
Dolly Ahuja: You should be well informed in advance – not only from books or the internet, but also via interaction with people who’ve already gained experience in Germany.
Antonia Sikotakopoulou: It’s really important to enquire at an early stage about offers from universities, municipal authorities or associations that can help with integration, which is something I didn’t do. You can use social media or alumni networks to find answers to many questions from people who’re already in Germany. I’m involved with the and have for instance already provided tips on how to write a motivation letter for an or how to enhance your network.
What could facilitate integration in Germany for international students?
Deryengul Galimbyek: Orientation and support programmes at higher education institutions are very important, especially at the beginning. It would also be great if higher education institutions would offer more study-related German courses with an everyday focus. More leisure activities or tandem programmes could also promote conversation. Germans themselves can also contribute a lot to integration: there’d be more understanding and openness in everyday life if German lecturers and students were better prepared for cultural differences.
Lawrence Wakdet: International students should be allowed to work more alongside their studies. Some of them have dependants to support in their countries of origin. And a part-time job can also promote integration.
Antonia Sikotakopoulou: The higher education institutions should better advertise their wide range of services. I often only discover interesting events by chance. Prospective students from abroad would find it really helpful if the HEI websites contained answers to standard questions – not only regarding studies, but also everyday life in Germany. This information should be clearly organised and easy to find. Many HEI websites are unfortunately rather confusing.