You have a fascinating life story. I moved to Germany 24 years ago. My background situation was totally different from yours though. Since my mom lived in Germany before she settled down, got married and had me, I have had friends in Germany since I was a child. I also studied German in school, one of my majors in University was German, worked for a German company and went on numerous business trips to Germany, staying for up to 10 weeks at at a time. Like you, I wanted a change of pace, and I quit my job to do volunteer work for a year. I got a placement with an organization where you live with other volunteers, which had groups in five cities in Germany and two in Austria. My original intention was to take a placement in one of those seven cities, but during my interview, I was encouraged to be part of the first group in Sarajevo. This was shortly after the war. I asked for the weekend to think it over, then accepted. German was the language that our group spoke at home. We were two Germans, one Austrian, one Romanian and me, the American. I met my wife in Würzburg, we moved to Nürnberg 16 years ago, and I became a German citizen 10 years ago. We’re heading to Berlin today to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.
@robwilliams2410 Wow, it seems like you also have a fascinating life story! How I wish I would've spoken a bit of German before coming here, it would've made things a lot easier haha. Funnily enough, I had the option to take it at school but instead chose French and Spanish, I never thought I'd need to use German in my life! Glad you had the opposite experience and were immersed in it before moving here. 😅 How wonderful to hear that you're celebrating your 20th wedding anniversary. Heartfelt congratulations to you and your wife, I hope you have a wonderful time in Berlin. ❤ 🥰
@@hana.s.ali93 We definitely will have a great time in Berlin. We’re seeing Trevor Noah tomorrow, going to the Woodstock Variety show the next night and the Addams Family musical the night after. My wife is skeptical about that last item, but is indulging me. I actually started with French in school. My mother speaks fluent German after having lived and worked for three years in Stuttgart, but she didn’t want to influence my decision about which language to choose. In sixth grade we got a two week introduction each of German, French and Spanish. All my prejudices came into play in making my decision. I had an eye for the French teacher. Like many Americans, I was skeptical about the actual possibility of being able to master another language. Then my mom thought it would be fun to take a skiing trip to Austria. Then not knowing the difference between Austria and Australia, I skeptically asked if they would have snow in February. It was during that trip that we met my mom’s German friends, and I have remained friends with some of their children ever since.
I'm 26 and moving from London to Berlin in October and I'm so excited! I'm also extremely terrified because I don't know the language or anyone there either...
Omg wow, welcome to the city!! Are you coming here with a job already lined up? That helps a lot, but there are also lots of other ways you can get to know people. And don't worry, you can do a lot with English here! Let me know if you need any recommendations for anything, I'd be happy to help 😊❤️
@@hana.s.ali93 Thank you ❤️ Yes, I work a fully remote job and my company has a base in Germany so thankfully I’m able to transfer over. I don’t know if I’d be brave enough to make the leap without a job lined up!
@@youknowhowthisis ah great! Yeah same I don't think I'd have the courage to go without a job ready! 😅 Hopefully your co-workers here are helpful and welcoming just like mine were, but if ever you need recommendations or advice on something then please feel free to reach out to me. :) You can send me a direct message on Insta or TikTok!
I'm 29, married and lived my whole life in London. It sounds like an amazing experience but I fear I've missed the boat on being able to move countries and leave all the comfort behind.
I totally get that as you get older it can feel like the opportunity feels less and less accessible, but there is truly no such thing as missed the boat! I have many friends who are older than 30 and are married with/without kids and have moved several times to new countries. Many of my current friends are in the process of moving as well. Some people’s situations make it more difficult to move (for example, you may not have a job you can do remotely, or you can’t get a visa easily, or you may have other things holding you back). But with the right planning, most people can find a way to live abroad. Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying it’s easy to do, but if it’s something you wanna do and you have the means, then there’s usually always a way! So don’t give up on the dream just yet. 😁
I was 29 when I moved to Germany and already had my first post Graduation job behind me. On the other hand, didn’t meet my future wife until I moved to Germany.
Well, at 36 I moved from Berlin to London, with a new job at a startup company, without any friends, family and without knowing the city (except for a holiday trip with my parents when I was a kid). London was a great time in my life, and I would probably still be living there if the company hadn't started to make some real money. At this point, my bosses thought: "Paying taxes is bullshit, let's move to Switzerland." So, I ended up here, but I will probably be moving back to Berlin later this year, for personal reasons.
Wow! It seems like the exact opposite of my journey. 😅 I'd love to know, how did you find London to be versus Berlin? Did you prefer London or did you always hope to go back home to Berlin?
I forgot to add: When I was younger, I also spent a year in Argentina, and as far as language learning is concerned, I can only recommend the "immersive approach": Unless it's absolutely necessary, say, for work or when dealing with people who don't speak German at all, use only German, consume only German media (and internet) and take regular classes (once or twice a week is enough), and in six months, less if you already have a base, you'll be totally fluent. It's tough at the beginning, also for the people around you, but in a matter of weeks, you are going to see the dramatic effects. I promise!
@@mina_en_suiza thank you for the advice! 🙏 It definitely is very painful for the people around and for me, but you're totally right. Total immersion is the most effective way.
@@hana.s.ali93 The opposite journey is, what I found so funny about your video. I reckon, the cities are pretty different, so I find it quite hard to say, which one is objectively better. I stayed for only four years, and I left reluctantly (following the job), so I didn't really go to a disenchantment period, but home is home, even though London and the friends, I made there, gained a big place in my heart, and will always have. At the time, I was planning to stay and not move back. Still, right now, as I'm getting older, I think, I'd rather go for the less stressful place, which is definitely Berlin. Also, for children (if you're planning or considering to have), I think, it's the better place. London, on the other hand, is definitely bigger, far more diverse and exciting. I would also consider it to be a place with far more business opportunities, despite the shit show of Brexit.
@mina_en_suiza very well said, I agree that Berlin is better for a slower pace and probably for raising children as well (if I choose to in the future). But London has its perks too...I guess we are both very lucky to have experienced living in two great cities. I'll forever be thankful for this no matter which one I end up in! 😊
Hey! I’m moving to Berlin in September! I’ve previously lived in Madrid so have experience living abroad! What advice would you give to someone moving to Berlin?
Hey!! Gosh there's so much to cover haha! Berlin is a super English friendly city BUT when it comes to official things and bureaucracy it can really help to know someone who speaks fluent German who can help you with some communications. Unless you already know German yourself. 😅
C1 is tough. Important for you would be B2. I can understand the Germans. Me as a German I hate it if somebody can't speak any German after living 2 years in Germany.
Haba help me please!! I am a Colombian MD moving to the Netherlands after having completad my FY1 but I feel unhappy in this career path and I know I would be a better fit in med tech, but getting into the market has been so hard
Oh noooo I'm so sorry you're in this position, I know exactly how it feels. 😞 Med tech is really great, I loved working for health tech startups, but yes I totally get how hard it is to break into the field. I was super lucky to find a way in. What exactly is making it hard for you to break into this field, and what do you feel you need help with the most? Not sure if I have all the answers but maybe I can provide some info that may be useful to you!
@@hana.s.ali93 Thank you for even replying. I am confused about how to enter the market itself, I feel I am required to have something other than my medical degree and my short clinical experience, but I am not sure. Would you advise me to maybe study something extra or would it be possible to find a job in the field we the knowledge I have now?
@@pinkdlipstick I think it's definitely possible to find a job in the med tech sector with the experience you have now, the question is just -what would you actually like to do? The job roles vary so greatly! I think the best way to find out what you might enjoy is just by getting stuck in somehow. A good place to start is just by scrolling through open job positions on LinkedIn or Indeed, and reading what the requirements are for the role (keep in mind that even if you don't meet ALL requirements, you still could be a good fit for the role). Any even better approach is to see if there's any way for you to gain actual exposure in a med tech company, for example - can you do freelance work for a startup? Something like that can help you dip your toe in the field then take it from there! There's obviously so much more to this whole topic but I do hope that helps a little bit! 😅
Our South Asian parents push their children to become doctors or engineers for social status. Canada is the most welcoming country in the world, no matter where you from. .
Yes, unfortunately for many people this is the case. I am lucky that my parents never really "pushed" me, but I definitely felt pressure from our culture and society as a whole!
Because I moved before Brexit and have a British Passport, I didn’t need to apply for a visa. I was given 10 year residency after Brexit, but now anyone who moves does need to apply for a visa. They’ve recently made it easier for people to move there with something called an “opportunity card” that allows you to live there for 1 year to find a job, and no German language skills needed. Check it out if you’re interested!
I don't understand you. Being a doctor is the best thing which somebody can choose. I'd be happy if I could've studied medicine but this subject I won't be able to study.
Have any of you ever wanted to move to a different country or have moved to a different country? Would love to hear your stories 🥰
Currently binging your videos! So inspired by your career path
Thanks Christina! :) That means a lot!
You have a fascinating life story.
I moved to Germany 24 years ago. My background situation was totally different from yours though. Since my mom lived in Germany before she settled down, got married and had me, I have had friends in Germany since I was a child. I also studied German in school, one of my majors in University was German, worked for a German company and went on numerous business trips to Germany, staying for up to 10 weeks at at a time. Like you, I wanted a change of pace, and I quit my job to do volunteer work for a year. I got a placement with an organization where you live with other volunteers, which had groups in five cities in Germany and two in Austria. My original intention was to take a placement in one of those seven cities, but during my interview, I was encouraged to be part of the first group in Sarajevo. This was shortly after the war. I asked for the weekend to think it over, then accepted. German was the language that our group spoke at home. We were two Germans, one Austrian, one Romanian and me, the American.
I met my wife in Würzburg, we moved to Nürnberg 16 years ago, and I became a German citizen 10 years ago. We’re heading to Berlin today to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.
@robwilliams2410 Wow, it seems like you also have a fascinating life story! How I wish I would've spoken a bit of German before coming here, it would've made things a lot easier haha. Funnily enough, I had the option to take it at school but instead chose French and Spanish, I never thought I'd need to use German in my life! Glad you had the opposite experience and were immersed in it before moving here. 😅
How wonderful to hear that you're celebrating your 20th wedding anniversary. Heartfelt congratulations to you and your wife, I hope you have a wonderful time in Berlin. ❤ 🥰
@@hana.s.ali93
We definitely will have a great time in Berlin. We’re seeing Trevor Noah tomorrow, going to the Woodstock Variety show the next night and the Addams Family musical the night after. My wife is skeptical about that last item, but is indulging me.
I actually started with French in school. My mother speaks fluent German after having lived and worked for three years in Stuttgart, but she didn’t want to influence my decision about which language to choose. In sixth grade we got a two week introduction each of German, French and Spanish. All my prejudices came into play in making my decision. I had an eye for the French teacher. Like many Americans, I was skeptical about the actual possibility of being able to master another language.
Then my mom thought it would be fun to take a skiing trip to Austria. Then not knowing the difference between Austria and Australia, I skeptically asked if they would have snow in February.
It was during that trip that we met my mom’s German friends, and I have remained friends with some of their children ever since.
I'm 26 and moving from London to Berlin in October and I'm so excited! I'm also extremely terrified because I don't know the language or anyone there either...
Omg wow, welcome to the city!! Are you coming here with a job already lined up? That helps a lot, but there are also lots of other ways you can get to know people. And don't worry, you can do a lot with English here! Let me know if you need any recommendations for anything, I'd be happy to help 😊❤️
@@hana.s.ali93 Thank you ❤️ Yes, I work a fully remote job and my company has a base in Germany so thankfully I’m able to transfer over. I don’t know if I’d be brave enough to make the leap without a job lined up!
@@youknowhowthisis ah great! Yeah same I don't think I'd have the courage to go without a job ready! 😅 Hopefully your co-workers here are helpful and welcoming just like mine were, but if ever you need recommendations or advice on something then please feel free to reach out to me. :) You can send me a direct message on Insta or TikTok!
@@hana.s.ali93 I think I’ll definitely take you up on that! Thank you 😊
I'm 29, married and lived my whole life in London. It sounds like an amazing experience but I fear I've missed the boat on being able to move countries and leave all the comfort behind.
I totally get that as you get older it can feel like the opportunity feels less and less accessible, but there is truly no such thing as missed the boat!
I have many friends who are older than 30 and are married with/without kids and have moved several times to new countries. Many of my current friends are in the process of moving as well. Some people’s situations make it more difficult to move (for example, you may not have a job you can do remotely, or you can’t get a visa easily, or you may have other things holding you back). But with the right planning, most people can find a way to live abroad.
Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying it’s easy to do, but if it’s something you wanna do and you have the means, then there’s usually always a way! So don’t give up on the dream just yet. 😁
When I was travelling I met a couple who were travelling for a year with their 3 boys ages 13, 9 and 7.
@@duniaali7715 wow that's cool. People who really want to do something usually find a way! 😅
I was 29 when I moved to Germany and already had my first post Graduation job behind me. On the other hand, didn’t meet my future wife until I moved to Germany.
Well, at 36 I moved from Berlin to London, with a new job at a startup company, without any friends, family and without knowing the city (except for a holiday trip with my parents when I was a kid).
London was a great time in my life, and I would probably still be living there if the company hadn't started to make some real money. At this point, my bosses thought: "Paying taxes is bullshit, let's move to Switzerland."
So, I ended up here, but I will probably be moving back to Berlin later this year, for personal reasons.
Wow! It seems like the exact opposite of my journey. 😅 I'd love to know, how did you find London to be versus Berlin? Did you prefer London or did you always hope to go back home to Berlin?
I forgot to add: When I was younger, I also spent a year in Argentina, and as far as language learning is concerned, I can only recommend the "immersive approach": Unless it's absolutely necessary, say, for work or when dealing with people who don't speak German at all, use only German, consume only German media (and internet) and take regular classes (once or twice a week is enough), and in six months, less if you already have a base, you'll be totally fluent. It's tough at the beginning, also for the people around you, but in a matter of weeks, you are going to see the dramatic effects. I promise!
@@mina_en_suiza thank you for the advice! 🙏 It definitely is very painful for the people around and for me, but you're totally right. Total immersion is the most effective way.
@@hana.s.ali93 The opposite journey is, what I found so funny about your video. I reckon, the cities are pretty different, so I find it quite hard to say, which one is objectively better. I stayed for only four years, and I left reluctantly (following the job), so I didn't really go to a disenchantment period, but home is home, even though London and the friends, I made there, gained a big place in my heart, and will always have. At the time, I was planning to stay and not move back.
Still, right now, as I'm getting older, I think, I'd rather go for the less stressful place, which is definitely Berlin. Also, for children (if you're planning or considering to have), I think, it's the better place.
London, on the other hand, is definitely bigger, far more diverse and exciting. I would also consider it to be a place with far more business opportunities, despite the shit show of Brexit.
@mina_en_suiza very well said, I agree that Berlin is better for a slower pace and probably for raising children as well (if I choose to in the future). But London has its perks too...I guess we are both very lucky to have experienced living in two great cities. I'll forever be thankful for this no matter which one I end up in! 😊
Subscribed!
Thank you!! Welcome 😁
Welcome to Germany Hana 🙏 keep up your good work
Thank you so much ☺️
Hey! I’m moving to Berlin in September! I’ve previously lived in Madrid so have experience living abroad! What advice would you give to someone moving to Berlin?
Hey!! Gosh there's so much to cover haha! Berlin is a super English friendly city BUT when it comes to official things and bureaucracy it can really help to know someone who speaks fluent German who can help you with some communications. Unless you already know German yourself. 😅
C1 is tough. Important for you would be B2. I can understand the Germans. Me as a German I hate it if somebody can't speak any German after living 2 years in Germany.
Ok thank you so much for your valuable contribution. 🙂
Love the "tschüss" at the end😂
Hahaha I have to shout it out for the Germans!
Allo, Allo in Berlin 😀
@bjolie78 Hi 😁👋
Haba help me please!! I am a Colombian MD moving to the Netherlands after having completad my FY1 but I feel unhappy in this career path and I know I would be a better fit in med tech, but getting into the market has been so hard
Oh noooo I'm so sorry you're in this position, I know exactly how it feels. 😞 Med tech is really great, I loved working for health tech startups, but yes I totally get how hard it is to break into the field. I was super lucky to find a way in. What exactly is making it hard for you to break into this field, and what do you feel you need help with the most? Not sure if I have all the answers but maybe I can provide some info that may be useful to you!
@@hana.s.ali93 Thank you for even replying. I am confused about how to enter the market itself, I feel I am required to have something other than my medical degree and my short clinical experience, but I am not sure. Would you advise me to maybe study something extra or would it be possible to find a job in the field we the knowledge I have now?
@@pinkdlipstick I think it's definitely possible to find a job in the med tech sector with the experience you have now, the question is just -what would you actually like to do? The job roles vary so greatly! I think the best way to find out what you might enjoy is just by getting stuck in somehow. A good place to start is just by scrolling through open job positions on LinkedIn or Indeed, and reading what the requirements are for the role (keep in mind that even if you don't meet ALL requirements, you still could be a good fit for the role). Any even better approach is to see if there's any way for you to gain actual exposure in a med tech company, for example - can you do freelance work for a startup? Something like that can help you dip your toe in the field then take it from there! There's obviously so much more to this whole topic but I do hope that helps a little bit! 😅
Our South Asian parents push their children to become doctors or engineers for social status.
Canada is the most welcoming country in the world, no matter where you from.
.
Yes, unfortunately for many people this is the case. I am lucky that my parents never really "pushed" me, but I definitely felt pressure from our culture and society as a whole!
did you have to get a visa? if so was it an easy or difficult process?
Because I moved before Brexit and have a British Passport, I didn’t need to apply for a visa. I was given 10 year residency after Brexit, but now anyone who moves does need to apply for a visa. They’ve recently made it easier for people to move there with something called an “opportunity card” that allows you to live there for 1 year to find a job, and no German language skills needed. Check it out if you’re interested!
I don't understand you. Being a doctor is the best thing which somebody can choose. I'd be happy if I could've studied medicine but this subject I won't be able to study.