Reflecting on 20 Years in Deutschland: A Personal Tribute

Today, the 05. March 2023, marks the completion of 20 years of my life in Germany. As I reflect back on the past two decades, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for my time in Germany. I am grateful for the memories and experiences I have gained here, and I look forward to cherishing them for many years.

It still feels unbelievable, as I never wanted to stay more than 2 years here. Nevertheless, it has been a fantastic journey and I will pen down the main reasons why I came, how Germany solved the issues in my life, the things that still fascinate me, something I would miss if I left and finally the unusual and unique experiences, which I got to enjoy.

Why did I come to Germany?

My choice to do a "Bachelor in Computer Applications", which was introduced just a year before my admission, proved to be a costly decision. As the course was new, it came with a modern syllabus that was supposed to provide skilled people to the software industry. However, this 3-year BCA degree clashed with a 4-year B.Tech degree on a political level and the whole future of the BCA students was put at stake. I decided to search for a Master's degree with the primary requirement being that it should be a reputed course and university. I had the urge to study in a non-English speaking country, worked hard to secure a place at Fachhochschule Furtwangen and landed in Germany. It had substantial criteria to be selected, one of which was to complete the B1 level in German. So, I was actually fluent in German, by the time I landed in Germany. My fluency in German helped me settle down quickly.

Germany's comforting points:

Coming from India, I could only dream about a country where admissions into colleges happen only on the sole basis of merit. It was also tedious to think about a thousand ways just to communicate a certain point to a different person, in a way not to hurt them. Any deviation from this social norm was considered evil and a lack of proper manners.

Merit-based admissions:

It was a sigh of relief, that admissions into universities were based on merit alone. It was very frustrating back at home, where this was not the case. In Germany, any success or failure was directly dependent on our talent and hard work. This gave me peace of mind and I could focus solely on education and the required skillsets for the market.

No sweet white lies:

I appreciate this so much. Conversation in daily life is so easy. I don't have to think 1000 times about "how to tell" anymore. This is such a relief. No need for lies either. No begging either. Straightforward, simple and diplomatic talks. It's just made for people like me! Efficient and time-saving! This absolutely doesn't mean disrespecting people or abusing them. There is a hell of a difference between "being blunt to the point" and "being disrespectful".

Things that still fascinate me:

Geographical Proximity:

Germany, being in the middle of Europe, provides a geographical advantage, especially to travel around and visit places. The world's best highways just make it even easier to reach places. In the last 20 years, I have visited as many places as possible and I truly utilized this advantage.

Autobahns:

Driving on german national highways, also called Autobahns is such a surreal experience. The roads are truly built for speed. With no official speed limit in many sections of the Autobahn network, we can travel at high speeds and experience a sense of freedom and exhilaration that is hard to find on other roads. I enjoy driving on them as much as I enjoy eating spicy food.

Unusual and unique Experiences:

Hospitality:

After completing 1st Semester, I got an internship at Schufa. I had to move to Wiesbaden and I didn't know anyone there. My classmate Eva came to the rescue and insisted that I should stay with her and she would help me out, till I get into my own apartment. It took about 2 to 3 days to sign the contract at the office, visit a house and sign the rental agreement. She, along with her boyfriend Tilo took care of me wonderfully. When we went out, Tilo never let me pay for any of the food. It was unusual, as it felt like home, outside the home. Eva stayed in South Africa earlier and hence, she knew the difficulties an outsider would face. I am really grateful to both Eva and Tilo.

After 2nd Semester, I got an opportunity to do my Thesis in Walsrode. The HR couldn't find accommodation by the time I arrived. Hence I stayed back in Hannover for the night. The next day, HR informed me that they were able to find an apartment. There was a retired couple, Mr and Mrs Westphall who had an apartment free, which they wanted to rent out. They both came to the railway station to receive me. It was a hospitality shock for me. I asked for a rental contract and they both said, "it isn't necessary". I was nervous, as I wanted to go to Bürgerbüro the next day and register myself. The conversation at Bürgerbüro was so unbelievable.

Bürgerbüro: Welcome to Walsrode. When did you arrive here?

Me: Thank you, I came yesterday evening.

Bürgerbüro: Where do you stay?

Me: I stay at Mrs Westphall's house.

Bürgerbüro: Oh! Mrs Westphall? How is she doing?

Me (in shock): She is doing well.

Bürgerbüro: Tell her our regards. You can leave now.

Me: I don't have any rental agreement with me. Is it fine?

Bürgerbüro: No, not necessary. If you mess up, we will know. You can leave now!

Me: Thank you!

I experienced paperless Germany, which literally doesn't exist.

Mrs Westphall was a wonderful woman. She used to pack lunch for me every day. Even if I was a little bit late to reach home, I would get a call to know if everything was fine. She took me on a day trip around. She arranged household help for me. She was worried that I was single and was asking her husband to take me to a Disco nearby. It was truly a grandma's house. I felt blessed.

Unfortunately, both the women, who gave me this incredible hospitality experience are not there anymore. I hope this blog works as a small token of tribute to them as well!

HP Interview:

The interview at EDS, which was bought by HP later on, is a story all by itself. I was living in Dublin when I had the first call from HR on phone. While asking for details about me, she asked me whether I could speak German. I said, "yes, I can speak German fluently". She replied that none of the Indians, she interviewed to date could speak German and she started doubting my ability. This was insulting. I had an argument with her for about 45 min, about why she shouldn't speak like that and how it felt like an insult to me. After the call ended, I was surprised to see an interview call for the 2nd round. Apparently, she was impressed with my courage.

For the 2nd round of the interview, they were OK to do it on phone, but I insisted to meet them in person. Finally, they agreed but they could only arrange it in Antwerp, Belgium. The position was actually for the branch in Utrecht, Netherlands, but my interview was arranged at the Antwerp railway station.

After both rounds were complete, they informed me that I was selected. I inquired about the location of work and the response was a shocker as well. "We all think you are more suitable to work in Germany. Would you mind moving to Germany?" I said, "Yes, but can I choose the city where I would like to work?" The answer was "yes" and that's how I landed in Düsseldorf. So, for a position in the Netherlands, had an interview in Belgium and got placed in Germany.

After 7 years at HP, it was time to move on and now am at PORSCHE, the heart and soul of sports cars.

There have been innumerable wonderful & weird experiences, which deserve their own blog. It was a really tough choice to pickup which ones to write in this blog.

Reflecting on the past 20 years of my life in Germany, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the countless experiences that have shaped me and the wonderful life I have built here. From the challenges and triumphs of my student days to the joys of raising a family in this beautiful country, I am humbled by the many blessings that have come my way. Germany will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to the many adventures that still lie ahead. There is never a chance of conflict with India in this regard, as India is the Motherland and Germany loves to play the Vaterland!

I am immensely proud of my parents and family, who stood with me and encouraged me in every single decision of my life. They trusted my instincts and judging abilities right from the beginning. This worked as a pillar of support, as I could move forward in life without relying on societal acceptance for every little thing.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my experiences and have gained a new perspective on life in Germany.!

See you soon!