"Germany needs people like me"

The shortage of skilled workers in the care sector is significant – and people like Victor Santiago from Brazil are part of the solution. His journey to nursing training in Germany began through the Goethe-Institut’s project “Training Partnerships with Schools in Latin America”, conducted in cooperation with the German Federal Employment Agency. As part of the “Fit for the German Job Market” project, Victor was able to learn German up to level A2 free of charge at the Goethe-Institut. He also benefited from the advisory services offered by the project “Pre-Integration and Transition Management – Ensuring a Successful Migration Process” Thanks to financial support from his employer, he was able to continue improving his German skills until he ultimately began his training at the University Hospital in Bonn. Everyday life in a foreign country can look very different for each individual. In the interview, Victor shares his experiences of arriving in Germany, his first encounter with snow, his newfound love for sparkling water – and the feeling of truly being needed.

By Emrike Knoche

When did the idea first come to you to go to Germany and start nursing training?

Victor: I’ve always dreamed of living in another country. Then a teacher told me about the APAL project, which gives you the opportunity to train as a nurse in Germany. I signed up right away and just two months later, I was accepted.

Did you have any stereotypes in mind about Germany beforehand?

Yes, many people say that Germans are unfriendly or distant and that the weather is always bad. But I had completely different experiences: people are friendly and helpful – and the weather isn’t that bad! Spring is beautiful, and this summer was really hot. Nothing I had heard before turned out to be true.

Was there something you particularly liked during your time in Germany so far?

There’s no snow in Brazil – and this year I saw snow for the first time! I also love that Germany is so centrally located in Europe. I’ve already been to France, Luxembourg, and Austria.

What helped you most in preparing for life in Germany?

My teacher at school, who once lived in Germany herself, gave me a lot of tips. I also watched a lot of TikTok videos – people share what life in Germany is like. I participated in online workshops with the Goethe-Institut’s welcome coaches and took an eight-month German course in Brazil – A1 to A2 through the FIMA project and up to B1 with support from my current employer, UKB.

How did you experience the support from the Goethe-Institut? What was particularly helpful?

The workshops were very informative. For example, I learned how to open a bank account and get a SIM card. Still, it wasn’t easy when I first arrived in Germany – even buying a SIM card was complicated at the beginning. Luckily, I have a contact person in Bonn who supports us on-site.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

I spent a month in a nursing home in Bonn – it was nice, but I like the hospital even more. My day starts very early: I get up at 4 a.m. and take the bus. At 6:30, the shift handover begins. Then I help wash patients and clean the ward. I also assist with serving food and personal hygiene.

Did you feel welcome here?

Yes, definitely. I haven’t had any unfriendly experiences so far. At the nursing home, people often told me they were happy I was there – and that Germany needs people like me.

Is there something typically German you’ve adopted by now?

Yes, I now love sparkling water! And waste separation – I get a bit annoyed when someone doesn’t sort their trash properly. I also go hiking more often and enjoy nature – something I didn’t do much in Brazil.

What advice would you give to someone who also wants to come to Germany?

Be brave! Try to integrate German into your daily life as much as possible. It’s also important to learn about the training and work culture in Germany in advance. You need to become independent, set goals, and be open to change. It also helps to find a community from your home country. I came here with five Brazilian friends – we support each other and have a lot of fun together. That makes life easier.