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Max Mueller Bhavan | India

Dreamland Deutschland?

Dreamland Deutschland? is a unique storytelling project that captures the real-life experiences of South-Asian students navigating life in Germany. Through the lens of an international panel of talented graphic artists, these stories are brought to life in both online and print formats as a graphic novel anthology.

Call for Submissions: Dreamland Deutschland? © Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan | Pritish Bali & Anupam Arunachalam

Comics

  • By Abeer Kasiri

    Beer & Bread

    Can food tell a story? Bhoomika’s culinary journey through Germany, from the aroma of bakeries to the crispness of beer, is a flavorful tale of discovery.

    Beer & Bread © Abeer Kasiri © Abeer Kasiri

  • By Abeer Kasiri

    Sim Shopping

    A SIM card is simple, right? Not in a new country. Farhana’s story shows how even the smallest tasks can turn into emotional milestones in unfamiliar surroundings.

    Sim Experience © Abeer Kasiri © Abeer Kasiri

  • By Aisha Franz

    Paperwork

    Does moving to a new place feel like embarking on a grand adventure—or navigating an obstacle course? The endless paperwork might make it feel like the latter, doesn’t it?

    Paperwork © Aisha Franz © Aisha Franz

  • By Aisha Franz

    Ticket Machine

    What happens when the first thing you meet in a new country is a machine? This story explores how “lost in translation” can suddenly become real.

    Fahrkartenautomat © Aisha Franz © Aisha Franz

  • By Ayesha Tariq

    Hares, Tortoises & Dogs

    Is adapting to change a challenge for you? Bhagya’s story captures the relatable struggles and triumphs of adjusting to life as a South Asian student abroad.

    Bhagya © Ayesha Tariq © Ayesha Tariq

  • By Ayesha Tariq

    Rinse, Rise, Repeat

    How do you make sense of life in transition? A Bangladeshi student reflects on isolation, transformation, and the search for purpose in her poignant letter to ‘Dear Life.’

    Bhagya © Ayesha Tariq © Ayesha Tariq

  • By Bea Davies

    Total 1.0

    How do you make a foreign lifestyle your own? Anish has cracked the code, but his journey—from classrooms to house parties—was anything but easy.

    Total 1.0 1 © Bea Davies © Bea Davies

  • By Bea Davies

    Bus, Cash & Trash

    A new country means a new culture—and sometimes, a cultural shake-up. Harish’s adventures in Germany reflect the small lessons learned every day.

    Bus, Cash & Trash 1 © Bea Davies © Bea Davies

  • By Debasish Deb

    Different Seasons

    India and Germany couldn’t be more culturally different. From celebrations to weather—many things can be learned, but the seasons remain unpredictable.

    Satyam © Debasish Deb © Debasish Deb

  • By Debasish Deb

    Party Appointments

    In Germany, everything is planned—even parties. But don’t worry: Beer doesn’t follow that rule!

    Tapanta 1 © Debasish Deb © Debasish Deb

  • By Maren Amini

    Blocked Account

    What does it feel like to leave behind everything familiar? Blocked Account explores the loneliness of a new world and the small moments of connection that make it bearable.

    Blocked Account © Maren Amini © Maren Amini

  • By Maren Amini

    Aalen

    What does a fresh start feel like? Mithilesh’s journey from Mumbai to Aalen is an emotional blend of hope, adventure, and the challenge of adapting to entirely new worlds.

    Aalen © Maren Amini © Maren Amini

  • By Paul Paetzel

    Say Cheese!

    Cheese can be tricky! But beyond the small misunderstandings, life gets easier, the language friendlier—and the adventure even better.

    Say Cheese! © Paul Paetzel © Paul Paetzel

  • By Paul Paetzel

    On Your Feet

    Germany is colder, friendlier, and more surprising than Swaroop expected. But here, you walk more than you think.

    On Your Feet © Paul Paetzel © Paul Paetzel

  • By Satwik Gade

    Easter in Germany

    What happens when healthcare abroad doesn’t meet your expectations? Arunesh’s story uncovers the cultural contrasts between medical care in Germany and India.

    Easter in Germany 1 © Satwik Gade © Satwik Gade

  • By Satwik Gade

    The Inscrutable Germans

    Germans are like an open book—once you’ve learned to read it. But then, you become part of the story, and your Indian friends can’t read you anymore!

    The Inscrutable Germans 1 © Satwik Gade © Satwik Gade

  • By Shoili Kanungo

    Unlearning to Learn

    Satyam reflects on overcoming cultural differences, especially for women and professional diversity.

    Culture Shocks © Shoili Kanungo © Shoili Kanungo

  • By Shoili Kanungo

    German Snacks

    What happens when Indian mothers judge German snacks? Tapanta’s amusing story shows how culinary cultures collide—and new creations are born.

    German Snacks © Shoili Kanungo © Shoili Kanungo

  • By Tine Fetz

    Respect

    How often do you encounter respect in everyday life? In Germany, it’s everywhere—from crowded train stations to quiet supermarkets. But sometimes, it feels distant.

    Respect © Tine Fetz © Tine Fetz

  • By Tine Fetz

    The Spaceman

    Punctual trains, spotless streets, and an impressive work ethic. The “alien” lands in Germany, stands in line—and becomes an earthling.

    Living in Darmstadt © Tine Fetz © Tine Fetz

Video-Podcasts

Dreamland Deutschland continues exploring the question – what does living and working in Germany look like? – through the digital format of video podcasts. In conversations with fascinating guests, you’ll gain diverse insights and practical tips to help you prepare for your adventure in Germany.

With Viktoria Apitzsch

"It's worth it"

Hear from a diplomat with the German consular office about the procedures in place to smoothen your move to Germany, whether to work or study.

Doors wide open

  • With Dr. Katja Lasch

    "Get into rhythm"

    Discover academic pathways appropriate for you with the India Director of the world’s largest funding organization for the international exchange of students and researchers.

    Get into rhythm

  • With Dr. Alexandra Mittler

    "Find an answer"

    Learn about the importance of learning German, state-of-the-art teaching methods, highly qualified teachers, and the intensive advice and support systems provided by the Goethe-Institut worldwide.

    Find an answer

  • With Arjun CG

    “Quite a journey”

    A professional recruiter shares insights from years of helping aspirants move to Germany for study and work.

    „Eine spannende Reise“

  • With Prayrit Singh

    “A good move”

    A frank and unfiltered testimonial from an Indian student who recently moved to Germany to study.

    „Ein guter Schritt“

Artists

About the Project

The project serves a dual purpose: it offers prospective students from South Asia a practical and relatable insight into the challenges and triumphs of studying in Germany, aiding their integration process. Simultaneously, the German version of the anthology provides local readers with a deep understanding of the lives, hopes, and struggles of these foreign students, fostering empathy and cultural exchange.