For KAAD scholars, the period of their studies or doctorate in Germany is actually only a short period of their professional lives. In terms of cultural and academic challenges, however, it is one of the most intensive phases of life, as complex learning and experience processes are concentrated here. Students must quickly adapt to a social life that is just as foreign to them as the requirements of the German university system.
The moment they begin to settle in, it is time to prepare their professional career and reintegration in their home country, into which their diverse experiences in Germany must be incorporated. This process of reintegration is often associated with greater challenges than the initial phase in Germany.
To support our scholars in their reintegration in their home countries, our annual workshop ‘Return and Reintegration: Challenges for International Students’ took place at the end of November under the direction of our Secretary General Dr Nora Kalbarczyk.
In group work, the participants were first able to discuss the question of whether, how and when they would like to return to their home countries and what questions, problems and thoughts are on their minds. It became clear that there is a great need for dialogue and information on this topic – the exchange in small groups was therefore experienced as very valuable.
This was followed by a panel discussion with the three alumnae Dr Mekdem Tesfamichael Hassen (Ethiopia), Trinnah Marie Caracho (Philippines) and Patty Cabero Tapia (Bolivia), who spoke about their expectations before their return and their subsequent experiences.
The most important takeaways:
✏️ Be aware of your own expectations in advance – what do I want to achieve, what changes do I want to initiate, what contribution do I want to make? What am I satisfied with?
✏️ Maintain your networks (professional, private) in your home country during your time in Germany.
✏️ Maintain contacts with other KAAD alumni even after returning home.
✏️ Be patient and don't give up, even if it takes longer to develop your own field of work.
✏️ Do not fixate on a specific field of activity, but be open to different developments
✏️ Don't be too strict with yourself and don't compare yourself with others
✏️ Initiating change and bringing about change requires tenacity and perseverance.
✏️ A prerequisite for this perseverance: occasionally (or even regularly) taking time out to focus on your spiritual, mental and physical well-being.
In the next part, Dr Julia Boger, a speaker from the ‘Grenzenlos / Across Boundaries – Global Learning in Vocational Education” project of the World University Service e.V. (WUS), spoke about strategies for preparing for return, especially when looking for a job. She also emphasised that it is important to deal with the topic at an early stage and to investigate starting a career in the home country before returning. It is very important to build up good and stable networks in the home country and to maintain them during the stay in Germany.
The final session provided an opportunity to summarise the information received and answer any unanswered questions. The workshop offered a total of 25 current and former KAAD scholarship holders a space to discuss their experiences in Germany, their plans for the future and any fears they may have, and to make plans together.
