1 year in Schleswig-Holstein: Experience of our American colleague Stefan Wiebe
Stefan moved to nothern Germany from Boston, USA, a year ago and started working at the Welcome Center Schleswig-Holstein. In this interview, we asked him about his experience of moving abroad, his first year in Kiel, cultural differences and what advice he can give to other newcomers and employers.
Welcome Center SH: What motivated you to move to Germany?
Stefan Wiebe: I've always wanted to move and live in another part of the world, having lived in the U.S. for most of my life growing up. However, the decision to move to Germany - specifically Kiel - was made when I met my girlfriend while living in Boston and then decided to move here to live together. While beforehand, specifically moving to Germany perhaps wouldn’t have been my first choice due to the language barrier, the idea of a new adventure made the move very appealing.
Welcome Center SH: How would you describe your first year in northern Germany?
Stefan Wiebe: My first year was a mix of excitement and adjustment. I always enjoy getting used to a new city, country, and now even a new continent. The proximity to other European countries was a huge bonus; for example, I never imagined the possibility of a weekend trip to Denmark, but here we are. I can just go up on a train for a couple of hours and be on the other side of the border. That said, the language barrier was tough. My German is still basic, and it’s hard to follow fast-paced conversations. Despite that, most locals were friendly and willing to switch to English when needed. However, I’m actively learning German through online courses and in-person classes, and I’m aiming for a B1 certificate soon. Juggling tasks in two languages is a work in progress, but with modern translatioan tools it’s definitely manageable. It’s all about practice and gradually improving.
Welcome Center SH: What cultural differences did you notice in everyday life between the USA and Germany? Was there anything in particular that you had to get used to?
Stefan Wiebe: People are different everywhere, even in the U.S., so I didn’t notice any huge cultural differences. However, there were some practical things I had to adjust to, like stores closing on Sundays and supermarkets having earlier hours. For example, I’m used to the possibility of 24/7 shopping back home, so sometimes I’ve needed to do a little more planning ahead. The food culture stood out, especially the German love for very good bread and hearty breakfasts – something I’ve now come to really appreciate.
"To be able to email my future colleagues and have their assistance was very much appreciated, and it helped put my mind at ease through the whole process." Stefan Wiebe
Welcome Center SH: What about work culture? How is it compare to the U.S.?
Stefan Wiebe: One of the biggest differences is how employee-friendly Germany is. Things like generous vacation time and unrestricted sick leave are unheard of in most U.S. jobs. In the U.S., 10, maybe 15 vacation days could be typical, while in Germany, it’s standard to have 25-32 days each year. The flexible working hours also impressed me. In Germany, for some office positions, you can start earlier or later as long as the total hours add up. That kind of flexibility is rare back home. While workplaces in Germany can seem more formal and structured in terms of communication, these differences are usually small and I’m sure vary greatly company to company.
Welcome Center SH: What support from your employer helped you get started?
Stefan Wiebe: A big support was going through the bureaucracy itself, but also answering all my questions as the process of visa application went through. To be able to email my future colleagues and have their assistance was very much appreciated, and it helped put my mind at ease through the whole process. Friendly and approachable coworkers also made the transition easier, especially when I wasn’t fluent in German yet. In addition, while I was lucky enough to have a place to live lined up, I would suggest to employers who are hiring internationally to try to help that process of securing housing.
Welcome Center SH: What advice would you give to others thinking about moving to Schleswig-Holstein?
Stefan Wiebe: Preparation is key. The housing market can be competitive, so it’s important to secure a place before you arrive. The weather is something to consider as well – summers are great with long daylight hours, and then winters are rainy and dark; luckily there are Christmas markets, or you can join a sports club and go to indoor training during the colder months, Germany is known for its big sports culture.
The welcoming community, several worker benefits, and the chance to explore a new culture have made the move for me worthwhile.
The interview was conducted by Anastasia Bogdanova.