3. Expat Experience in Germany

What this episode covers

Introduction The meeting begins with the hosts introducing themselves and welcoming the guest, Natalia, who is Colombian and has been living in Germany for five years. Natalia’s Background Natalia shares her background, including her education in Canada and her work in consulting, where she is a product owner for an IT team consulting a bank in Frankfurt. She discusses her initial experiences with the German work environment, emphasizing the necessity of speaking German. Cultural Clashes in Germany Natalia reflects on her cultural clashes while adapting to life in Germany, noting that despite living there for years, she still finds certain aspects amusing and challenging. The conversation touches on the idea that no one can be 100% identified with a single culture due to various influences. Learning German Natalia recounts her journey of learning German, starting with a few words while in Sweden and later taking courses in Germany. She describes her struggles and experiences in different language classes. She emphasizes the importance of immersion in the language and how working in a German-speaking environment helped her improve her German skills. Game: Cultural Clash Stories The hosts propose a game where each participant shares two stories about cultural clashes, one true and one false, for others to guess. Discussion on German Culture The group discusses the punctuality and planning culture in Germany, with mixed experiences shared about how strictly these traits are adhered to. They also talk about the differences in social interactions, such as how Germans may not mix work and personal life as easily as in other cultures. Positive Aspects of German Culture Natalia expresses appreciation for the honesty and transparency in German relationships, contrasting it with her experiences in Colombia. Conclusion The meeting wraps up with a discussion on the importance of understanding cultural differences and the value of open communication. The hosts invite listeners to share their own stories and experiences.

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