“Even changing neighbourhoods in your hometown at the age of 38 is a difficult task!” says expat partner Mahbod Mobaraki, a construction engineer from Iran.
Newfound freedom
“Of course, relocating with my family to Düsseldorf, Germany from Iran posed some challenges. But we were enthusiastic about moving to a safe and peaceful society. One of the biggest advantages for us is the freedom that we now have,” says Mahbod. “Secondly, Germany has a stable economy with relatively low inflation. In this situation, I feel like anything is possible with planning.”
Overcoming differences
Still, Mahbod has had to adjust to cultural (and climatic) changes since moving to Düsseldorf. “Yes, for starters, we had to get used to the lack of sun! On a cultural level, sometimes it’s challenging, and confusing, when you have to start over in a new country. You feel unsure of yourself doing simple things. You worry about making mistakes. When you do something wrong, you feel embarrassed. But, over time, what was once completely new, becomes normal.”
Questions and concerns
“When we moved, I wondered: Will I be able to find work? Will I be able to speak German fluently? How long will it all take? But looking at it more positively, communicating with people from other countries and different cultures is always exciting. In Germany, there will be many opportunities for me when I speak the language well. I am studying German at the Volkshochschule and I try to practise every day, when I am shopping or making an appointment of some kind. However, many people in Düsseldorf understand and speak English, which makes things easier. Still, my goal is to speak German fluently.”
Finding childcare
“In Iran, you can easily find kindergartens (they are all privately owned) but in Germany it’s much harder. We contacted about 20 kindergartens near our house and my wife’s office, but none of them were registering new children. Finally, with the help of my wife’s company, we registered our daughter at one of the company’s kindergartens,” says Mahbod. “My daughter’s kindergarten has very good teachers. They teach the children poetry, which makes them enjoy and learn the language. We were very concerned about our daughter’s adjustment at first, but now we realise that our worries were unnecessary. She already uses German words that we don’t understand! I will try my best to catch up!”
Photo: Mahbod with wife and daughter
