Sociocultural adaptation and its triggers among international students in the context of Germany

I: That's cool. So, why did you choose Germany for your studies?

A: My situation was that: as a high school student, I did an exchange to Rostock, Germany, for 10 months, where I was fully an exchange student, I had lived in a Host family, I was going to a German school, and doing so I crated a very good network of friends and support as well as a very good understanding of the German language and culture, and later when in the university here along, it was a second part of the scholarship which let me go to the university there. So financially I was covered, and with the language I was covered, and with the support system that I had I would be also covered. So I thought, like, it'd be a win-win situation.

I: So that's a perfect scenario, so to say.

A: Yeah.

I: So, when was the first time when you came to Germany?

A: Erm... August... No, September 2013. And there as a 16-year-old exchange student.

I: How did you feel there? Being just 16 years old and going already alone to another continent?

A: Erm, very naive, of course, cause when you're so young, you have no expectations besides what you read or what Facebook tells you or your friends will tell you or history books will tell you. So I had very naive assumptions of how Germany and the German people and the German culture would be. As best as I tried to prepare, I wasn't preparing. I did things that were culturally inappropriate, but that I wasn't aware of. For example, I know this, it doesn't take too much time, but I was taking the metro to school one morning, and in America it is perfectly acceptable to speak to whoever you feel like, you know. You can speak to the woman across the bus, or when you're in the train, metro, you'll see people talking to each other. And of course no one wants to do it, but it's not the worst thing if you strike a conversation.

So I asked some children “Hi, my name is Angie, I'm new here, do you mind speak with me so I can practice German?” And these were like school children, like, 7 years old, and some kind of a stranger is speaking to us, she's foreign? She's gonna do something! And then they just ran away. And I remember like that was so rude, I didn't understand why they did that. But later on I was telling this story to my host mum and she mentioned “We don't do that in Germany. You don't speak to people on the train if you don't know them. It's very, like, impolite”.

So yeah, there were a lot of cultural misunderstandings I ran into. But I mean I was lucky that I had a chance to brush them off and learn from them, maybe when you're older, you'd be fine, that I was like a personal friend or maybe they would understand, so, you`ll be like, so different from how I grew up.

I: I see. Do you remember any other like culturally awkward situations from Germany?

A: Yeah. I remember trying to find a bus. In America I lived in a suburb military area, so, everyone drove everywhere. And in Germany I had to take bikes and I had to ride the metro system, and that was really new for me. And the buses were so confusing. They all had like, you know, bus 162, but most of the buses were like 1-digit buses and I'm like where the hell this bus is going to? And yeah, and the fact that bus and metro line was the same one every time. For sure transportation was hard... erm... the school system was hard, so they had like two 50-minute breaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, it made no sense for me. Yeah, the culture they had at school. They were always together. In America you switch off between. Every class is a different group of people, and in Germany it's the same group for the whole year, for every single class. So yeah, there're a lot, a few things. The supermarket was very weird for me.

I: Why so?

A: Just like, again was like in America, it's very awesome, you can find someone asking for help or helping each other, in Germany you're just like in and out. Erm, even the registerer usually speaks to the woman “How's your day? How're you?” Yes I'm planning to cook some cookies for my daughter.” What is on sale? Do you have any big sales? Do your have any ideas?” And you're talking while you're packing away. In Germany you don't talk. You just do your job, and then you pay, and then you go. It's very like efficient.

I: Do you consider it good or bad? Or just like something neutral, just different?

A: So yeah, for example, I've learned that it's never good or bad, it's just different. For sure.

I: I see. Erm, try to remember now your first days in Germany, when you came as a high school student. If that's possible.

A: Yeah.

I: What were some of challenges you faced just at first days, or maybe something that scared you even?

A: Erm, the biggest challenges were like the language, of course. Erm, there were also tiny things, like the window that didn't open the way I expecting it to open, doors didn't open the way I was expecting them to. You have to like pull them down completely or pull them up completely, that was weird. They can, like [gesticulates to imitate the way the windows in Germany open]. You don't have to open the door like this [imitates the way the doors open], you can do like that. That was so weird for me.

I: Really?

A: Erm, language wise, yeah, language was very different from English. I mean I know that there are some similar words. But the structure, I was like. I remember learning this, you know, I remember figure out how to make this word. And I kept mixing up with French that I've been studying before. So, it was just so tricky.

I: So basically, the language was the most striking challenge for you.

A: Yes.

I: Yeah. Let's proceed to the next question. How did you cope with this language barrier and some other challenges that you had? Maybe you had like friends who helped you or you did it all by yourself?

A: Erm, for me, I coped the language barrier by speaking to friends. So I had a language class that I went to in the afternoons, but I really did my best to speak totally in German as best I could. Or not even, like, simple phrases, like, this one kid and I, I would go and I would be like “ Hi, Malte! Wie geht's dir?” And he would be like “Mir geht's gut. Wie geht's dir?” and I would be like “Mir geht's auch gut!” “Gut!” And like that very simple 3-second, 5-second conversations every day made me feel very good, cause I was like, I can say hello to someone”. And he was totally fine. Also kids were so sweet. They would bring me children's books that they used to have so I could study them. So everything was like geometry or geography or, I don't know, physics class. I'd be reading Donald Duck in the background trying to understand like the books. So, the kids, my schoolmates were very very helpful.

I: That's good. Erm, so, how well generally, how would you evaluate your level of adaptation in Germany? Did you manage to fully adapt to the culture, or you still see some things that are really weird to you and that you cannot accept?

A: Erm, I mean, I feel like I've accepted most of the things about German culture. There were things like opening the windows to get good Luft, you know, how they do that every time. German people, all the people whom I ever met were like “ There's bad quality air in here. We need to like freshen up the air.” Every 15-20 minutes. But that whole idea I find really true and that I really missed out. I can myself tell that a room it's very stuffy in here, and I'm like “Oh, there should be a window open. The air is bad here. It's not good for you”. Erm, I feel like I've generally assimilated pretty well in German culture. And I miss it already. Yeah.

I: Are you going to move one day to Germany? Or like come more often for visits?

A: Personally, no. I'll definitely come to visit. And I would love to visit Germany. And it's possible that I could have an internship or a job in Germany for a short period of time, but I don't wanna live in Germany full time.

I: Why so?

A: Just for personal reasons. I experienced a lot of, erm, discrimination, due to being a different-looking person in Germany. I experienced it in various parts of the country for various reasons. Just stereotyping, type casting even. My biggest issue was people would see me and they would be like “Where are you from?” And I would be like “From the United States”. And they say “No! Where are you really from?” And that was always such an insult for me that I had to prove that I was American. There was an incident when I went to what was it, Wasen. You know, Karls organizes like a bus in there.

I: Yeah, near Stuttgart, yeah?

A: Yeah. I remember you were there. I was very tipsy. Yes, I was really tipsy. But I was doing this thing, I was hanging out with the Karls people, and then I was like going to different tables, and like the common hall. And like most of the tables I was like “Hey, can I join you guys? I'm like from America, and I really like to experience the German tradition”. And they would be like “Yeah”. And I was like with old people, I was like with middle aged couples, I was with like a young middle school or teenage couple or like group. And there was this “color” sort of group. And I asked, and at first they were like “Of course, it's fine”. And so I was dancing with them on the table. And then this girl was staring at me and she was like “No. You need to leave. You can't be here. I don't want you here”. And then I heard her say to her family like “I don't want, like this girl”. She said like a very offensive German word about me. “I don't want her here.” This was the first time I have ever heard that word used, especially towards me, but towards anyone. And so I left. That really shocked me, and I still think about it a lot. It's just like, people stare at you on the train or in the supermarket. I don't know. Just because of the way that I look. I mean, it's really offensive. And this I experienced only in Germany. So it was like that, and it was me. That was my experience.

I: Well, that's really surprising to hear. I didn't know that anything like that could happen like in Europe generally.

A: Yeah, I didn't think so either. I really didn't. I had, you know, very good... and I know one or two or three cases. It's not all Germany. There are very few people with very small minds.

I: As far as I can understand, you prefer more to stay in your culture, even when you're in Germany. Or you like strive to plunge yourself as much as possible in the German culture. Not only the language, but generally like the culture, customs, etc.

A: No, you're totally right. I have a tendency as a person, I, like, it's so weird. As a person, I don't like to embrace the culture of the country that I'm in, until I'm not there anymore. So when I was in Germany, I did my best to stay American. I did Thanksgiving, or Karlsgiving that was Alisha who started my year, my year as a freshmen. And then we continued, and then Matti took it up after us. Erm, 4th of July I would still celebrate, I spoke English all the time. Some people didn't even know I spoke German until I did. And then they were like “Oh, but your accent is so good! You speak such good German!” I'm like “Yeah, well”. So weird, I don't know. I was very much more as a person, I was assimilated into German culture, but I did my best not to forget where I came from.

I: So kinda like a balance between your home culture and German one.

A: For sure.

I: And the last question for you. What would you recommend to other exchange or full-time students who are coming to Germany?

A: Erm, just keep an open mind, and if the first person who's going to help, the second person will be. Erm, you know, keep your head up. Languages and everything, you know, there's also body language, there's also like facial recognition. If you have a difficulty expressing yourself orally, you use it as a means. You know, in Germany, it's beautiful and appreciate it, and it's such a great country with amazing people. Culture is one of a kind. Food is amazing. So don't give up on it. Yeah. That's it.

I: Thank you so much, Angie, for the time and energy you spent on my interview. Believe me, that would be really really helpful for my research.

A: Okay. Of course!

Interview with Anya (duration: 21:52)

I: Hey Anya, how is it going today?

A: Hey, I'm good. Thank you.

I: So you are originally from Russia, right?

A: Yes that's right. From Saint-Petersburg.

I: But now you're studying in Germany?

A: Correct, I am studying in Germany for the last two years.

I: And how do you like it?

A: It's okay. Of course I like it better than the high school where I went to. There are of course some issues with the studies and me living in Germany. But I got used to it and now I can live in Germany.

I: An why did you decide to study in Germany?

A: Initially it was the plan of my family, that I should study in Europe. And because my parents had connections to Germany via work I went to a boarding school in Germany at 14 year, almost 5 years ago, then I heard that I could get a scholarship for the boarding school, and that was when it was decided.

I: When was the first time you came to Germany?

A: For permanent living it was September 2015.

I: So there was not a long history before?

A: No. I couldn't speak the German language whatsoever, though I had German language classes in school - I visited before Germany but basically I didn't know anything about German people and customs.

I: So how was your first impression of Germany?

A: Boarding school was a shock - when I came there to pass exams - it was considered to be elite, very expensive - so you imagine that people are motivated and part of the elite. But many kids didn't care about anything as their future was already secure - so they didn't care much. I had a major mental breakdown because of the people I met there, and also the study program was intense. I was feeling so down that I even considered moving back home in 12th grade - my experience in the boarding school can not however be seen as an objective representation of the German education system.

My parents supported me in this time, and told me that Germany has more to offer than this boarding school. Because I invested so much in Germany - both financially and energetically, I decided to try a German university - with an escape plan in the back of my head. My German was at the time at the B2 level - therefore I had to go to an English taught program. My current university is also not representative, as it is a private university. As I am living in a flat, I have the control over my life and more freedoms than in the boarding school - and therefore I like my German experience better. However I have still some issues with the mentality of Germans - but it is not comparable to my horrible time in boarding school.

I: you also said that you are facing challenges with the German mentality?

A: It's really basic sometimes: I went to some dates with Germans and what I noticed is that they were lacking the qualities of gentlemen - they were not asking how I am feeling. That is different from how Russian men treat their women. But of course there is this “equality thing” - but when it comes to relationships it doesn't work out like that. Family, friendships - how you behave in a team - their working ethics, talking behind my back - that's not how it should work.

I: Do you think these are cultural or individual problems?

A: Of course it varies from person to person - but there are some observable patterns of what is accepted and what is not. Many internationals have similar experiences and share my observations of behavioral patterns - especially Eastern Europeans and Russians with whom I talked to share my concerns.

I: Considering your experiences how would you evaluate your adaptation level?

A: I will not accept ideas that are in violation with my values and the way I was brought up - I very much appreciate the fact that I was raised in Russia. I am also ethnically Ukrainian. I try to not show my disagreement with the German values that much anymore. Telling myself to shut up in such situations. Maybe I'm out of here in a couple of years - until then I try to stay out of conflict.

I: Are you still completely following your native culture or did you adapt some habits from your new culture?

A: I think I took some parts of the European culture and German culture - sometimes maybe even unconsciously. Of course I still identify myself as Russian-Ukrainian. It's a natural process that you can't fully control.

I: How often do you communicate with friends and family in Russia?

A: With my family, especially my mum, everyday. With friends it depends on the occasion - but at least several times a month. I also visit Russia at least half a year. With my Ukrainian friends the situation is a bit different as many of my friends left to European countries such as Poland, Hungary etc. In Ukraine they can't find a good job therefore they are fleeing.

I: Do they support you?

A: I'm the only one of my friends who really lives abroad - so I cannot get any advice from them. Emotionally though they support me a lot. My parents supported me especially in the bad high school times - they always give me good advice.

I: What are you going to do after your bachelor is finished?

A: I'm going to South Korea for half a year -as an exchange student- then I will come back to finish my bachelor. The plan is to finish my master also in Germany - to get a working permit - so there is this window to Europe. I want to stay as long as is needed to secure these possibilities. Is Germany really the culture I want to live in my whole life? That is very questionable. Maybe I need to go to other places to have more options to compare. But for the next three years I will stay in Germany.

I: The last question: Could you give some recommendations for foreign students who are going to study in Germany?

A: You need to find a middle ground between being too critical and too positive. Keep your expectations low - there are good people there but also nasty people. Life in Germany might not be much easier than in Russia. Be realistic and inform yourself by talking to people who lived in Germany already.

I: Thank you very much for your answers.

Interview with Liam (duration: 11:26)

I: Hi, how are you doing?

L: I am doing well. Thank you. How are you?

I: I'm fine as well. So, where you from?

L: I'm from Norway. I live in Trondheim, which is pretty mid-Norway, I guess, yeah.

I: I see. And what do you study, or what did you study?

L: In Germany?

I: No, in Norway. Like, generally, what was your major at the University?

L: I studied culture project management for 3 years. And now I'm just working as a chef in a restaurant.

I: And I know that you went on an exchange program in Germany last year. Why did you choose exactly Germany for your exchange program?

L: I like Germany. My family is also part German. So I thought maybe going back to my roots would be cool. They also had a good study program that was very similar to the ones that I studied home, here in Norway. So, and also my teacher at that point, he was also teaching in Karlshochschule sometimes so he recommended me going there. So I did.

I: Yeah, that was a good reason to go. So when was the first time when you went to Germany, I mean, when was... when did you arrive to Germany for your exchange?

L: I think about 4 days before we were starting the program. So I use those couple of days just to look around see the surroundings and get to know the streets a little bit, so I could find my way to the school and the nearest shops, and stuff like that.

I: So basically that was August 2017, right?

L: Yes.

I: Could you please remember your first days in Germany? Like, those 4 days that you used to adapt in the city. How was it? Was there anything that surprised you or maybe even scared you?

L: No, not really, the culture in Germany is not too similar, but it's somewhat similar to the culture in Norway. Also the language is pretty similar in some ways. So speaking to them, like, before I've learned a little bit more, was okay, they... we understood each other somewhat. It was a little bit terrifying going to the food shops, like, the grocery stores.

I: Why?

L: Cause I didn't know some of the words so I didn't know what was what, but I could see some things that I recognized so going to the grocery stores in the first few days was like a bit like a try and failure. And the trying out a little bit different foods and see if they work together. That was interesting.

I: Was the language a challenge for you? I mean, did you understand, could you understand German when you came to Germany, or was it a completely new language for you?

L: I understood some, but sometimes they speak very fast and, like, have dialects. That was a big problem. Cause then I just nodded and smiled sometimes. But usually I could make out so I want what they said, unless I engaged in, like, serious conversation with them that I didn't understand much of. But, like, greeting people, asking for how much it costs, and stuff like that - that was fine. And maybe like ordering drinks or food was okay as well. But nothing more complicated than that... that I couldn't do.

I: So basically that wasn't a big of a challenge for you.

L: Not really. And I also lived with the two Germans in my flat that I rented and they all spoke English to me. So that was good.

I: What kinds of other challenges did you have all throughout your exchange program?

L: Ok, I'm a little bit of a shy person, so getting to know other people, like, other Germans or exchange students was a bit terrifying. I'm not generally the one that's very social at first. When I get to know a person, I can't shut up. But in the beginning, I was very shy that's, like, reaching out to anyone in particular, just sitting to myself, but luckily people talked to me. That was good. So yeah, I think also that was one of my biggest challenges - trying to get to know other people.

I: So social interactions, yeah, basically?

L: Yes. Well, that's more because because I'm shy.

I: Not the cultural difference, you mean.

L: Well, the cultural difference is pretty similar. Like, maybe, they drink more, like, earlier in Germany. We don't do that here that much, but I think culturally there's not too big of a difference from Germany to Norway.

I: Yeah, I see. So how would you generally evaluate your adaptation level in Germany? Were you pretty well adapted or it was complete disaster?

L: I think I was pretty well adapted since the language is so similar in many ways and that also the culture isn't too different. I think if I had gone to, maybe, some Southern countries, like, for example, going to Southern America, like, to Mexico or something, I think that would be a completely different experience. I don't know any Spanish, their culture is very different. So I think that would be more of a challenge. So Germany was easy compared to if I got somewhere else.

I: And, although the culture is, your culture and German culture, so similar, did you maintain a balance between them or were you, like, completely in your, in the Norwegian culture? Or did you try to get as much into the German culture as possible? How did you, like, what strategy did you choose?

L: I tried to keep a balance cause I didn't want to lose track of how I usually am and how I usually act. But I tried to be more social cause I saw that many of the native Germans were very forward, and they talk more easily to other people. Like, Norwegians, we don't even want to sit next to each other on the bus. So I tried to do that, like, not being afraid to, like, talk to strangers and sit next to other people. But yeah, since I'm also shy, it was a bit harder to do those things. But I tried my best, so I think I would say I did a balance between the two.

I: And what helped you to adapt better in the German culture? Maybe other people, or you did it all yourself?

L: I think the people that I hanged out with helped a lot to stay over maybe a little bit more social than me and I felt comfortable around them. That made... and since they were more social, it made me feel more comfortable being in social situations, since I knew someone a bit better than a total stranger. So, being with people that I knew a bit and also trying to challenge myself a little bit, so bit of both I think.

I: I see. Did you have any German friends?

L: No, I did not. But I made some German friends during my stay, but I didn't have any from before, before I came.

I: Yeah, but in there you managed to make some friends with Germans.

L: Yes.

I: That was not a problem for you?

L: It was easier to make friends with the other exchange students, since they were in the same situation as me and... But maybe a couple. I also made friends with the two I stayed with. They were also native Germans. So a few, a couple.

I: How often did you communicate with your friends and family from Norway?

L: Every day. Every day, I Skyped with my girlfriend, like, maybe twice-three times a week, sometimes. And... but I also texted and used social media to talk to them everyday.

I: So basically every day there was some kind of communication.

L: Some sort of communication, every day, yeah.

I: And the last question for you. What would you recommend to students who going to move to Germany or go to an exchange program to Germany? What are your recommendations for them?

L: I would recommend they do it in general cause it's a very very great experience to put yourself out there, and it also makes you grow as a person very much. I would also recommend sightseeing, going around by yourself a little bit, to kind of see your surroundings and make your way through your new place that you're going to stay in. But also there to explore and go out of your comfort zone a little bit. Yeah, and also don't be afraid to talk to people.

I: That's all?

L: Yeah, I think, so put yourself out there a little bit, yeah.

I: Thanks so much for you answers. That would definitely help me in my research. Thanks so much.

L: You're more than welcome.

Interview with Milena (duration: 16:42)

I: Hi Milena, how're you doing today?

M: I'm doing quite fine. I'm also writing my Bachelor Thesis and I'm so tired of it. So...

I: Yeah, I can imagine.

M: So I took a break for this interview.

I: Yah. So you're originally from Russia, right?

M: Yeah, I'm originally from Russia, from Ryazan, it's a little city near Moscow.

I: Yeah. And where do you study currently?

M: I'm studying at the Higher School of Economics at the faculty of media communication and design.

I: And how do you like it? I know that you're finishing this year already.

M: Yeah, I'm finishing this year, and mostly I like it, but still there're some problems which I don't feel appreciate. Like, I'm still quite satisfied with my education, because I think it's the best I can have in Russia, still despite some drawbacks.

I: That's true. Definitely. And I know that you went on an exchange semester last year to Germany. And why did you choose Germany and exactly this university for your exchange studies?

M:Yeah, there are several reasons for that. First of all, of course, I have, like, I have liked Germany for all my life, like, since I was a teenage girl. I just I have started German language at school, and I was really, like, kind of, I was fond of German culture as well. So that's why it was, like, my first choice to come to Germany. So it seems it was also kind of a little dream of mine in that years. And why this university, it was very, like, easy and pragmatic reasons because some girls which are my friends and also my coursemates also came to this university before me. So that's why I decided to choose this university, because it was easier and they were, like, they also left me some stuff there. So it was, like, yeah, an easy way to go.

I: Yeah I see. So you came to Germany in August 2017.

M: Yeah, exactly.

I: Can you please remember your first days in Germany? Were... was there anything that surprised you, maybe even scared you?

M: There was some particular event that scared me in Germany, when we get lost, got lost in the first day in Germany, because our train didn't come to our final destination which was Karlsruhe. It decided to take a way around, and then, like, we try to go on suburban trains to get to our final destination. But we also get lost one more time. And this was really a scary moment. I would say, the scariest moment in my life ever, yeah. But what amazed me in a good way was the city of Karlsruhe - the urbanistic image of the city, that small houses and trains and lots of space for people to go. I mean, it's not something that we have in Russian cities, and that was actually something that surprised me in that time, and it also, like, inspired me to study urban... urbanistics... urban studies, because I decided to, like, try to understand what is this major differences between German cities, and Russian cities and why I do like German cities much more than Russian, than any Russian city, Saint Petersburg in my hometown also.

I: Yeah, these were the reasons. And which challenges you generally faced all throughout your studies and your stay in Germany?

M: Yeah, I think the first challenge was the bureaucracy of Germany, when we were trying to get this residence permit and everything and the health insurance card and some other stuff. That was really nervous. And I was feeling, like, I can do it. Of course it didn't go that well, but still it was a nervous part of my stay in Germany. Also it's the social situation in a way, because you always, actually, always when you come to a new place, you always feel like you're not in your comfort zone, you are not in your place etc. And you always feel, like, whether these people are going to admit me or they are going to, like, ignore me and they don't like me. And this is what was the second big problem for me in Germany. Finally, it all get good and I fixed it all, but still I was for first, let's say, two weeks or even three weeks, I was, well, if like I was exhausted every day because of thinking what other people think of me.

I: That's true, that can happen. And how did it go with all those problems? You said that you fixed them. How did you do that?

M: I think just trying to relax and also actually getting a good food and a good walk around the city, that was very stress... practice of stress-release for me, because, as I mentioned before, I really liked the city and the food. Actually in those Turkish Döners, I liked it so much. And taking these walks with the music around this area, very beautiful city. That was actually my kind of stress-release. And also talking to friends which are... stayed in Russia at that moment. So it's also kind of way to solve the problem.

I: I see. And did you have any problems with the language, with the German language?

M: I would say I am. I didn't use it a lot while staying in Germany because, to my surprise, also lots of people they, like, I think everyone there speak English in very good level, and that was very amazing. But it also was, let's say, an obstacle why I didn't ever want to practice my German. Because why should I try to practice my German if everyone could speak with me in a good way English which is quite easier for me to talk? And I was like „ Hallo, wie geht's?” and then going to switch to English and was like, okay. So I was really trying to speak German, like, only in Starbucks there, because I knew these two or three phrases in German: how to ask for a coffee and also pay for it, and that's all. And when I once tried to talk in German in health insurance agency, I was completely misunderstood and I decided to stop trying, because I was very awful in that. I didn't have big problems with speaking German cause I didn't speak German in Germany.

I: How would you generally evaluate your adaptation level in Germany? How well did you adapt in Germany?

M: I think it's about 8 from 10 or something like this because after staying there like for three months I didn't feel any problems or any, you know, issues, especially in bureaucracy stuff or social adaptation. I used to have friends there, social... good social environment, social rights and everything. So I was I was feeling like I was well adapted.

I: So basically this was your own effort to adapt in the German society. Or other people helped you as well? Maybe you had some German friends who helped you to practice your language and to adapt better in the culture.

M: I have a mate, how all these people are called who helped me when I was staying there... A buddy?

I: Yeah, a buddy, right.

M: And she used to help me a lot with the bureaucracy stuff, and, yes, that helped me a lot in the first months of staying in Germany. And also I think that these international students which are plentiful in Karlsruhe and their social environment, their social community that they create, that also helped me in a way to adapt in Germany, to feel, like, I belong to this place. So I think that was the big part of adaptation for me. And yes, that was, like, two major, let's say, factors which helped me to adapt.

I: Yeah I see. And did you manage to maintain a balance between your own culture and German culture? Or was it somehow different? Maybe you plunged completely into the German culture? Or you completely refused to, like, have something in common with this culture? How was it?

M: I think the German culture wasn't really, like, how to say, obvious. I didn't see it well because it was mostly international as I said before, because of the international community that are here. So, like, I would say that some other cities like Heidelberg has more German culture than Karlsruhe has. Karlsruhe is more like international city because of the students. That's why I didn't feel like I am trying to plunge in the culture. Like, I was trying to plunge into the international culture and that is, like, I think it's different levels or different ways of, you know, trying to feel in a new culture here. So I was feeling quite good because I still had my, like, I don't know, some...

Identity?

Yes, identity, and habits. I used to have the same habits as I had in Moscow and it was, like, I'm feeling like it was at home because of I was doing the same stuff: cooking, maybe, some of the same dishes and also speaking with my mom in Russian via the WhatsApp and all that stuff. But also I was really into this international culture. So I was feeling very balanced and very comfortable.

I was feeling a lot like Russian in a way because that's what about being part of international community, you're feeling very into what is your culture, when someone is trying to speak to you some Russian. You are feeling, like, it's something very yours, and you feel, like, a bit of excited. So in that moment, I was feeling very Russian when somebody was trying to say “Privet kak dela” or something like that. But in other times I was feeling very international, so I think it was very balanced.

I: But that was still a balance between Russian culture and international culture. You basically didn't feel any personal connection to like authentic German culture.

M: I was feeling an authentic connection to Germany only in a relation to city because it was a German city, and how it works, how it functions. But yes, it was the only part of German culture that I have seen. But of course a bit of language as well, but as I said, I didn't use it much, so it was the only little part of German in Germany.

I: And how was your language when you first came to Germany. Did it improve by the end of your exchange semester?

M: Yeah for sure. I mean, I had good skills in reading, reading English and in listening as well. But my speaking skills was rather bad as I was feeling that moment. But because of using my English everyday for a lots of time, of course, it got a lot better than I used to have there. Yes, for sure.

I: And what about German?

M: I don't think it really became better a lot, but what really happened that my level of understanding the German language, it was improved, and in particular, I think I start to understand German in, like, in a systematic way. I mean, before it was a very chaotic knowledge, and after that it was more like...

I: Systematic, yeah?

M: Yes, systematic, that's a right word I think. Vocabulary became I bit more than it was, but still I didn't feel a big improvement of the German language because I didn't speak a lot.

I: That's a paradox - going to Germany and not speaking German there.

M: Yeah, true.

I: Are you considering moving to Germany one day, or maybe coming more often for visits?

M: Yeah, I would love to move to Germany to do something, maybe volunteer project or Master degree or both. That would be amazing. Yeah, I'm only looking for opportunities to do so.

I: So now you're applying to some university for your Master's?

M: Right now I'm writing my thesis. After that I'll be finishing my exams, I'll be passing them. And after that I will be thinking about applying for some Master program that I have already looked into.

I: So have already selected, yeah. And the last question for you. Can you give some recommendations for people who are now considering to study in Germany?

M: That's a good question. I don't know, maybe, not to be afraid to come, like, that all obstacles can be passed, and that's not a problem. And also to feel free to connect... social connections...

I: To build social connections?

M: Yes, that's what I wanted to say. Because that's what makes you feel very comfortable in every place that you come to. So when you have this social environment of people whom you can trust and with whom you feel very comfortable, then the place became a very comfortable for you and cosy and everything. But when you're not meeting any good new people, when you are not seeing anyone and you feel very lonely, it doesn't matter how beautiful the place will be, how beautiful the city and its sightseeing and museums and everything, you still not gonna like it, because you will feel lonely. So I think the major advice would be to build new social connections.

I: Alright, thank you so much for your answers! That will definitely help me in my research.

Interview with Vincent (duration: 12:45)

I: Hi Vincent. How are you doing?

V: I'm doing all right. Thank you for asking. How about you?

I: Yeah, me as well, everything is perfect. So now we're having an interview where I would like to understand how you felt when you first came to Germany and if you face any challenges or problems right now with your adaptation in the German society. So first of all, I would like to start with a question where you are originally from.

V: Well, I'm a Kenyan. I was born and raised in Kenya. And I moved to Germany for studies.

I: I see. And what are you studying in Germany right now?

V: I'm doing international business, Bachelor's degree.

I: And how do you like it?

V: It's kind of different from my home education. Things to do, I met a lot of people from different nations, well, basically, from Germany. And also the kind and mode of studies is quite different as we in Kenya are used to. A lot of theory and practical, when you have to go to the companies and have some company projects and some stuff. I kind of like it, it's up to my expectations in a way.

V: That's good. And why did you choose Germany for your studies? Why not another European or any world country?

I: Well, it's based on a lot of factors. First is because my mother studied in Germany. And so that were, some of the relatives are here. I have at least, I have some family outside of Kenya. Another thing is, we consider German education a bit high standard. And in terms of my studies, international business, Germany being centrally placed where a lot of export is happening. They have a lot of association with other countries, and a lot of international companies are here. So it really, was really in line with my studies and I thought this would be the right environment to study.

I: So basically two main reasons why you moved to Germany is your family and career perspectives.

V: Exactly.

I: Alright. So when did you come to Germany?

V: 2016. Well, I was here when I was a kid, but that I cannot count because I don't remember anything, so I would say September 2016 for my studies.

I: Can you please now try to remember your first days in Germany? When you just came for your studies in here. Do you remember any challenges that you faced, or maybe something, like, scared of surprised you when you just came to the country?

V: Well, I think the first days were most of them like, how do I say, utopian in a way because I'm experiencing new, new people, new kind of living. So it's mostly, I don't really see the problem at the moment because you're just overwhelmed with a lot of things, that technology is going on. So you just, it hides a lot of things. In some months I realized then, okay, I feel the culture shock: where I was used to the things I was doing back at home, and they don't really apply here and aren't comfortable to use.

Especially making friends, which is not hard when it comes to university because when you see them [every day]. But outside the uni is a bit hard because one of the things was the language which was really a burden for me because I couldn't express myself in a way that will help me really to bond with other people. Or not even my friends, even some people around me in public asking for help. Yeah, so that was something a bit scary. And yeah, and also some part of the country that I visited, a lot of staring, and then I'm, like, okay, maybe it's a new thing to them, and so, such stuff, yeah.

I: Yeah I see. And do you face any challenges now? Like what is your stage of adaptation right now in Germany?

V: I would say, close to comfortable. But still, expressing myself, I'm still struggling with it. In terms of getting what I want in the city or maybe any help I need, documentation or medical care or any other issues, in that regard I'm comfortable. I know where to get everything, I know were to get help, I know whom to contact when I have any problems.

But as I say, the burden is still the language. I'm still struggling with it, which sometimes becomes a hindrance to do exactly what I want to do. It can be, like, a job when I want to work, maybe, during the summer holiday and I'm competent to do some job, maybe some office job. But because of my language, it becomes a burden that I have to do some worse jobs that meets the requirement of not knowing the language that much.

I: I fully understand, your language is, like, number one priority usually when you come to a new country. So basically language is your the main difficulty right now. And who helps you to adapt generally in Germany? Maybe your friends, family or just you put a lot of effort in adapting?

V: Well, in terms of residence permit that's mostly my family helps me, they try to help me, not all the time it happens, but they try to help me as well as giving me enough information. They don't really have all the information, so I rely mostly on the Ausländerbehörde, like a foreign authority, thanks God they are really helpful, they provide me all the information I need, although in German, so I have to figure out what that's saying.

Also the university, the give really help, they provide all the information I need and the contacts that I need for anything. So I'll say family and the university but also the municipal council, or city council. And sometimes friends, I ask some friends for information that I'm not sure and they're giving help as well.

I: Before in your interview you said that it was and is kind of difficult for you to adapt in Germany. And what would you prefer? What do you do currently? Do you fully plunge Yourself into the German culture or you are fully back in your home culture, or you're somewhere in between?

V: I'll say somewhere in between because, I think mostly because of my friends. They are kind of mixed, they are not entirely Germany friends. I'm not in an environment that is entirely German. So that's one thing that does not make me to fully know what the culture is. So it's like, 3 out of 10 are Germans, and the rest are international ones.

Yeah, so we tend to learn from one each other's cultures, and that's why it makes me somewhere in between, from knowing a bit of German, German culture together with other cultures. And also to retain my own culture because in this group they expect me to teach them my own culture so I have to understand more my culture, to better express it to them.

I: Are you planning to stay in Germany after your studies are finished?

V: Yeah, I'm planning to stay here for at least 3 years, I mean, to practice what I've learned and the environment that I studied. So I mean to be working in a German company and to take my career to another level, then in some years when I'm comfortable with what I've been doing and experiencing, then I can think of other places or to stay longer. I can stay longer, yeah.

I: So you're comfortable with staying here, yeah?

V: Yeah, I'll stay for three years and then I can plan my next move.

I: I see. And the last question for you. What would you recommend to other students who are considering to go to study in Germany?

V: First thing - they have to learn the language. The life will be a bit easier. Always be open-minded, because when I came here it was a culture where they support open-mindedness, open-minded culture, like all-inclusive kind of culture.

So, and another thing is be prepared for a lot of paper work, yeah and of course there are challenges - you come to a new country and sometimes you don't feel comfortable at all, but it's not for a long time, its just a matter of understanding some of the rules that are there. And there's no specific path for you, just adapt and see the goodness in it. Show who you are and appreciate what they are, and find your common ground in that space.

I: I see. Thank you so much Vincent for participating in my interview! That will help me a lot in my research.

V: Sure.

Full Interviews Coding

Category	Sub-category	Citation from the interviews	Name
Interpersonal Communication	Connection to home country	“...talking to friends which stayed in Russia at that moment.”	Milena
		“Every day, I Skyped with my girlfriend, like, maybe twice-three times a week. [...] I also texted and used social media to talk to them everyday.”	Liam
		“With my family, especially my mum, [we talk] every day. With friends it depends on the occasion - but at least several times a month. I also visit Russia at least half a year.”	Anya
	International/university community	“They [friends] are mixed, they are not entirely Germany friends. I'm not in an environment that is entirely German. [...] we tend to learn from one each other's cultures.”	Vincent
		“...these international students which are plentiful in Karlsruhe and their social environment [...] helped me to adapt in Germany”	Milena
		“... the German culture wasn't obvious. I didn't see it well because it was mostly international”	Milena
		“It was easier to make friends with the other exchange students, since they were in the same situation as me”	Liam
	Communication with the native Germans	“I also lived with the two Germans in my flat that I rented and they all spoke English to me. So that was good.”	Liam
		“I tried to be more social cause I saw that many of the native Germans were very forward, and they talk more easily to other people.”	Liam
		“But outside the uni [making friends] is a bit hard...”	Vincent
		“I asked some children [in the metro] “Hi, my name is Angie, do you mind speak with me so I can practice German?” And then they ran away. I didn't understand why they did that.	Angie
		“The supermarket was weird. In Germany you don't talk. You just do your job, and then you pay, and then you go. It's very efficient.“	Angie
		“I coped the language barrier by speaking to [German] friends.”	Angie
		“I have still some issues with the mentality of Germans [...] I went to some dates with Germans and what I noticed is that they were lacking the qualities of gentlemen [...] Family, friendships - how you behave in a team - their working ethics, talking behind my back - that's not how it should work.”	Anya
	Role of social interaction	“I used to have friends there, [...] good social environment...”	Milena
		“When you have this social environment of people whom you can trust and with whom you feel very comfortable, then the place becomes very comfortable for you”	Milena
		“... that was one of my biggest challenges - trying to get to know other people.”	Liam
		“...the people that I hanged out with helped a lot to stay over maybe a little bit more social than me and I felt comfortable around them.”	Liam
		“...don't be afraid to talk to people.”	Liam
Reasons of moving	Personal preference	“I have liked Germany for all my life [...] since I was a teenage girl.”	Milena
		“I like Germany.”	Liam
		“We consider German education a bit high standard.”	Vincent
	Background	“I just have started German language at school [...] I was fond of German culture as well.”	Milena
		“My family is also part German. So I thought maybe going back to my roots would be cool.”	Liam
		“As a high school student, I did an exchange to Rostock, Germany, for 10 months [...] I created a good understating of the German language and culture.”	Angie
		“Because I invested so much in Germany - both financially and energetically, I decided to try a German university [...] My German was at the time at the B2 level”	Anya
	Connections	“...it was [...] pragmatic reasons because some girls which are my friends and my coursemates also came to this university before me.”	Milena
		“My teacher at that point, he was also teaching in Karlshochschule sometimes so he recommended me going there.”	Liam
		“First is because my mother studied in Germany. [...] I have at least, I have some family outside of Kenya.”	Vincent
		“I created a very good network of friends and support...”	Angie
		“Initially it was the plan of my family, that I should study in Europe. And because my parents had connections to Germany via work I went to a boarding school in Germany”

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