My name is Noelia, I am 29. I was born in Ferrol, Spain, but I moved to Barcelona at the age of 18 to complete my studies in Business Administration. Then I did a Master’s in London in International Marketing and I started working in the electronic industry in Hamburg in 2009, but then got back to Barcelona and after some other professional assignments in Online Marketing field, I kept on thinking about returning to Germany. I started a project called “Lanzate a la aventura alemana” (Launch yourself to a German venture – ed.), and took the decision to return. It was not easy, I left my job to start my own project and a new life in Hannover, but I am very happy now of my decision. I actually wonder now why it took me that long to decide.
What is your project about?
Lanzate is platform to inform, give support and training to Spanish speaking people that want to find a job in Germany. We write a funny and ironic blog about German culture and life in “liebes Deutschland”. It is a project made with lots of love, hand-made, which suddenly became professional because Bildungswerk der Niedersächsischen Wirtschaft gemeinnützige GmbH (Educational Institution of the Lower Saxony – ed.) was interested in the idea. There are, of course, good and bad moments, but with passion and hard work everything is possible. I just love the contact with people!
Do you feel accepted in Germany?
I must admit I love Germany. Sure, the language is a huge barrier, but I promise myself to master it. When I can communicate in perfect German, I will feel 100 % accepted and integrated. I actually always try to be tolerant, I am not in my country, so I have to accept differences and adapt myself.
What is it that you like and dislike about Germany?
Sometimes bureaucracy really disturbs me. Especially when people can’t recognize their studies. Do we really need a paper to prove that we are professionals? And I hate the correspondence! I have never received so many letters in my life. I have learnt to read all my post by now ;-). Also Spanish people are more open, it is easier to meet people in Spain, so you can feel a bit more “welcomed” by the locals in your private sphere…
What I love in Germany is working here, the flexibility at work place, the respect for work. The fact that good ideas are listened and there are opportunities. I love brunches and BBQs, as well!
Although the food is better in Spain…
Yeeessss, right! But it is not a problem for me. You can find everything in the supermarket and I cook at home. Perhaps only fish and seafood are difficult to get sometimes. But then it is great to fly to Spain and enjoy the “eating moments” with the family and friends!
What is it that you miss the most from home?
Spanish happiness is definitely the thing I miss the most!
What is it?
Just laughing, having a relaxed time with friends over a beer, eating some tapas and enjoying life…enjoying the sun…forgetting about the miserable crisis we are right now! Simply enjoy the present moment, without thinking about tomorrow!
Sometimes you might hear from Germans: “I can’t meet you tonight, tomorrow I have a plane to take.” TOMORROW you take a plane, not today…so much planning means that you loose unforgettable moments that come spontaneously!
Is there anything you want to add?
Only thanks for the interview! And please add that luck come not alone, it costs a lot of work! So I encourage people to fight for their dreams!
English
https://www.facebook.com/Lanzate.eu
Very nice interview! I like the attitude and I will check out Lánzate more in detail.