Integration stories rarely follow a straight path. They consist of fears and decisions, doubts and first courageous steps. Valentina, a Ukrainian woman who came to Germany with her family in 2022, talks about her journey of adaptation, professional reorientation, and inner strength. In this interview, she speaks openly about her difficult start, the language barrier, her career change, and what integration means to her today.

How did your story in Germany begin, and what was the most difficult thing at the beginning?

My story in Germany began in June 2023. I came here with my daughter and my mother—at a time when my life seemed to be on hold. Only one thing mattered to me: the safety of my family and a chance for the future. To achieve this, I had to leave my husband, my home, my career, and my familiar life behind. The biggest challenge at the beginning was the language barrier. Without any knowledge of German, even simple communication seemed extremely difficult, and I found it hard to make initial contact with my new surroundings.

How did you manage to switch from working as a physical therapist to becoming a massage therapist in Germany?

At first, I didn't believe I could work in my profession. Friends from my language course invited me to a sports center several times, but my fear and lack of language skills kept me from going. It was only after I received my B1 certificate that I realized: without lively communication, I would never learn to speak German.

I decided to take the first step—and I haven't regretted it. I was welcomed by open, supportive people who gave me confidence. Working as a massage therapist has not only helped me develop professionally, but has also brought me real joy: contact with people, the opportunity to help, and the feeling that I am doing something important and useful in Germany.

What advice would you give to migrants who are currently at a crossroads and don't know where to start?

My most important advice is not to be afraid and to take the first step. Big changes rarely come without effort, but every step forward counts. It is important to accept circumstances as they are and try to use them as an opportunity for growth.

And when doubts arise, that's normal. In moments like these, it's worth finding someone who supports you, listens to you, and helps you see the path a little more clearly.

Were there moments when you wanted to give up? What helped you to keep going?

Only my family helped me. My daughter is my compass, my navigator, for whom I have gone, am going, and will go.de.

How did your life change after you became more confident in speaking German?

Once my German was good enough to converse freely, I began to understand this society much better. I was able to interact with people naturally, and they began to truly share their lives, fears, and pain with me. Since I work as a massage therapist, it is very important to understand what is going on with a person. Sometimes the pain they feel is not only related to physiological or anatomical abnormalities, but also to stress and experiences. When people open up to you, that's the most important thing. The ability to understand what a person is trying to tell you is a big step forward, a step towards each other, a step towards new contacts and achieving my goals.

What was decisive for your professional integration: training, people, support, experience?

The people who were close to me were decisive for me. I not only met important people, but also those who inspired me, who helped me realize that “I am me.” In addition to these people, there was always my family, who always believed in me and for whom I live. When this quintessence—support and belief—is always there, you can achieve a lot, be inspired, and keep going. Another important factor is my desire to be happy with the people I love.

How did you find your first clients and professional environment in a new country?

I found my place in the sun thanks to my friends from the German course, who invited me to work with them. Thanks to their support, I gained enthusiasm, momentum, and strength for my first steps. At first, I simply got the job thanks to the place where I started working. Nobody knew me yet. But gradually, more and more customers came. They felt the power of my hands, the power of my knowledge. Every day, more and more people wanted high-quality services and truly effective help, not just a “massage to check off the list.”

Which cultural or everyday aspects in Germany were the most difficult for you to accept?

To be honest, I felt like I was in the right place from day one. I didn't experience as much culture shock as many of my compatriots did. I am a very organized person, I like rules, I like order and, to be honest, I even like bureaucracy a little bit. That's why I feel very comfortable here.

What advice would you give to migrants who are currently at a crossroads and don't know where to start?

I can give the following advice to anyone who is currently feeling doubtful or a little afraid: don't be afraid, be brave and pursue your goal. Remember that there is no great reward without effort. I can only advise you to accept what fate gives you and try to use it as effectively as possible: without fear, without doubt. And if you have doubts, just find someone who can support you and give you good advice.

What would you say to those who doubt that complete integration in Germany is possible?

I'm still not sure if complete integration is possible. Even though I have work, friends, and my own life here, I sometimes feel that my heart isn't completely in Germany—and I think that's normal.

For me, living here means trying to really live: to act, to dream, to hope, and to remain myself. Because it is precisely when we remain true to ourselves that we develop inner strength and confidence. Wherever we are, it is important to remember who we are and to maintain our connection to Ukraine—in our hearts, in our actions, in our daily lives.

Conclusion

Valentina's story is a wonderful example of how a path to integration can gradually become a professional reality. She already works at a massage salon called VITGI.HALL (Germany, Aachen, Brand, Trierer Straße 769) and continues to actively develop her skills in this field.

Valentina offers various types of massages. You can find more information on her Instagram profile, where you can also ask her questions directly.

And if you are currently on your own path to integration and would like to share your experiences, you are very welcome to do so.

Feel free to send me an email—maybe your story will be the next one. Author: Maryna Bets.