Stories of refugees and migrants in Germany” - these are more than just stories about a move. They are the voices of people who have left everything familiar behind to find safety, dignity and a new life.

Interview 1: Srbukhi

1. Where are you from and when did you come to Germany?


Srbukhi, 32 years old, Armenia, pharmacist. I’m originally from Armenia and have been living in Germany for a year now.


2. What was the main reason for your move?


The reason I moved to Germany was to reunite with my family.



3. How was your trip to Germany?

What experiences do you particularly remember?
My trip to Germany went smoothly and without any difficulties, but it was an important moment in my memory. The hardest part was saying goodbye to my loved ones - that left a deep mark. Although the journey was without adventure, there was a great deal of excitement and uncertainty. I will remember that day for a long time.



4. How was your first day in Germany?


My first day in Germany was exciting and a bit anxious - everything was new and unfamiliar. Fortunately, my husband was there for me, which was very supportive.

5. What difficulties did you encounter in your new place of residence?


The first and most important difficulty for me was, of course, the language barrier. Although I had learned a little German before I arrived and had an A1 level, I had no experience in communicating. And when it came to saying something simple, the words just flew out of my head. It was very difficult: you felt deaf and dumb, as if you were completely incapable of doing anything.

6. What helped you to adapt?


The language courses helped me a lot to adapt. Especially at the beginning, when I couldn’t attend an official language school, the classes at Hof 7 in Aachen (language course for all migrants, free of charge) helped me a lot. I was invited there without registration and without any difficulties - like a small family - and was welcomed with great warmth. We chatted around a cozy tea table, got to know each other, talked about life, told stories and discovered a lot of new things - not only about Germany, but also about other countries.



7. Do you now feel part of German society?

Why yes or no?
No, I still feel like a foreigner here. I think until I learn the language at a good level and start working, I can’t feel part of this society. But I believe that everything will work out in time - step by step. I am a pharmacist by profession and worked in this field in my home country for almost 5 years. Now I’m in the process of having my diploma recognized in Germany - we’ll see what happens. Of course I would also like to work in my specialty here. It’s my profession and my favorite thing to do.

8. What has changed in you as a person during your stay here?


During my time here, I have become more resilient and stronger inside. Under such conditions, you are completely on your own and realize that you have to achieve everything with your own strength and perseverance. That toughens you up.

9. What would you like to say to other migrants who are just starting their journey?


I would like to say: never get discouraged. Always persevere and achieve your goals. Nothing comes easy - everything that is difficult becomes especially valuable. I compare everything we go through to a game: the more difficult it is, the more interesting it is. Easy games are not exciting. Failure is not a score. Try again and again until you win.



10. What is your relationship with other migrants?

What unites or divides you?
I have very good relationships with other migrants. We are all in a similar situation and can therefore understand, support and sympathize with each other better. That brings us closer together.