Thursday, 14 November 2024
In April 2024, Hamadi Samet Fatma Zohra began a new chapter in her life. The 31-year-old Algerian, who had already worked as a nurse in her home country for nine years, took the plunge and moved to Germany to further her career and seek new challenges. Her recognised profession in Germany is that of a healthcare and nursing professional. Here, she talks about her journey and the hurdles she has overcome on her way to her new life.
The long journey to Germany
“It took a long time before I could really settle in here,” Hamadi begins, laughing. She waited eight months for an appointment at the German Embassy in Algeria to finally obtain her visa. But her patience paid off, and on 28 April 2024 she arrived in Germany. Just a few days later, she started her new job as a nurse at the Brüderklinik Julia Lanz in Mannheim. “When I took part in the job fair with ProRecognition and the Welcome Centre for the Social Economy in Baden-Württemberg in July 2023, I had no idea how quickly everything would change,” recalls Hamadi. With a language level of B1, she received a job offer straight after the event – an opportunity she accepted without hesitation.
From Algeria to Anaesthesia
Hamadi comes from the town of Ech Cheliff in northern Algeria, where she completed her three-year nursing training. But she wanted more: “After my training, I specialised in anaesthesia and undertook a two-year further training course.” For nine years, she gained valuable professional experience – first in the operating theatre and later in internal medicine, though anaesthesia always remained her great passion. “In Germany, I want to continue developing my skills in the field of anaesthesia,” says Hamadi resolutely. Medical progress and the opportunities in Germany were an incentive to take the step into a new country.
Learning German
For Hamadi, the biggest challenge on her journey to Germany was the language. “There were no German language schools in my town, so I taught myself the language,” she explains. With a great deal of discipline, she taught herself for two years – using books and YouTube. “It was only when preparing for the exam that I looked for a teacher to practise speaking.” Her hard work paid off. In August 2023, Hamadi submitted her application for recognition to the Stuttgart Regional Council, and in December 2023 she received partial recognition. Hamadi is currently learning German at B2 level. The language courses are funded by her employer, the Brüderklinik Julia Lanz. To receive a full recognition of her qualification, she works in various departments, including gynaecology, outpatient surgery, the geriatric day clinic, clinical geriatrics and psychiatry.
Support from ProRecognition
Throughout the entire process, Hamadi was supported by recognition adviser Nourhane Khouloud Sadi from ProRecognition Algeria. “The advisor helped me compile the necessary documents and prepare for the interview at the job fair.” Thanks to this support, Hamadi was able to overcome the bureaucratic hurdles more easily and prepare specifically for her professional future in Germany.
Welcome to Germany
Hamadi is delighted with the warm welcome she has received in Germany. “Ms Nataliia Schneider, the clinic’s integration officer, picked me up from the airport and was there for all the important appointments – from registration to opening my bank account,” she explains. “She made settling in so much easier for me. We even went shopping together once!” “I would definitely recommend that others come to Germany – it’s worth it!” she concludes. With a beaming smile, she adds: “By the way, today is my 31st birthday. It’s lovely to be experiencing this special moment here in Germany.”
I am particularly grateful to my father. He has supported and encouraged me all along to take this path. His trust has given me the courage to take this big step and move to Germany.
About the job fair organised by ProRecognition and the Welcome Centre for the Social Economy in Baden-Württemberg
Since 2022, ProRecognition and the Welcome Centre for the Social Economy have been organising job fairs in the care sector to bring together foreign skilled professionals and companies in Baden-Württemberg.