Chemists from abroad

What motivates students and chemists to come to Germany? What are the differences between Germany and their home countries? What challenges and opportunities do they face? Nine people shared their personal stories with us.

Ada Rivero, born in 1994 in Havana, Cuba

Before coming to Germany, I completed a Bachelor‘s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, followed by a Master‘s degree in Biochemistry. For my undergraduate thesis at the Center for Molecular Immunology in Havana, I worked on the characterization of a monoclonal antibody capable of recognizing tumor cells. My master‘s research focused on the biophysical characterization and immunomodulatory properties of a mutant pf a pore-forming protein from a Caribbean sea anemone.

I moved to Germany in September 2023 to pursue my PhD as part of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) on Cellular Biophysics. One of my main motivations was the opportunity to join the Max Planck Society, whose strong commitment to fundamental research offers exceptional opportunities for scientific discovery. In Cuba, despite having excellent researchers and internationally recognized expertise in fields such as immunology and biotechnology, research is often shaped by the need to address pressing societal challenges with more limited resources.

What I enjoy most about my work is the freedom to develop new ideas and the access to technologies and resources that allow me to keep learning every day. Outside the lab, my favourite part of life in Germany has been the friendships I have built with other students in the IMPRS program. Sharing this experience with people from many different countries has made the transition much easier.

One of the biggest differences compared to my home country is the social culture. In Cuba, people tend to interact in a very open and spontaneous way, while in Germany social relationships often take more time to develop. At times, I have felt like an outsider because I am still learning the cultural context, and communicating in English instead of my native language can sometimes make social interactions more challenging.

Coming from a country where access to cutting-edge technologies and computational resources is more limited has also meant a steep learning curve, especially in a highly specialized field like cryo-electron microscopy. At the same time, this experience has motivated me to learn quickly and make the most of every opportunity.

Settling in Germany was much easier than I had expected thanks to the outstanding support provided by the IMPRS program, the University of Frankfurt, and the Max Planck Society, from temporary accommodation to guidance with administrative procedures. One pleasant surprise was how warm and enjoyable the German summer is.

My advice to anyone moving to Germany is to be patient, especially when building new friendships. People may seem reserved at first, but once you get to know them, they can become loyal and supportive friends.

Ankita De born in 1997 in Kolkata, India

My first experience in research was in India, and it has shaped many of my career decisions since then. I came to Germany in 2020 to pursue my PhD because I was drawn to the strong research environment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the opportunity to work within well-structured scientific clusters. Germany also offered access to international research networks and expertise that aligned closely with my academic interests back then. I like the combination of opportunities and mentorship which helps shape academic and personal growth.

Outside of work, I appreciate the cultural exposure and the structured yet open work environment. I especially enjoy how efficient the public transport system is, which makes it easy to travel and explore nature even in remote areas, although the occasional unpredictability of Deutsche Bahn sometimes adds a bit of adventure to your plans.

One of the biggest differences compared to my home country is the level of structure and independence in both academic and professional environments. In Germany, there is a strong emphasis on self-directed work, planning, and clear processes, whereas in my home country there is often a more flexible and dynamic approach. I feel fortunate to have experienced both, as they have their own strengths and shaped the way I approach challenges. Another noticeable difference is the clear balance between work and personal life.

I initially felt like an outsider, mainly due to language barriers and cultural differences. Integration took time and required consistent effort. But my background as an Erasmus Mundus Master‘s graduate made it easier to make friends and connect with people from varying nationalities.

The transition to Germany from Italy was moderately challenging, especially in the beginning. The Covid-19 period made it even more complex. Processes such as housing, administrative procedures, and adapting to a new academic system required time and patience.

I initially expected differences mainly in the quality of life outside academia – especially the ease of access to nature and the ability to travel easily within and beyond cities. Also, since I pursued an Erasmus Mundus Master‘s before starting my PhD, I was surprised at how different each of the bureaucratic processes were in each country within Europe where I studied (France, Poland, Italy).

My best advice for people coming to Germany is to stay patient and open-minded during the initial adjustment phase. Learning even basic German can make a significant difference in daily life and help with integration. It is also important to actively engage with the community: attend events, participate in discussions, and build connections. Not hesitating to ask for help when needed can make the transition much smoother. Over time, these small steps add up and make the experience both easier and more rewarding.

Bilder: Globus: DESIGN LINE / Adobe Stock; Ankita De: Jerin Thamby (@paulgraphs_); Samrin Shaik: Almas Shaikh and Salman Shaikh; all others: private photos

Cristina Ruiz-Agudo born in 1986 in Granada, Spain now University of Konstanz

I studied Civil Engineering at the University of Granada. In 2012, I moved to Germany to pursue my doctoral degree at the University of Münster. Afterwards, I worked as a postdoc at the University of Konstanz, where I am now leading an independent junior research group.

The research infrastructure in Germany is outstanding. I was pleasantly surprised by how international the research environment actually is, though this diversity is largely found among junior researchers, postdocs, and PhD students, and becomes less visible further up the academic ladder. Working with the next generation of chemists is one of the most rewarding parts of my experience here. The students show real interest in getting involved. This enthusiasm carries into the classroom as well.

Another surprise, less pleasant, was the German bureaucracy. I heard about it before, but living it was even more complicated. The lack of digitalization and slowness of many processes still catch me off guard. The research funding, however, is on a completely different scale and opens up scientific possibilities that were hard to imagine for me before.

The practical side of settling in Germany was easier than expected. Having institutional support made a real difference in the first weeks and months. Social and cultural integration, however, can take longer to achieve here than in Spain, but social connections have proven durable once established. For me, sports have been key to my integration. On the tennis court, nationality and background simply stop mattering, and I felt part of the community from the very first day.

In contrast, unspoken codes and hierarchies sometimes made me an outsider in formal academic settings. As a woman in a senior scientific role, there were moments where I had to assert my authority more explicitly than should have been necessary. And in professional settings, conversations sometimes shifted to German, making my inclusion difficult, even if not always intentionally.

Being multilingual and bicultural made me adaptable, good at reading different social and academic contexts, and empathetic with international students and collaborators. My open character moulded in the south of Spain helped me to build a broad network, spanning both academia and industry.

My advice for scientists in Germany: choose carefully the people and institutions that invest in you. German academic culture is hierarchical, and as a foreigner, conversations may sometimes happen around you rather than with you. Do not take it personally. I was lucky to find allies in the Zukunftskolleg, the Institute of Advanced Studies, and my host, Prof. Cölfen. They supported me and believed in my work.

Georgios Kampourlidis born in 1999 in Ptolemaida, Greece now University of Düsseldorf

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the University of Crete in Greece. Living in a different country and getting in touch with people from different cultural backgrounds has always fascinated me. Germany, with its large chemical and pharmaceutical industry, which opens up a lot of career paths for chemists, seemed to be an attractive destination for further studies and professional development. In addition, I had the advantage of learning German through my mother who grew up in the country and studied German philology. So I moved to Germany in 2023 to complete my Master‘s degree in Düsseldorf. Afterwards, I started my PhD in organic chemistry there.

What I like most about the university is its diversity and strong international community. This made me feel included from day one. If you are in a new country, it is challenging to build your social life from zero. In Düsseldorf, you definitely have the chance to meet people from various countries (or even from your home country) who also want to make new contacts. Of course, this also requires openness and willingness to engage with people. Furthermore, Greece attracts a large number of tourists every year, and a strong Greek community has developed in Germany. As a result, many people are already familiar with the culture and approach me in a friendly and welcoming way. I also really enjoy the daily life in Düsseldorf. The city offers a wide variety of activities and cultural events.

What I needed to get used to: compared to Greece, people in Germany are less spontaneous. For instance, it is often difficult to find a few people to go for a beer after work on short notice. In many cases, plans need to be arranged at least one or two weeks in advance. If you are not familiar with the language, it can be difficult to follow conversations. By the time you think of something to say, the discussion may have already moved on. However, this improves significantly once you become more used to listening. And I was surprised by how many Germans, including older generations, speak English well and are willing to switch to it to ease communication.

A less pleasant surprise was public transport. I expected public transport services, particularly trains, to be more punctual.

All in all, moving to another country is challenging and sometimes feelings of doubt or regret might occur. However, after three years abroad, I find it a rewarding experience that develops your personality. There will always be people in your life who will advise you not to go abroad for various reasons such as the weather or general assumptions about the culture. It is important not to rely entirely on the opinions of others but instead strive to experience the situation with your own eyes.

Gérman López Robledo born in 1997 in Buenos Aires, Argentina now Likat Rostock

I started my scientific journey in Mar del Plata, a coastal city close to Buenos Aires, where I graduated with a degree in chemistry in 2022. But after finishing my final thesis, it was time to make an important decision: what to do next? Even before starting my studies, I knew one thing for sure: at some point, I would travel to Germany and—why not—study or work there. This was, however, no overnight decision. Attending a German school from an early age sparked my interest and gave me an advantage: learning the language. With this in mind, I started looking for PhD positions in Germany. Of course, not every shot hit the mark at first. But luckily, one day I found my way to Rostock.

At the beginning, Germany was all that I expected and more. Although I had often heard that Germans were cold, I rarely experienced this. Most people I met were always willing to lend me a hand. At work, I immediately appreciated the well-equipped laboratories and collaborative research environment. Coming from a country where research suffers from constant cuts, Germany‘s commitment to research is something to be proud of.

Outside the lab, Germany is also a great place to explore. Travelling between regions by public transport is easy, making it possible to experience very different places in a short time. I know, delays and cancellations are real. But back in my country, distances of hundreds or thousands of kilometers mean that long travel times are the norm (even several days). So it can always be worse! Germany also offers countless cultural opportunities, from museums to concerts in beautiful venues.

Turning to some less positive aspects, one of the biggest challenges in Germany is finding an apartment. Searching for an apartment from Argentina, trying to express my interest before someone else did, felt more like a blind auction than an apartment search. The fact that Germany can sometimes feel bureaucratic is often not an overstatement and can be a bit frustrating. At the same time, bureaucracy and rules are part of what keeps things running. In addition, the level of planning can sometimes feel a bit excessive—I‘m still not used to tickets being sold for events two years in advance. It also took me some time to get used to the fact that shopping after 7 p.m. or on Sundays is nearly impossible.

My advice to anyone wishing to move to Germany? When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Observe how locals behave in everyday life, try to understand before judging, and make an effort to blend into the culture.

Whether my journey will continue in Germany or elsewhere remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure: doing research in Germany will always be a rewarding experience.

Luan Gabriel Fonseca dos Santos born in 1996 in Divinopolis, Brazil, Now TU Berlin

I studied in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. I hold a Bachelor‘s degree in chemical engineering and a Master‘s degree in theoretical chemistry. After I finished in 2023, I joined a physical chemistry doctoral program at Texas University, United States. Due to personal reasons, I later decided to pursue a different path and moved to Germany in March 2026 to start my PhD in theoretical chemistry at the TU Berlin.

At the university and in my research group, I was incredibly well received, and I was lucky to find an apartment quickly through a friend‘s referral. However, the bureaucracy caught me a bit off guard. I expected everything to be fully digital. Completing paper-based processes required some patience, especially without speaking German. The language barrier also sometimes made me feel like an outsider during daily life outside the lab or in casual conversations. Fortunately, the academic environment is international, but I look forward to overcoming the language barrier as I will be starting to learn German soon.

My background prepared me well for the challenges of a PhD here. The education I received in Brazil provided me with a solid foundation. I am constantly expanding my knowledge, but the computational chemistry tools I mastered during my previous studies are the very foundation of my research today.

What captivates me most professionally is our group‘s close synergy with experimental chemists. In theoretical and computational chemistry, it is deeply rewarding to see that the work done on our screens has a direct impact on applications. Outside of work, Berlin offers a balanced and active lifestyle that makes it easy to separate academic commitments from personal life.

Furthermore, I like that PhD candidates are treated with the professional importance they deserve in Germany, which is unfortunately still lacking in Brazil. Compared to the US, I feel that the quality of life and well-being of doctoral students are protected better here. Working hours are respected and there is an awareness of the importance of preventing burnout or overwhelming workloads.

The biggest surprise for me was the weather. I knew that Berlin can get cold in winter, but I absolutely did not expect the summer heatwaves. I never imagined I would actually need to buy a portable air conditioner to survive the summer months.

My advice for researchers coming to Germany: come with an open mind. Interview your potential supervisor thoroughly to ensure your expectations and research styles match. If possible, talk to current or former PhD students to get honest insights. And remember: it is normal to feel homesick or sad sometimes; leaving your family, roots, and culture behind is a huge step, but you do it for a great purpose. Lastly, pack a good dose of patience for the paperwork, and be ready to embrace both the cold winters and the surprisingly hot summers.

Nafiseh Mortazavi born in 1996 in Isfahan, Iran

I completed my bachelor’s degree in applied chemistry at the University of Kashan in Iran. I came to Germany in 2022 to pursue a master’s degree in chemistry at University of Marburg. I chose Germany because of its strong scientific environment, high-quality universities, and broad research opportunities.

At the university and in the laboratory, I particularly appreciate the access to modern scientific equipment and the opportunity to participate in different research projects. I also value the trust placed in students to work independently and take responsibility for their own projects. What surprised me most, however, was how much responsibility students have for shaping their own academic paths. There are many opportunities available, and students are expected to take the initiative by searching for them, contacting researchers, and actively expressing their interests. And the academic culture is one of the biggest differences compared to my home country. In Germany, students are expected not only to acquire theoretical knowledge but also to apply it actively. Laboratory work, presentations, scientific discussions, and collaborations with research institutes or companies are important parts of the education.

Even after learning German, I sometimes found it difficult to express my personality, humour, and opinions exactly as I wanted. Over time, I learned that feeling included is not only about speaking the language correctly, but also about having the courage to participate and be visible.

My international background meant that I had to develop simultaneously how to present, discuss scientific topics, and communicate my ideas in another language. This sometimes made me feel that I had to prove myself more than others. At the same time, my background has become an advantage, particularly when working in international teams. I am accustomed to differences in communication styles, personalities, and ways of approaching problems. This has made it easier for me to adapt, listen carefully, and work with people from different cultures.

The greatest challenge in Germany was having to manage my studies, work, finances, and private life largely on my own. I also worked alongside my studies because I did not have financial support. This reduced the time available for studying, but I met new people, became more familiar with everyday life in Germany, and became increasingly independent.

My most practical advice is to ask questions early. The right information can save you a great deal of time and help you recognise opportunities that may not be immediately obvious. Learning German is also very valuable. Most importantly, do not compare your progress too closely with that of others. People may be sitting in the same classroom while having completely different backgrounds, responsibilities, resources, and starting points. Moving to another country requires courage, and progress should also be measured by how much you have overcome along the way.

Neda Amiri born 1984 in Astara, Iran

I completed my Bachelor‘s and Master‘s degrees in Iran and was working in a pharmacy at the same time. To complete my PhD, I moved to Turkey and completed the first year in Ankara and the remaining years in Samsun. In 2022, I moved to Germany due to my marriage to my husband, who lives in Germany.

I like the order and discipline here, but unfortunately, because of German bureaucracy, some things go very slowly. Even though I was married and was supposed to immigrate with a family reunification visa, it was very difficult for me to get a visa. The process took two years.

Furthermore, what I do not like is that I sometimes feel alienated in German gatherings because people distance themselves from foreigners. I would not say that they do this intentionally; they just follow their habits. It is just like that in Germany: people are more distanced. However, I also have some social connections in Germany, some of them are Germans but many are internationals.

One of the biggest differences between Germany and both Iran and Turkey is the scepticism, especially in hiring. I felt that higher education was not really useful. In my opinion, this causes laziness and a reluctance to pursue higher education.

As an educated foreigner, if I could go back, I wouldn‘t have immigrated to Germany with this education because unemployment really makes me feel bad. Because I have a higher education, I expected that I would quickly get a job after learning German, but to this day I have not been able to find a suitable job, even though there is a need for a skilled workers. The unemployment rates of educated people in the heart of Europe, especially in Germany, really surprised me.

As someone whose only wish was to work in my field of study, I would advise people who wish to immigrate to this country to first learn German before immigrating, and then, if they have a degree, find a job first and then immigrate so that their time is not wasted. Otherwise, they should study in Germany so that they can find a job easier.

Samrin Shaikh born in Ahmednagar, India

Before coming to Germany, I worked as a project associate at CSIR-NCL, an Indian government laboratory based in Pune, India. After an Indo-French symposium I decided to enroll in a PhD program. I came to Germany in September 2023, when I was in the third year of my PhD and was writing and submitting my thesis. I joined as a Team Lead for heterogeneous catalysis and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hamburg on October 1, 2023, and defended my PhD in January 2024. I decided to move to Germany, which was my first choice, because Germany’s strong reputation in chemistry stems from a historic legacy of pioneering breakthroughs and a deeply integrated academia-industry ecosystem.

I like the laboratory environment as well as the safety measures that are taken in the laboratory. The scientific community in Germany is exceptionally welcoming and provides a supportive environment in which sharing thoughts, knowledge, and ideas is encouraged. Fostering healthy collaborations with scientists and engineers has led to publications in international journals. Supportive colleagues and PhD students have enriched my experience and allowed me to thrive alongside wonderful peers. For me, the biggest difference with my home country is the food, and there are some rules, which are totally different: for example, in India we drive on the left side of the road while in Germany it‘s on the right side. Also, it‘s very important to have paper documents in Germany whereas in India everything is mostly digital. Getting an apartment was very difficult in Hamburg. I felt like an outsider when there were conversations in German that I did not understand at the beginning. There was lots of paperwork and appointments regarding the visa process but it was very systematic and helpful at the end. And I have decided to settle in Germany as I found my wonderful German husband in Hamburg and got married in India according to Indian tradition on February 18, 2026.

What surprised me was the extent of the Deutsche Bahn railroad network, which helped me a lot while travelling around Hamburg and the rest of Germany. The people were very welcoming, and I could make many connections and friends within my two-year stay. Germany has many Indian markets, so it was easy for me to get Indian products.

I greatly appreciate the open and friendly nature of the scientific community in Germany, as well as the abundant opportunities for collaboration and various funding avenues that are available to advance scientific development across diverse horizons. Learning German was very important for my scientific development, for having conversations with my friends and in-laws, and for understanding German culture as I love to explore different cultures and traditions.

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