Aizhanil, born in 2001 in the village of Bel in the Nookat district of the Osh region, began her education at Osh State University in the Faculty of Arts, choosing a specialty in clothing design. However, she did not complete her studies. In 2022, after getting married, the couple decided to try their luck in Germany by taking advantage of the "Ausbildung" program.
According to Aizhanil, one of the first serious obstacles for migrants is the language barrier. She emphasizes that without knowledge of the German language, it is difficult to find a good job. She also mentions a significant bureaucratic burden: "Many believe that in Germany, salaries are high and one can quickly get rich. However, the cost of housing and food here is very high, and dealing with paperwork takes a lot of time and effort. The nostalgia for my homeland also doesn't leave me," she notes.
Despite cultural differences, Aizhanil notices some similarities between the peoples. In Germany, special attention is paid to nature: locals enjoy spending time outdoors, walking in the forests and cycling, while in Kyrgyzstan, people prefer mountain hikes and relaxation in the jailoo. While family celebrations and Nowruz are actively celebrated in Kyrgyzstan, Oktoberfest and Christmas (Weihnachten), accompanied by fairs, are popular in Germany.
At first, Aizhanil had difficulties navigating the new city. "I often got lost when taking the train to school, which took an hour and a half. In winter, when it’s dark at 6 AM, I sometimes missed my stop or got off too early. My poor language skills made it hard for me to ask for help, and I often arrived two hours late to classes, which brought me to tears from exhaustion," she shares.
She also notes the strict discipline and good conditions for children in Germany. "Germans are very punctual. Appointments for doctors or salons are mandatory; otherwise, you won't be accepted. Sunday is a day off, and shops are closed; this time is dedicated to family. Saturdays are operational until 8 PM, and there are no 24-hour stores. The conditions for raising children here are excellent. My two-year-old son started kindergarten at one year old and is already beginning to speak German," Aizhanil shares.
According to her observations, the residents of Bavaria are friendly and welcoming. The urban environment is neat and well-maintained, and parking is strictly monitored: leaving a car anywhere is prohibited, and payment terminals are installed everywhere.
Currently, Aizhanil is on maternity leave, which in Germany can last up to three years. In the future, she plans to become a nurse (Pflegefachfrau). "I am becoming more and more interested in this profession and hope that I will succeed," she concludes.
