Working & Living Abroad in Germany

Living and working abroad can be both exhilarating and frightening. It offers a great deal of potential for those who are interested in learning about new cultures. However, it can also be intimidating. Learning a new language, which is frequently required if you intend to work in another country, doesn't come naturally to a lot of people. And let's face it, in this day and age, it is possible that, as an American, you won't be welcomed with open arms.

Military wives are often faced with both living and working abroad. The choice is relatively simple: Stay home and raise your children alone while your husband it stationed overseas or join him (or her) and risk having to find employment in a foreign country. Most military families opt to stay together whenever that option is feasible. While a few of these families may be lucky enough to only need one working parent, others simply can't get by unless both are employed.

Some people may be able to find employment on base; making the whole situation easier to handle. Others, however, may be forced off base to find work. And a few - - like me - - get caught somewhere in between, working with both Americans and natives of the country.

My husband was lucky enough to get stationed in Germany. Although I can't speak for the conditions of the country today, back in the mid-70's, it was a wonderful place to be stationed. The people were warm and accommodating and the German currency was in a decent position in relation to the American dollar. The country was remarkably beautiful and, although we explored it nearly every weekend, it could take forever to see every historical nook and cranny. And then there is the food and the wine, which is unbelievably exquisite!

I was lucky enough, once my children started school, to locate a job on base. At first I just worked as a secretary for the Security Police on base. I helped to prepare and process security clearances. However, because of the expertise I built in that arena, I was eventually asked to work with the Non-US National program instead. That meant that I would be preparing and processing clearances for those who worked on base that were not of American descent. The majority of them were, obviously German.

At first I was reluctant to accept the promotion because I didn't speak German and a lot of the workers didn't speak American. Although my German counterpart spoke some English, I knew that we would have some problems communicating. However, before I turned down the position, I decided to speak with him to see how he felt about the situation. Oddly enough, as were talking, he made some comment in French to which I automatically responded. I think that the light bulb went on in both of our heads at the same time. We could communicate easily in French; a language that many Germans also spoke.

Of course, over the course of my job, I managed to pick up enough German to communicate well with the workers. I also managed to teach my new found friend some additional English. But ultimately, our salvation was a different language altogether.

There is a point to this story. Living and working abroad is an amazing experience that everyone who gets the opportunity should undertake. No one should allow doubts or fears to keep them from experiencing another culture. There is always solution that can be found for any potential problems that might occur. You simply have to seek them out.

My family's time in Germany was the best time of our lives. Our children have many fond memories of the German people. My husband and I made life-long friends, explored new territories, and learned more about life and hospitality than we could possibly have learned anywhere else. We visited castles, took Volks Marches (walks) in stunning countryside and through quaint and cozy villages, and we tasted some of the best wines in the world.

While it is true that living and/or working abroad can be difficult, it is so worth the effort. If I had one wish I could grant for everyone, I think that would be it so that everyone could come to the true realization that we (all people) are not that different after all.