Interview with Iryna Ivanets from Ukraine: My life in Germany
About challenges, chances and inspiration – Part 1
Iryna Ivanets comes from Ukraine and has been living in Germany since March 2022. Since then her life has changed in many ways and she has had to find her way in a completely new environment. In this interview, she talks about her first impressions, personal insights and her current everyday life.
1. Iryna, what was your first impression of Germany?
I have already known Germany from previous trips as a tourist – but I never thought I would live here. My first impression was completely positive: people were open, helpful and treated me with true compassion. I have met incredibly kind people who helped me settle into my new life.
2. What is "typically German" to you?
In Germany, I have learned to work in a planned and structured way.
In Ukraine, we often do things spontaneously and under time pressure – which does not always lead to the best results. In Germany, I have learned to be more patient: first analyze, then organize, and finally act. This leads to better results and fewer mistakes.
3. In which program are you currently participating?
I am currently participating in a program called “Special Initiative of the BMWK – Partnering in Business with Germany”, which is supported by “Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH” (German association for international cooperation) in collaboration with Carl Duisberg Centren.
The program supports successful and highly skilled managers from Ukraine who have come to Germany because of the war and who are now looking for a new career orientation.
During this program, we learn about the particularities of the German market, we complete internships and exchange valuable experiences. As bridge managers, we connect Germany and Ukraine by building bridges between two worlds.
4. What phase of the program are you going through right now?
The program includes a shadowing or an internship corresponding to my professional experiences and goals – that is how I learned about Carl Duisberg Centren.
Carl Duisberg perfectly suits my background in languages, international education and business partnership management. Supporting people on their educational journey is a personal matter for me – so I am very grateful to be here!
We are glad to hear that. It is great to have you with us at Carl Duisberg Centren.
In part 2 of the interview, Iryna will talk about her experiences in learning German.
