Week 38: Deportations Deal, Oktoberfest and International Students

00:00:01: Welcome to another episode of plus-forty-nine.

00:00:07: I'm your host, Malina Bachar, bringing you the latest from Germany this September.

00:00:13: School is officially back in session across the country, while the excitement for Oktoberfest is reaching fever pitch as the world's largest folk festival kicks off this Saturday in Munich, and there is a lot happening beyond the festivities.

00:00:28: First, Germany is grappling with a growing shortage of qualified workers, so Frankfurt and Rostock are pioneering tailored approaches to attract and retain skilled professionals.

00:00:40: In migration news, the federal government is close to finalizing a deal with Afghanistan to streamline deportations via scheduled flights, a big shift in migration policy.

00:00:52: On the education front, Germany remains a top destination for international students.

00:00:58: but more graduates are leaving soon after finishing, posing a challenge for workforce sustainability.

00:01:04: Later in the show, we hear from Ruth Ruth, an international student from Pakistan, studying in Berlin.

00:01:11: She shares her experiences navigating culture shocks and building friendships.

00:01:16: Plus, stay tuned for our Ask a German segment, where we explore why Germany has so many holidays, yet many don't quite know what they actually celebrate.

00:01:27: So, Let's jump right in.

00:01:40: School is officially back in session across Germany.

00:01:44: Just as Oktoberfest preparations are about to kick off.

00:01:48: So there's plenty going on this September.

00:01:50: Let's take a look at the headlines shaping the week.

00:01:54: First up, Germany's urgent quest for skilled workers is making local waves.

00:02:00: In Frankfurt, small and medium-sized companies are stepping up recruitment efforts, exploring how to attract international specialists at a recent event hosted by the city's Welcome and Information Center and the Chamber of Commerce.

00:02:14: While Mayor Nargis Eskandari-Grünberg highlighted the social and economic benefits of global talent, about forty-five percent of local firms still see the skills gap as a major risk.

00:02:28: Visa issues and slow procedures remain stumbling blocks, with business leaders calling for modernized digital solutions to boost success.

00:02:38: Meanwhile in Rostock, firms are tackling a different problem, the brain drain to bigger cities.

00:02:45: At the Work and Wave Return Day on Warnemuter Beach, more than forty regional employers reached out to former residents and commuters, offering attractive job options and a high quality of coastal life.

00:02:59: From shipbuilding to health care, companies gave a fresh look at how location and lifestyle can help retain talent.

00:03:07: Other headlines.

00:03:08: The federal government is close to striking a deal with Afghanistan for more regular deportations, an ongoing turning point in migration policy.

00:03:18: Secret negotiations with Taliban officials could soon enable easier repatriations by scheduled flights instead of special charters.

00:03:28: On the higher education front, Germany remains a top choice for international students.

00:03:33: Though worries are mounting about graduates leaving soon after finishing their studies.

00:03:39: The challenge?

00:03:40: Turning a growing number of foreign students into long-term contributors as demographic change makes skilled labour even more valuable.

00:03:57: This Saturday marks the start of Oktoberfest, the world's largest folk festival right in the heart of Munich.

00:04:04: If you've never been, or even if you have.

00:04:07: Here's a quick guide to what makes Oktoberfest so unique.

00:04:11: And a few fun facts that might surprise you.

00:04:14: Oktoberfest actually began way back in eighteen-ten as a celebration of a royal wedding.

00:04:21: The marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Theresa.

00:04:25: They kicked off the party with horse races.

00:04:27: And the locals loved it so much, they turned it into an annual tradition.

00:04:31: Despite its name, most of Oktoberfest actually happens in September.

00:04:36: because the weather is just nicer at this time of year.

00:04:40: Now,

00:04:40: picture the festival grounds split into two main parts.

00:04:44: On the west side you'll find nearly forty massive beer tents, each run by one of Munich's famous breweries.

00:04:52: Here you can enjoy specially brewed merzenbier and classics like giant pretzels, roast chicken and sausages, all part of the authentic Bavarian feast.

00:05:03: On the east side, the festival turns into a fairground playground with over one hundred rides and games.

00:05:10: Everything from adrenaline pumping roller coasters to sweet nostalgia inducing carousels awaits you.

00:05:17: So, as you can see, Oktoberfest is not just about beer.

00:05:21: It's about fun and that for the whole family.

00:05:24: And here's a useful tip for visitors.

00:05:26: There is no general entry ticket for Oktoberfest.

00:05:30: It's free to wander the festival.

00:05:32: However, if you want to secure a seat in one of those buzzing beer tents, especially on weekends, you'll need to book a table reservation well in advance.

00:05:42: And be careful, there are some scammers selling fake tickets at crazy prices.

00:05:48: Also make sure not to miss some of the festival's iconic highlights, like the towering Bavaria Statue, which offers a great view over the grounds, or the historic shift to theater with its quirky variety shows.

00:06:03: There is also the thrilling Teufelsrad, a spinning wheel challenge where folks race to stay on the longest.

00:06:09: And for sheer fun, the toboggan slide at night always guarantees plenty of laughs.

00:06:15: When the mayor taps the first beer barrel and yells, Otsapsis, it's tapped, that's the official start and the party is on.

00:06:24: Whether you come for the food, the rides, the beer or the atmosphere, Oktoberfest is the celebration of Bavarian spirit and tradition.

00:06:33: So get ready to raise your stein, sing along to live music and simply enjoy the best time of the year.

00:06:40: Prost!

00:06:49: Today we're joined by Rufruf, who's actually been asking questions a few episodes ago, but today we want to learn and hear more about your perspective on things.

00:07:00: So, hi Rufruf and welcome!

00:07:02: Hi!

00:07:03: Hi Marlene, how are you?

00:07:05: I'm fine, thank you.

00:07:06: And before we start, maybe just tell us a little bit about yourself, who you are, where you come from and what you're doing here in Germany.

00:07:15: I am from Pakistan.

00:07:17: I came to Berlin about six months ago and I obviously came here as a student and I am doing a master's in international security management at the Berlin School of Economics and Law.

00:07:29: Okay and what's it been like studying in Germany?

00:07:34: It has been so far a very good experience like meeting a lot of people from across the globe a lot from like I think Berlin schools and the university cultures is very you know dynamic in the sense that it is open up for people from all other different countries and cultures.

00:07:56: so it's just not oriented towards under one perspective.

00:08:00: so it's good to speak to people.

00:08:03: and obviously studying security, you get to understand security from a lot of different perspectives in terms of global politics and of course how people perceive security in different countries as well.

00:08:17: So I think in that aspect it has been wonderful so far.

00:08:21: And you also mentioned meeting lots of people.

00:08:25: Are there also Germans here meeting or is it just or mainly internationals?

00:08:31: Mostly internationals, very few Germans, but yes, my class does have Germans, but if you would compare, I think there are more international people than Germans so far.

00:08:43: Yeah, I think this is a common problem also in the first place, finding German people to connect with and then second, actually making friends with them.

00:08:51: So yeah, do you have any German friends or is it mainly international?

00:08:57: I think I do speak to a lot of Germans.

00:08:59: but when you say friends, I kind of think the definition of friendship is... very different in Germany compared to other countries.

00:09:07: so I would say so like after six months I do have one German friend who I am probably like more close to or not close to in the sense that they would define me as a friend in comparison to me saying that.

00:09:20: so I think yeah I did make one close German friend who thinks I am their friend as well.

00:09:25: so yeah I won in particular in six months which is like half a year.

00:09:30: I think that is a great achievement already because lots of people obviously struggle with it and I think this is a really interesting perspective that you're talking about that Germans have a different understanding of friendship because I think so too and I think German friendships are more there.

00:09:48: there's something you have to build up to and that's nothing that happens in like a week or something like that.

00:09:52: it's something that happens over a longer time and then usually you have a long friendship going out of it.

00:09:59: so yeah it's interesting how how different also friendship works in different cultures.

00:10:05: absolutely it's quite different from where I come from to be honest because it's not like you know.

00:10:11: there's like steps on how you probably would build a friendship in such a way and how it is perceived to be in Germany.

00:10:18: But it's kind of one of the different ways on how we see like how people approach friendships.

00:10:24: And I was told about it.

00:10:26: I didn't believe it until I came to Berlin and saw that and actually experienced it myself.

00:10:33: I think I would be lucky enough to say that yeah, I was successful in doing that with one person.

00:10:37: So yeah, it's kind of like a culture shock as well.

00:10:40: Now that you already mentioned culture shock, I think it would be really interesting to go more into detail into that.

00:10:46: But before we do that, let's take a short music break and then we'll continue our talk.

00:11:00: So we've just been talking about the different kind of ways friendship form and how there's different steps to it and how this can be a culture shock if you come to a new country and how this has happened to Rüffroth.

00:11:14: and now I want to know a little bit more about whether other culture shocks or what were you expecting when you came to Germany.

00:11:21: that was different when you arrived.

00:11:24: Well for starters, I think the culture shock was everything being closed on Sundays because coming from a South Asian country if you need anything and Probably even like it to him.

00:11:34: You'll find something opened up.

00:11:37: If you want to have like buy something, you know like there would be like this shop But you will find and you will get bread or eggs or like medicines or something.

00:11:46: So as a student, I think that was a bit of a culture shock Finding nothing to be open on a Sunday and you can't forget that.

00:11:52: and especially as a student where you are bound to forget something on a weekday and unlikely to get your groceries done in time.

00:12:01: and one of the other culture shocks I don't think so.

00:12:05: I can point out any other thing except for the fact how you know friendships are perceived to be very different and our relationships are given a lot of thought like who needs to be in your friend circle and how German people give a lot of thought to that.

00:12:19: I think that's pretty different from from where I come from and how when we meet people we're just like.

00:12:25: you know it's fine you're meeting people but I think in Berlin especially Germans do take that very seriously and I think that's also a good thing because in comparison how we tend to have very big circles at the beginning and then like cut people off is better to actually think very carefully about who you want to be around with and what kind of people you want to be around with and it's very good that Germans do give a lot of thought to that prior to just being friends with anybody.

00:12:51: Yeah, I think those are some really interesting points.

00:12:55: And now that you've mentioned also the dating life, which is also a very interesting point always when interviews are on the show.

00:13:04: So maybe you can share a little bit about your experiences with this, like what differences have you seen in just the way dating and everything around it goes in Germany compared to your home country.

00:13:18: I particularly have not explored that area too much, but I've had difficulty in terms of finding the right platforms to do so because a lot of things are very app-oriented.

00:13:30: when you come to Berlin unless you have a social circle to begin with.

00:13:35: And by the time you come to a new country, of course, it's very difficult for one to start dating unless you actually have people around.

00:13:42: So I think there's still some sort of a way to go.

00:13:46: for actually probably progressing in that regard.

00:13:50: so still working on that I guess I still have to meet a lot of people around and I don't want to do it through the app.

00:13:56: it's not that anything is wrong.

00:13:58: I prefer like one-on-one human connection and probably instead of talking on like you know a chat I'd rather have like a discussion face-to-face first.

00:14:06: so it's just a personal obviously preference instead I'm not.

00:14:10: no there's no bias around it.

00:14:11: so yeah

00:14:12: No, I can totally understand.

00:14:14: And yeah, it just might just feel more organic.

00:14:18: Not saying that there's anything wrong with the other way, but I definitely understand your perspective.

00:14:23: And now I want to know a little bit.

00:14:26: We've talked about culture shocks, but were there also some challenges when you came here?

00:14:31: Like, do you have any problems with the language or in general adapting to the German culture?

00:14:36: What were the biggest challenges you would say?

00:14:39: I think as a student, because I had experience living in the UK, arriving in a country where, of course, you don't know the language, which of course partly is that I need to put the effort on my part.

00:14:54: The other thing is the whole bureaucratic system in terms of getting your aluminum done.

00:15:00: I think those are the things like people really need to be aware of when they're coming in because it becomes very hectic because you really need an address, you really need to get your bank account done.

00:15:10: I think these are the things that become.

00:15:12: not become a problem is something because you're not used to it and you're not aware of the system can become a little challenging when you have you're settling in, you're trying to manage how you're going to get to from one place to the other because you don't know how the public transport works and all of these things.

00:15:28: So yeah, the system around getting your documentations right, which includes your city registration, your health insurance and getting your bank account.

00:15:38: I think these are the things which make it a little more challenging than probably another country.

00:15:43: I can definitely see that bureaucracy is a big topic here in Germany and yeah, it's not the best.

00:15:51: Let's leave it at that.

00:16:00: So we've been talking about dating and friendships and there's another category I would say that's really important when talking about Germany and that is the food

00:16:09: because

00:16:10: this is where the yeah a lot of people have problems with German food.

00:16:15: I would say we've had a lot of questions on ask a German about it for example on Abendgurt or There's just been a lot of questions about it.

00:16:24: So what has been your experience with German food?

00:16:28: and do you have a favorite dish here?

00:16:31: In terms of German food, to be honest, the most I have had so far is donor and I've survived on that for six months.

00:16:42: I have a lot had a lot of bread but at one point because obviously for the last twenty eight years I've had like a lot of like what I've grown up with and I would say it's a comforting food and it's very quick and efficient but you still go back to your roots and you still prepare it.

00:16:59: so I would say I would like to balance it out and yet I do not have something which is I can call my favorite German food.

00:17:07: I hope I do find something in the next few months.

00:17:11: Yeah I mean you have a lot of time still to find your favorite food and as you're growing it's also switching all the time.

00:17:18: For me when I grew older I just came to appreciate Ambrut because it's like a quick evening meal and when I was younger I used to hate it because it's so boring and it's just bread basically.

00:17:29: but now I can appreciate it.

00:17:32: I'm not saying it's my favorite food but it has its

00:17:34: perks.

00:17:35: of course it is like I think you can't go hungry in Berlin so far because you will find something after every two steps and that's the best part.

00:17:46: you don't have to think too much about it or you know I'll put a lot of effort on all what you gonna have this evening.

00:17:53: so I think that's efficiency comes in everything which is German and I think food is one of the categories that it needs to be efficient.

00:18:02: it's about filling your stomach.

00:18:03: yes it's about taste buds but you know you get going on and I think I really appreciate that about it because a lot sometimes back home we spend a lot of time.

00:18:11: you know my our mothers in the morning start worrying about oh what do we cook today?

00:18:16: and that's like a point of discussion which goes crazy and they get angry at us for not telling them.

00:18:21: so I think efficiency in getting your meals done at the most convenient and obviously cost effective way that it's affordable for everybody I think I would.

00:18:30: it's kudos in that regard.

00:18:32: Yeah, as I said, I came to appreciate it now too, and I guess we're just effectiveness over everything here in Germany.

00:18:41: And one last question I have, this is another topic again, for the students planning on maybe studying abroad in Germany, do you have any advice for them?

00:18:53: I would say first... like you know you're coming to a new country where English is not the medium of instruction.

00:19:00: do put in the effort because it's your responsibility to integrate learn the language at least get it to the extent that you're able to communicate on a daily basis of course not on a professional basis because it is.

00:19:13: it takes time to come to that level because a lot of people do not know how to communicate in English and it's not something that you can hold them responsible for.

00:19:25: It's a very proud thing that people hold their language to be that important and I think one of the things is to learn the language.

00:19:33: second Obviously get make sure that your documentation is in the right order So it doesn't take a lot of time because no matter what even if the system is slow.

00:19:43: It is still efficient?

00:19:45: You missing out on a paper is your fault.

00:19:47: It's not going to be anybody else's fault.

00:19:49: So two of my important first and second important things would be language and getting your documentation right.

00:19:57: Something that is entirely your responsibility.

00:20:09: We're back in our last part and Rufruf, I want to know how long do you actually plan to stay in Germany?

00:20:15: Like how long is your study program going and is there a future for you here in Germany or do you plan to travel to other countries as well?

00:20:23: So my course is for about two years but I do plan on staying in Germany.

00:20:28: hopefully for many years to come in.

00:20:31: I do plan on working and I do plan on obviously integrating by learning the language and everything.

00:20:36: So yeah, my long-term plan is to work and live in Germany.

00:20:40: Hopefully travel while staying in Germany.

00:20:42: I've still visited like a few places.

00:20:45: Wonderful, but I would like hopefully to make a new settled home in Berlin for some time in a few years.

00:20:53: And you said you arrived around six months ago, right?

00:20:56: So that would be the end of winter, but you've never really experienced a Berlin winter.

00:21:04: You're ready for that?

00:21:07: I am actually I've been told that yes it gets very gray but I'm very excited for it because I don't do very well in the summer.

00:21:15: so I think I'm the odd one out in this one and I do look forward to wearing all the nice you know sweaters and cardigans and the long coats.

00:21:23: so I'm actually very excited and I know people are not but hopefully I'll survive this winter with a smile.

00:21:32: that's nice to hear actually that you're going into it this positive thinking and to be honest it's not that bad.

00:21:38: I mean yeah of course when the sun is out and you you just see that all the people suddenly have a better attitude somehow but it's still not that bad in winter.

00:21:47: so keep your positive attitude about it.

00:21:53: And you said you've already visited some other places in Germany, but you still plan to stay in Berlin, so what makes Berlin so special for you?

00:22:03: I think Berlin... is very diverse.

00:22:07: it can offer a lot of opportunities and I have met a lot of people who work in amazing sectors and innovative areas.

00:22:17: so in that regard I think Berlin is the hub where everybody wants to come in and I've gotten the opportunity to already be here.

00:22:24: so I would want to make the most of it in terms of that.

00:22:27: and I think Berlin is beautiful.

00:22:30: so I love sitting near the Cathedral and the Atlas Museum.

00:22:33: I think that's one of my favorite spots to go.

00:22:36: It really refreshes my mind and I don't think so I would be moving anytime soon from Berlin anywhere else in Germany.

00:22:43: I think this is a really nice note to go out on.

00:22:47: So I want to thank you for doing this interview with us.

00:22:50: It's been really fun and nice to have this insight into the experiences of a student in Germany.

00:22:56: So thank you.

00:22:57: Thank

00:22:57: you so much for having me.

00:22:58: It was lovely.

00:22:59: Thank you.

00:23:11: I would like to ask why do you have so many?

00:23:38: Germany is known for its many public holidays.

00:23:42: Some states enjoy up to thirteen or even fourteen days off per year, while others have fewer.

00:23:50: Most of these holidays have Christian origins, such as Easter, Christmas, Ascension Day and Pentecost.

00:23:58: Besides these, there are nationally recognized secular holidays like Labor Day on May first and German Unity Day on October third.

00:24:08: However, each federal state also decides on additional holidays, leading to significant regional differences.

00:24:16: For instance, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg have some of the most public holidays,

00:24:21: while Berlin,

00:24:22: Bremen, Hamburg and Lower Saxony have fewer.

00:24:26: Despite enjoying these breaks, surveys show that many Germans are unclear about the meaning behind many holidays.

00:24:34: Less than half of the population today belong to the major churches, as religious affiliation declines and immigration diversifies beliefs.

00:24:43: This creates an interesting dynamic.

00:24:46: Many people observe public holidays without personally relating to their religious or historical origins.

00:24:53: So, the question arises.

00:24:56: In a multicultural society, should Germany continue to honor mainly Christian holidays?

00:25:02: Well... Some advocate for introducing floating holidays or more flexible holiday options to accommodate people of diverse religious backgrounds, so they can celebrate their own important days.

00:25:15: Others suggest converting fixed public holidays into additional individual vacation days, allowing everyone to choose which days to take off based on personal or cultural reasons.

00:25:27: While this approach enhances inclusiveness and personal freedom, Critics warn it may weaken the sense of community build around shared holidays.

00:25:37: Debates about the number of holidays also include economic perspectives.

00:25:42: Some argue reducing holidays could boost productivity and contribute billions to the economy, while others point to the important social and mental health role of holidays as collective downtime.

00:25:56: In Germany, silent days like Boat Friday have special restrictions reflecting religious traditions, even as society modernizes.

00:26:06: And some regions keep unique holidays linked to local culture and history, like the Peace Festival in Augsburg or Reformation Day in eastern states.

00:26:16: Ultimately, rethinking Germany's holiday calendar is a complex balancing act.

00:26:21: requiring respect for tradition, inclusion of new social realities and attention to economic and cultural impacts.

00:26:29: As society evolves, so too the conversations about how best to align holidays with the country's changing identity.

00:26:45: That's it for today's episode of PLUS-FORDI-NINE.

00:26:48: Thanks so much for tuning in and spending your time with us.

00:26:52: We hope you enjoyed diving into this week's news.

00:26:55: getting a taste of Oktoberfest and hearing from Ruth Ruth about her journey as an international student in Berlin.

00:27:02: Don't forget to join us next time for more insights, stories and those ever-popular Ask a German questions that keep you connected to life here in Germany.

00:27:12: If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or radio streams.

00:27:18: And if you have questions or topics you want us to cover, just reach out.

00:27:23: We love hearing from you.

00:27:24: Until then, stay curious, stay inspired and enjoy all these colors and sounds of this beautiful September.

00:27:31: Goodbye!