Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals

Mohamed, Anne, Sanchi

Conversations with internationals about their experience of living in Germany. This is a platform to unite in common understanding, build connection and belonging, and find a sense of shared humanity through the highs and lows of living abroad. https://linktr.ee/kakigermany

  1. Jul 15

    From immigration struggles to cultural leadership | Kaffee und Kuchen with Waithira

    In this episode of Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals, we sit down with psychologist, author, and community-focused voice, Waithira, to explore what it really means to build a life between cultures.From her journey across Kenya, the UK, and Germany to her work with refugees and immigrants, Waithira shares deeply personal insights on identity, belonging, and resilience. We talk about raising third-culture children in multicultural households, navigating intercultural relationships, and holding on to your roots while adapting to a new society.A central part of our conversation also focuses on finding fulfilment and success at work—what it means to rebuild a career in a new country, face barriers such as unrecognized qualifications or workplace cultural differences, and still create a path that feels meaningful and aligned.Waithira is also the author of "Where My Name Sounds Different," published in both English and German. In this episode, she shares a powerful reading from her book, opening up an important conversation about creating and maintaining spaces where immigrants feel seen, heard, and understood—and why these spaces matter just as much for local communities.Together, we go beyond the surface of “integration” to unpack the emotional layers of migration: loneliness, pressure to fit in, confidence, and the ongoing search for belonging. We also reflect on what meaningful support for immigrants could look like, and why empathy, open dialogue, and community are essential for people not just to integrate, but to truly thrive.#immigration #refugees #internationals #lifeabroad #germany #kenya #lifeingermany

    From immigration struggles to cultural leadership | Kaffee und Kuchen with Waithira
  2. Jul 4

    Integration and Immigration in Germany: Past, Present & Future - with Prof.Dr. Birgit Glorius

    The real numbers behind Germany’s 25 million migration background population, including the distinctions between first- and second-generation immigrants.How recent shifts in migration policies are shaping newcomers’ integration experiences, from language classes to labor market access.The migration patterns of Turkey, Poland, and other large-origin countries, and how history influences where immigrants settle today.Why the social and economic climate impacts whether skilled workers stay, leave, or feel welcome in Germany.What the upcoming political changes could mean for immigrants and policies focused on integration or restriction.You’ll also get an insider’s look at how Germany’s migration policies evolved from the guest worker era to now focusing on skilled labor, and how current political trends threaten or bolster social cohesion. For anyone interested in the future of migration, integration, and multicultural societies, this episode offers essential insights into what lies ahead for Germany—and for global migration trends as a whole.Dr. Birgit Glorius is a renowned migration expert and professor at a leading German university, known for her pioneering research on migration biographies, integration policies, and social cohesion.Whether you’re a policy-maker, student, or curious about societal change, this episode provides a clear-eyed view of how immigration is reshaping Germany’s future — and what that can teach the rest of the world about managing diversity in an evolving global landscape.Perfect for anyone interested in migration, social policy, and European integration, this episode expands your understanding of the complex realities faced by migrants and the policies that shape their lives. Hit play to get ahead on one of the most pressing issues of our time.

    Integration and Immigration in Germany: Past, Present & Future - with Prof.Dr. Birgit Glorius
  3. Jun 17

    Starting a New Life | Kaffee und Kuchen with Mary

    "When you start from scratch, you can become anyone."Welcome to another episode of Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals in Germany.In this episode, co-host Anne sits down with Mary, a mother of three originally from Russia, who shares her journey of rebuilding life across three countries before finally settling in Germany.What began as a departure from home became a profound lesson in resilience, identity, motherhood, and self-leadership. Together, Anne and Mary explore the realities of immigration beyond the practicalities: the emotional challenge of letting go of "temporary living," finding belonging, learning new languages, and creating a life from a blank canvas.In this honest and inspiring conversation, we explore:✅ Moving from Russia to Turkey, Hungary, and finally Germany✅ The emotional shift from "living abroad" to truly building a life somewhere✅ Raising children through multiple international moves✅ Language, identity, and feeling like a different person in different languages✅ German culture, rules, and adapting to a new way of life✅ Self-leadership, personal responsibility, and finding yourself again after motherhood✅ Why starting over can be one of life's greatest opportunitiesWhether you're newly arrived in Germany, navigating life between cultures, raising children abroad, or wondering who you are in this next chapter of life, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a reminder that rebuilding is possible.🎧 Tune in and join us for another honest conversation about life abroad.📢 Subscribe for more international stories, reflections, and conversations from life in Germany. Connect with Mary:https://www.instagram.com/maryblinkova/

    Starting a New Life | Kaffee und Kuchen with Mary
  4. Jun 3

    German politics for immigrants - Kaffee und Kuchen with Lina ( instagram & tiktok @debriefwithlina)

    Explore the complex realities of migration in Germany with Lina Mansour, a project manager at the International Organization for Migration. Discover who the migrants are, why they come, and the challenges they face. From integration hurdles to political impacts, this episode uncovers the hidden stories behind the statistics. Perfect for anyone interested in Europe's migrant landscape and the future of Germany's diverse society. Follow Lina on Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/debriefwithlina ) and TikTok ( https://www.tiktok.com/@debriefwithlina ) for more insights.| 0:01 | Intro — Mohamed's opening questions about immigration in Germany | 1:41 | Interview begins with Lina | 2:14 | How many immigrants are in Germany?| 3:24 | Who counts as having a migration background in German statistics? | 5:04 | Top foreign national groups| 6:12 | First vs. second generation: why Germany doesn't distinguish them | 7:23 | Different challenges across immigrant groups | 9:33 | Historical context: immigrants from the 70s–90s and integration || 10:37 | How long do immigrants stay?| 12:18 | Why 40% want to leave — politics, taxes, bureaucracy | 13:25 | Second generation and connection to their homeland | 15:01 | Organizations that publish migration data | 16:36 | Politics section begins | 17:42 | Bundestag seat breakdown — CDU, AfD, SPD, Greens | 20:02 | Immigration stances of the mainstream parties | 22:56 | AfD's anti-immigration position and remigration policy | 25:10 | Future political outlook — Germany moving rightward | 28:05 | Direct implications for immigrants if the far right gains control | 32:51 | The contradiction: skilled worker demand vs. anti-immigration rhetoric | 37:16 | Economic section — German economy post-COVID | 38:34 | Do Germans blame immigrants for the economic decline? | 40:49 | Closing exchange and wrap-up

    German politics for immigrants - Kaffee und Kuchen with Lina ( instagram & tiktok @debriefwithlina)
  5. May 20

    From Surviving to Thriving: Real Lessons from an Immigrant Nurse | Kaffee und Kuchen with Mutinta

    What does it really take to succeed as an immigrant in Germany? In this inspiring episode, Mutinta, a Zambian-born neonatal nurse in Berlin, shares her real-life journey of adapting to a new culture, navigating the German healthcare system as a professional, and overcoming stereotypes in the workplace.From language barriers to moments of discrimination, Mutinta opens up about the challenges many immigrants face, but also the powerful mindset shifts that helped her grow. She explains how simple, practical habits like gratitude, open yet kind communication, personal evolution, and cultural awareness can make a lasting difference in both personal and professional life.This episode dives into intercultural communication, diversity in healthcare, and why integration should be a two-way process between locals and newcomers. Mutinta also shares how staying connected to your roots, through food, language, and identity, can actually strengthen your confidence abroad.Whether you’re an immigrant, expat, healthcare professional, or someone working in a multicultural environment, this conversation offers practical advice and powerful insights on building inclusion, breaking stereotypes, and thriving in a new country.#immigrantlife #kakigermany #lifeabroad #lifeingermany, #culturalcelebration #workingingermanhealthcare, #overcomingstereotypes, #interculturalcommunication #immigration #pflegekräfte #nurseingermany 00:13 Introduction02:03 Moving to Germany: Love and Challenges04:45 Navigating the Nursing Recognition System07:46 Cultural Adaptation in the Medical Field09:18 Nursing in Zambia vs in Germany15:19 Gratitude for Simple Things in Healthcare17:17 Cultural Awareness and Integration in Healthcare27:22 The Need for Mutual Understanding in Integration27:47 Cultural Sensitivity and Integration Challenges29:15 The Importance of Communication in New Environments30:11 Navigating Stereotypes and Self-Esteem38:16 Addressing Stereotypes and Speaking Up 42:47 Balancing Cultural Roots and New Traditions 50:21 Empathy & Kindness

    From Surviving to Thriving: Real Lessons from an Immigrant Nurse | Kaffee und Kuchen with Mutinta
  6. Apr 22

    From Survival to Self-Belief | Kaffee und Kuchen with Kavita

    “Do not settle for something that is not worth it - because maybe you are the prize.”Trigger Warning!Before we start, a gentle content note: this episode includes personal experiences of domestic abuse, which may feel difficult or triggering for some listeners. Everything shared here is based on one person’s experience and has been shared intentionally and with consent. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you.Welcome to another episode of Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals in Germany! Today, co-host Anne sits down with Kavita, an HR professional and career coach, to share her story of rebuilding her life in Berlin after domestic abuse, divorce, and deep personal upheaval.What began as a move for her Master’s degree became something much bigger: a chance to step away from expectation, rediscover herself, and create a new life built on self-belief, purpose, and freedom.In this honest and heartfelt conversation, we explore:✅ Starting over in Germany while carrying trauma, grief, and uncertainty✅ Letting go of societal expectations and learning to live without a script✅ Rebuilding confidence, independence, and a sense of self after abuse✅ Finding purpose through helping others navigate careers and job searches in Germany✅ Curiosity, consistency, and community as tools for healing and growth✅ Choosing not to settle - and learning to see your own worth clearlyThis is a powerful conversation about survival, identity, and what can become possible when you begin to choose yourself. Whether you’re new to Germany, rebuilding after hardship, or searching for your next step, this episode offers honesty, strength, and hope.Here is a small note from Kavita: "This podcast reflects my personal experiences and perspective. No individuals, locations, or identifying details have been disclosed. Any resemblance to identifiable persons is unintentional. Opinions expressed are my own and do not represent any organisation or community."📢 Subscribe for more international stories and reflections from life abroad.🎧 Tune in and feel the power of story, connection, and shared experience.

    From Survival to Self-Belief | Kaffee und Kuchen with Kavita
  7. Mar 11

    Unpacking Your Bags | Kaffee und Kuchen with Carey

    “Don’t wait to start living the life you have now.” Welcome to another episode of Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals in Germany! Today, co-host Anne Lassé sits down with Carey, an American financial consultant living in Germany, whose journey abroad has taken her through Munich, Oxford, Hamburg, and now Schwerin. What began as an unexpected work opportunity turned into a life built over decades — and a deep understanding of what it really means to stop living out of a “packed bag” and begin fully living where you are. In this honest and thoughtful conversation, we explore: ✅ How life abroad is shaped by much more than language alone ✅ The many puzzle pieces of settling in: finances, friendships, work, and mindset ✅ Why assumptions can make moving abroad harder — and curiosity can make it easier ✅ The difference between being somewhere temporarily and truly building a life there ✅ Why it matters to invest in friendships, hobbies, language, and long-term planning even when the future feels uncertain ✅ Carey's perspective on Germany as a place of structure, safety, and democratic stabilityWhether you’re new to Germany, unsure how long you’ll stay, or caught between living in the present and waiting for “what’s next,” this episode is a powerful reminder to start now. Build the life that supports you, even if the future is still unfolding. 👉 Connect with Carey for support around finances and settling into life in Germany: Email: carey.witt@ovb.dehttps://www.instagram.com/expat_helps_expats/ WhatsApp: +49 15561 519923 📢 Subscribe for more international stories & reflections from life abroad. 🎧 Tune in and feel the power of story, connection, and shared experience. #KaKIGermany #MovingToGermany #LifeAbroad #Integration #Podcast #StorySharing #Belonging #InternationalLife #Germany #ExpatLife #StartLiving #BuildingAHomeAbroad

    Unpacking Your Bags | Kaffee und Kuchen with Carey

About

Conversations with internationals about their experience of living in Germany. This is a platform to unite in common understanding, build connection and belonging, and find a sense of shared humanity through the highs and lows of living abroad. https://linktr.ee/kakigermany