My Journey from Lebanon to Germany: A Software Engineer's Tale - The Trailer

"You know what? I am gonna go for it. I am just gonna do it! I have nothing to lose. This could be an opportunity of a lifetime for me!"

These are the exact same words I told myself 3 years ago before I finally did it.

February 18, 2021. 4:30 a.m. I recall vividly that I didn't sleep a wink that night. How could I? I was about to board an airplane for the very first time, heading to a country I'd never visited, where they speak a language I don't know. But that did not stop me. It was all about becoming a better version of myself. I wanted to grow not only professionally, but also personally, and nothing was going to get in my way.

Fast forward three years, I was able to achieve the following:

• 🇩🇪 Completed the B2 level in German.
• 🪪 Got the permanent residency in Germany.
• 🚗 Got a driver's license in Germany.

This post marks the beginning of a series in which I'll dive into how I successfully applied for and secured a job in Germany, my journey in learning the German language and reaching the B2 level within three years, and share invaluable resources, tips, and strategies that helped me along the way. Additionally, I'll provide insights into finding an accommodation in Germany and navigating the process of acquiring a driver's license.

A little about me

In 2020, I was working as a Frontend Engineer at a local startup in Beirut. If you have never heard of Beirut, just think of it as a city where Tabbouleh and Hummus were born.

On Weekdays, I did the typical 9 to 5. Weekends were for my friends and family.

However, amidst the backdrop of revolution in Lebanon, life was becoming increasingly challenging. Banking restrictions left individuals unable to access their funds, and even the simplest tasks became burdensome. Numerous local tech companies closed down, increasing the economic strain. As expenses soared and queues at banks stretched for hours, it became evident that there was limited opportunity for my personal and professional growth. After much thought, I made the decision to look for jobs abroad, with a particular focus on European countries, drawn by the allure of work-life balance, picturesque cities, diverse cultures, and the prospect of weekend getaways to neighboring EU nations just a short train ride away.That was of course before I came to know Deutsche Bahn.

After multiple applications to different companies, I received an invitation for a screening call from a big company working in the travel industry. The role was based in Amsterdam. While the initial interview process went smoothly, just before my third interview, I received news that, due to COVID, they were closing their Amsterdam offices. However, they proposed a similar position at their headquarters in Düsseldorf, Germany – a city with which I was unfamiliar, but I embraced the opportunity for change and got an offer from the company.

With the job offer secured, it was time to tackle the visa process. I applied for the Blue Card visa, meant for those with certain academic qualifications and earning above a set threshold. Despite a delay of around five months due to the Beirut port explosion in 2020, I finally received approval for my visa in February 2021, paving the way for my journey to Germany.

As I reflect on my journey from Lebanon to Germany, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way and the challenges I've overcome. In the next installment of this series, I'll delve into the nitty-gritty of finding a job in Germany – from navigating job search platforms to acing interviews and everything in between. Whether you're considering a similar leap or simply curious about the process, I'll share insights and tips to help you chart your own path to success. So, stay tuned for Part II, where we'll explore the exciting world of job hunting in Germany! Until then, keep dreaming big and embracing the journey ahead. You got it 💪