Zeki I., 33, was a specialist in radiology in Turkey. Waiting for his approbation, he is now working as an assistant doctor in radiology in Germany. Even though the process is not easy, he is happy with his decision and is now looking forward to bringing his family to Germany.
Zitat:Team: First of all, how come we are talking today? What was or still is your motivation to come to Germany in particular?
Zeki I.: As a radiologist in Turkey, I was quite unhappy. More emphasis was placed on the quantity than the quality of the examinations. Here in Germany, the quality is more important and I like that a lot better. In Turkey, for example, my work consisted largely of ultrasound examinations. In Germany, this belongs to a completely separate department.
All in all, I can say that I am more satisfied with my work here, although there are of course disadvantages as well. For example, my working hours are much longer than before. One reason for this is the staff shortage that exists everywhere and in all areas of the hospital. The bureaucratic hurdles for immigration are a problem I think.
Another reason was my family. I have a wife and a daughter and I was worried about their future. It's not about money, I've earned enough money in Turkey, but it's about academic satisfaction and the future of my family.
Team: You have already briefly mentioned that you found the bureaucracy difficult on your way to Germany. What would you describe as the biggest challenge for you?
Zeki I.: As I said, the bureaucracy and the checking of documents is very slow. For example, I waited 14 months for an answer to my application for a license to practice medicine. It all takes a long time and I don't know what I'm going to do when my preliminary license expires and I haven't received my proper license yet. If it doesn't work out, I would have to take another exam. That would be very difficult for me, I would have to brush up on all my knowledge again while looking after my family and, of course, working.
However, I have support and I know that I will solve the problems.
Team: Despite your difficulties, is there anything you like about Germany so far?
Zeki I.: Not the weather, of course... (laughs). But to summarize, I can say that I am happy here. I have a lot of opportunities here and many things are easier to achieve than in my home country. I also like the nature, I see trees, flowers etc. everywhere.
There are rules that everyone has to follow, which I also like. That gives me security for my family, for my daughter.
Although I live in a relatively small town, there are many different opportunities here, such as sports clubs, music, various courses. In addition, everything in Europe is quite close, so I can travel around Europe at any time, for example during the weekend. That's also a good option for me. I have to admit, I had never been abroad before I came here, but it's a good experience.
Even though Turkey also offers many opportunities and I naturally like my home country very much, I have more time and opportunity to make use of these opportunities here in Germany.
Team: How has ZAV been able to support you on your journey? Did being in contact with the ZAV help you with your difficulties?
Zeki I.: My contact person was a great help in preparing my application documents. She helped me to design my CV. She also sent me some job offers and gave me tips on perhaps starting in a different department first.
However, the support with the application documents was particularly helpful, as there are quite a few differences here in Germany.
In general, it was good to have someone to talk to about all these issues.
Team: And last but not least our most important question: What is one tip you would give to someone who wants to come to Germany?
Zeki I.: The most important thing is definitely to learn German. I sometimes have problems at work because of the language, especially on the phone. I make mistakes because I don't understand properly and that annoys me enormously.
Of course, everyone has to be aware beforehand that the bureaucracy sometimes works very slowly. You have to have all the documents ready in advance and be prepared.
The working conditions, for example the working hours, are also a bit different here, of course, and you should also find out about that beforehand.
Team: Thank you very much for your time and all the best to you and your family here in Germany!