Alumni Interview with Bianca Dohnt

What inspired you to go abroad?

After spending many years in Australia pining for Europe, I finally managed to work up the courage to take a short tour of many highlights over Christmas in 2016. It was a whirlwind trip spending only two days in capital cities, but upon arriving in Berlin I knew it would become my home eventually. I returned to Australia, for a time, to work and save towards moving to Berlin for real.

Why did you choose Nomaden Berlin?

Upon countless hours of investigation into the Visa, paperwork, and other bureaucratic requirements for moving to Berlin on a Working Holiday, I stumbled across the Nomaden Berlin website. The program promised to make the entire relocation process simple, easy, and most importantly, social. Nomaden Berlin attracts like-minded individuals who all look to settle in Berlin, and brings them together to tackle what can be a very scary and lonely move together.

What was your favorite part of Berlin?

Berlin is an open-minded, multi-cultural city with a fantastic culture, and the best techno club scene in the world. It is a fantastic mix of Australian laid-back nature combined with German efficiency (not counting its train system). You can be whoever you want to be in Berlin, and there will be no one who judges you. The city has something to offer for every person from every walk of life - you just have to look for it.

What made your experience abroad unique?

Traveling with Nomaden Berlin was unique because the entire program is unique. Though you can do group tours most anywhere, I don’t know of any other programs that bring the same excitement, electricity, and networking potential to a long-stay experience.

How did local staff support you through the program?

Lana is incredible. As the owner and founder of Nomaden Berlin, it is plain to see that she is not only passionate about Berlin, but helping more and more people like me - and herself - discover all there is to see and love about the city.

She made the entire process of registering, getting a visa, finding a job, and finding an apartment an absolute breeze. Lana is constantly available for any questions. She has experienced or helped others through some of the most complicated German bureaucracy around and with unceasing excitement.

What is one thing you wish you had done differently?

Absolutely nothing. The program takes care of the entire process and makes everything so welcoming and easily. I was going to write that I should have done the program earlier, but I made some of the best friends I have ever known by doing it when I did, so really I can't regret any single part.

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

For the first two weeks, we were enrolled in a German language class every morning on weekdays. We had a schedule for the upcoming month including all of the events that were happening in Berlin, as well as team events. We would often explore different parts of Berlin, or enjoy a picnic.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

During the summer, there is no better way to spend time in Berlin than by grabbing a few Spati beers and hanging out in one of the many beautiful parks. During the weekends, Open Air parties were a fantastic opportunity to dance and play in the sun by the Spree.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

The apartment in Prenzlauer Berg was open, clean, and comfortable, with all of the amenities of a normal apartment. It provided a fantastic meeting point for all of the people undertaking the program, was in an excellent location both for things to do and to get to public transport.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

Do it. Make the most of the social aspect of the apartment, and think about what you want to make with your life: you have a fresh start in Berlin, and Nomaden Berlin will help you achieve whatever it is you want.

How has your time abroad impacted your life?

Now, Berlin is my home. This time abroad has changed my whole life from being stuck in a dead end, stressful job in Australia, to a brand new life full of opportunities in Europe. There is nothing more eye-opening than living in another culture, learning the ways of different people, and growing yourself as a person.

Would you recommend Nomaden Berlin to others? Why?

Yes, absolutely. Moving to Berlin could be a terrifying and difficult experience, but with Nomaden Berlin, it is incredibly simple. You will have the best time and it will absolutely change your life. Now is the time to take control of your future!