Lisa in Mannheim: "Try new things and be open"

Where are you from, Lisa, what are you doing nowadays?

I'm living in Mannheim in Germany but I'm from Newcastle, on the east coast of Australia. Before I came to Germany, I was teaching High School students. Nowadays, I edit web content and teach business English.

Why did you choose to move to Germany?

I moved over to live with my German (now) husband. I made the leap because my skills were more portable. I've always been interested in living abroad anyway. So this seemed like a great compromise.

What were the procedures to follow to move there?

I can only speak for Australians. You can come over on a Schengen visa and stay for 3 months. You still have to register wherever you live (anmelden). It's funny how many people don't know about that. Once you're here you can apply for other visas. We moved two cats as well. There was paperwork, lots of paperwork! And I had to give away as much of my stuff as possible to lighten the freight costs. There's lots to know about moving to Germany. You have to do your homework.

How long have you been in the country?

I marked my 1-year living here anniversary on 18 January 2015. I got married last September. I've left my mum and my sister, and some extended family in Australia, but I've gained lots of family over here.

What has attracted you to Mannheim?

Mannheim has a lot of work for native English speakers compared to other areas. My husband is from Saarland, and we love it there. But we knew that the work situation would be easier in Mannheim. I really wish we had stayed in the small town in many ways, but big city life has its attractions too. I'm also thinking about getting back into classroom teaching, but its tough competition.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Mannheim?

We rent a small apartment. A quick web search will show you your options, but this is one of the reasons you really need to speak German to settle here. All information is offered in German. I think we're lucky. We'd say our place is "klein aber fein". Renting small frees up more resources for hobbies, and there's lots to do here.

How do you find the German lifestyle?

It took a long time to adjust to it. It took me a while to find out "who" I would be in this country, how I'd be "me" in a strange place. I am striking the balance. I love the Sundays as a day of rest.

Have you been able to adapt yourself to the country and to its society?

Generally yes, maybe Australians are adaptable? We're easy going. I think the Germans need to relax a bit sometimes, but generally we get along fine. I'm still getting used to the weather. That will take time.

What does your every day life look like in Mannheim?

Most of the time, we're out of the house really early. We both get up, go to work and I'm often home late. Sometimes my days are really, really long. Life is full of comfortable "busyness". We've got a high standard of living, and generally lots of options.

What has surprised you the most at your arrival?

The most surprising thing is actually watching a full cycle of northern hemisphere weather.

Any particular experience you would like to share with us?

I was shushed on a train because I was making a phone call in the "ruhe wagen" or the quiet carriage. Germans really take their quiet seriously and will disturb anyone to keep it. I slid off the road for the first time in the snow, while driving last month, that was terrifying.

What is your opinion on the cost of living in Mannheim? Is it easy for an expat to live in the country?

You've got a wide range of luxury at your fingertips. You can pay as much or as little rent as you like, just about. Living costs are pretty cheap compared to Australia. If you've got skills that you can sell, you'll live well. I have a combined income though, but I still run a car, have a smart phone contract, gym membership etc. Your comfort is always going to depend on your resourcefulness and your priorities. It doesn't matter where in the world you settle.

How do you spend your leisure time there?

I'm a tech addict, so lots of games,movies,film,music. There's always catching up with global friends over Skype. I have less leisure time this year due to work commitments. We travel as much as we can! We eat out sometimes, we love Azteca!
I'm also having training sessions with JBO Personal training-Jürgen is fantastic-and I'm taking up dressage (horse) riding. Weird hobbies I know, but a great example of all the things that are available in a 5 minute drive from my home.

What are the differences between life in Germany and in Australia?

German life and Australian life and my places within them are worlds apart. I'm a government employed high school teacher in Australia. In Australia I find work relatively easily and can move around for my job.
In Germany I'm a freelancer. I'm my own boss, I cultivate my own brand, and I have a lot more freedom to come and go with work. I also have different hobbies available, have met amazing people here (I love Europeans), and I'm so close to traveling to so many places I've always dreamed about.
Because of my profession, I'm forced to be more resourceful in Germany. I sometimes like that and sometimes don't.

Do you miss your home country?

I appreciate and miss my home country the more time I spend out of it. It's been a hard year for Australia, but my fellow Aussies have really surprised and inspired me from afar! I do miss my family, quite often. I'm watching my three nieces grow up over Skype. It isn't the same.

Would like to give any advice to soon-to-be expatriates?

Don't forget to use your "holiday eyes" when you're in your new home. You really can enjoy being in a strange place for a long time as long as you remember to appreciate it for what it is.
Learn the language and practice it regularly before you get there. It's a good gesture for your new homeland. Try new things, and be open.

What are your plans for the future?

I tend to plan in five-year chunks. I see myself here for the next five years. I'd like to connect with teaching a bit more explicitly again. Aside from that, I'm building my professional portfolio here. I'm also very interested in travel - the more the better, and work seems to be opening some doors there.
I'd like to own a house here somewhere. I don't have big plans aside from that. I like to leave room for things to surprise me. It doesn't sound very "exciting" but its all kind of exciting for me to be so far from the familiar and still doing the "usual" stuff.