The difficulty of finding a job in Indonesia led Lutfi to switch careers and move to Germany through the Ausbildung Program

“After graduating, I hoped to find a better and more suitable job, but it turned out I couldn't get the job I wanted,“ said Lutfi Firmansyah, a 2018 alumnus of Rudi Russel Akademie, when asked about his job search experience in Indonesia. Lutfi never imagined that his journey would lead him to build a career and settle in Germany through the Ausbildung Program.

In 2014, Lutfi was pursuing his bachelor's degree at a well-known university in Bandung. At that time, Rudi Russel Akademie only offered a volunteer program called FSJ (Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr), a one-year volunteer program in Germany. Lutfi was very eager to join the FSJ program, but his parents did not allow him to participate through Rudi Russel Akademie.

During his undergraduate studies, Lutfi worked at a bank for a year, but he felt that the job was not a good fit. He thought the mismatch might be because he had not yet finished his studies. So, Lutfi focused on completing his degree, hoping to get a better and more suitable job. Unfortunately, he couldn't find a job, even at his previous workplace, as all positions were filled.

In a twist of fate, Lutfi's inability to find a job worried his parents, prompting them to reconsider the German program that had interested him four years earlier. With his parents' support, Lutfi researched the programs in Germany again and reconnected with Rudi Russel Akademie. The CEO of Rudi Russel Akademie, Mr. Rudiniyadi, introduced Lutfi to a new program called Ausbildung. This is a three-year education program in Germany that grants participants the title of Fachkraft or specialist upon completion. Lutfi was very interested in the Ausbildung program, and his parents fully supported his decision. Finally, in 2018, Lutfi enrolled in the Ausbildung program through Rudi Russel Akademie. Lutfi diligently studied German, and before taking the A2 exam at Goethe, and fortunately Lutfi can enroll in Ausbildung Program by A2 certificate. He chose Restaurantfachmann as his Ausbildung major, He chose this field because it was in high demand and always available. Lutfi departed for Germany on August 4, 2019, to undergo the Ausbildung program in the city of Norderney, located in the Aurich municipality, Lower Saxony, Germany, at Strandhotel Georgshöhe.

Upon arriving in Germany, Lutfi felt a mix of excitement, nervousness, fear, and homesickness. However, having lived away from his parents since high school, Lutfi quickly adapted. He faced challenges with the language, weather, and food, as he had to be selective in choosing halal food. Over a year, Lutfi adapted to becoming proficient in German. In the first year, he improved his language skills through listening, and by the second year, he could communicate and respond effectively. By the third year, Lutfi received praise for his significantly improved German. He continues to improve his language skills by frequently communicating with Germans, as he believes in constantly enhancing his abilities. Lutfi even dreamed in German.

In 2022, Lutfi successfully completed the Ausbildung program. “Alhamdulillah, I graduated. It feels incredible and unbelievable. A village boy making it to Germany and reaching this point is something I'm very grateful for, even though the journey wasn't easy,“ Lutfi said. During his studies, Lutfi worked and attended school five days a week. He and his friends had to leave early in the morning and take a boat to reach their educational institution. Lutfi's three-year struggle was driven by his desire for a better future, and despite moments of wanting to give up, his parents' unwavering support kept him going.

Lutfi's experience in Germany was filled with both challenges and growth. Initially, he struggled with the language barrier, which made everyday interactions difficult. However, Lutfi was determined to overcome this obstacle. He immersed himself in the language, practicing speaking and listening as much as possible. This dedication paid off, as his German skills improved significantly over time. By the third year, he was able to communicate fluently and even received compliments on his language proficiency.

The weather in Germany was another challenge for Lutfi. Coming from a tropical climate, he found the cold winters difficult to adjust to. However, he gradually adapted to the new environment, learning to appreciate the changing seasons and the beauty of the German landscape. Food was also a major adjustment for Lutfi. As a Muslim, he had to be careful about what he ate, ensuring that his food was halal. This sometimes limited his options, but he managed to find ways to maintain his dietary restrictions while exploring German cuisine. Despite these challenges, Lutfi found many positive aspects of life in Germany. He appreciated the structured education system and the opportunities it provided for practical training and career advancement. The Ausbildung program not only offered him valuable skills and knowledge but also allowed him to gain work experience in a professional environment. Lutfi's determination and hard work paid off when he completed the Ausbildung program and received his Fachkraft certification. This achievement opened up new career opportunities for him, and he was able to secure a job in his field. His parents, who had been initially hesitant about his decision to move to Germany, were proud of his accomplishments and supported him throughout his journey.

Reflecting on his experience, Lutfi shared some advice for young people considering the Ausbildung program. “For young people, don't hesitate to choose Ausbildung. It can be a pathway for those struggling to find a decent-paying job. If you haven't found your fortune at home, maybe your path leads to Germany. Although Ausbildung is challenging, exhausting, and time-consuming, the results are immediate and transparent. If you're mentally prepared and willing to take risks, inshaAllah, you can succeed like me or other Rudi Russel Akademie students striving in Germany. Make your decision, prepare yourself, and don't forget to seek your parents' blessings for a smooth and blessed journey,“ Lutfi concluded.

Lutfi's journey to Germany is an inspiring example of how perseverance and support can lead to success. His story encourages others to explore new opportunities and pursue their dreams, even if it means overcoming significant challenges. With determination and a positive mindset, it's possible to achieve great things and create a better future.

Let's hope Lutfi's journey to Germany inspires you to seek better opportunities for the future. It's never too late to make improvements now.