As ahijabi,Dewi's journey to become a chef through the Ausbildung Program in Germany was not hindered

In 2018, the Rudi Russel Akademie visited a school in Karawang. During this visit, they conducted a seminar on the Ausbildung Program. Shortly after, Dewi Mayangsari, an alumna of Rudi Russel Akademie June 2018 batch, decided to register and pursue Ausbildung in Germany through the Rudi Russel Akademie. “Attending the Rudi Russel Akademie seminar gave me a strong sense of conviction that it would be a pathway to better opportunities and a brighter future for me,“ she explained.

Since childhood, Dewi had dreamed of experiencing the cold of snow and pursuing education and work abroad, a dream she had nurtured since her junior high school days. Despite her strong determination and aspirations, Dewi faced difficult considerations when deciding to enroll as a student at the Rudi Russel Akademie. Obtaining permission and blessings from her parents wasn't easy. As the youngest and only daughter in the family, her parents were reluctant to let her venture thousands of kilometers away to Europe.

However, with her unwavering determination, Dewi demonstrated her seriousness to her parents. Eventually, her parents granted her permission to participate in the Ausbildung Program.

Additionally, Dewi and her family faced economic difficulties. Nevertheless, her parents, who were the most influential figures in her life, worked tirelessly to ensure she could pursue the Ausbildung Program in Germany. They borrowed money from relatives and even postponed payments while Dewi was studying German at the Rudi Russel Akademie, as her parents had to wait for the harvest season. Dewi was grateful for the understanding shown by the Rudi Russel Akademie, which allowed her to defer payments until after the harvest.

In 2018, the available courses at the Rudi Russel Akademie were still limited, offering only the Restaurantfachfrau/Waiter and Koch/Chef courses. Dewi took her time before deciding, requesting time to consider the Ausbildung Program she would undertake for the next 3 years. She wanted to embark on her future in Germany without pressure or discomfort.

During her deliberation, Dewi prayed Istikhara and carefully thought things through. “May Allah help me make the best decision,“ Dewi whispered in her heart. This decision was tough because Dewi was a hijab-wearing woman.

Many worries crossed Dewi's mind, particularly regarding wearing the hijab in Germany. However, Dewi chose to pursue Ausbildung as a chef. On August 31, 2019, she departed for Germany to pursue her Ausbildung as a chef at Bräustüberl Weihenstephan Restaurant, one of the oldest restaurants and brewery in Freising, Bavaria, near Munich.

Upon arrival, Dewi brainstormed various ways to maintain her hijab. She explained to her boss that, in her role as a chef, hygiene was crucial, and covering her hair with a hijab aligned with cleanliness regulations

On her first day in Germany, Dewi sought permission from her boss to continue wearing her hijab, citing cleanliness reasons. “Alhamdulillah, there weren't many questions from my boss. He allowed me to wear the hijab because of those reasons, and everything went smoothly thanks to Allah's blessings I asked for during Istikhara prayers,“ Dewi said.

Dewi remembered her time learning German at the Rudi Russel Akademie fondly. She found the patience and sincerity of the educators there impressive. Despite taking her time to understand, Dewi enjoyed the learning system at the Rudi Russel Akademie, which was free of excessive pressure.

She also experienced culture shock due to the cultural differences between Germany and Indonesia. However, she managed to adapt to her new environment.

During her education, Dewi faced challenges in understanding the German language, especially the Hochdeutsch accent. The Bavarian accent was particularly difficult for her to grasp.

Two years ago, Dewi completed her Ausbildung program. Upon graduating, Dewi felt a sense of relief. “I didn't feel like I was carrying a burden all this time, but rather it was a test to move to the next level. Although it was filled with tears and mental challenges,“ she said.

Currently, Dewi has been working as a cook at Restoran Bräustüberl Weihenstephan for almost two years. Her job requires teamwork and has taught her many things, such as independence, mental strength, and confidence that any goal will be facilitated as long as it is good.

Dewi feels grateful because, as a hijab-wearing woman, she has been well-accepted by her surroundings in Germany. She has never felt discriminated against and has always been respected.

Dewi advises those who are hesitant about taking the Ausbildung Program as their future goal to be confident in their decisions. Germany can be a source of livelihood and blessings. However, she also reminds them not to be too complacent with the abundance of blessings in Germany and always remember their initial goals.

Dewi's story is truly inspiring, and hopefully, it can motivate us all to pursue our dreams in Germany. Let's pray for Dewi's continued successful career.

Stay resilient, Dewi!