In 2014, Elvira Martin decided to embark on the adventure of a lifetime and moved to Germany. One year has passed and she has fallen in love with Frankfurt am Main, her new home city, the German culture and the international buzzing atmosphere. Read on to find out a little bit more about living in the heart of Europe. What do you like about your new life in Frankfurt? Frankfurt is a major financial and business hub in Germany, very cosmopolitan, but quite a small city with approximately 700.000 citizens. One of the best things about the city is that you can access a lot of places within a short walking distance, cycling or using public transport. I love living in a city with a river too, during spring and summer it’s a great place to spend your free time, and even in the winter time you can have an enjoyable walk. The city is full of life and international people, half of the population is from other parts of the world, which helps people to settle in quickly. You hear English language spoken in every corner. Life in Germany is pretty relaxed but it’s also amusing with a lot of things to do. There’s a range of international restaurants, bars and a lot of cultural activities (museums, festivals, sports activities, concerts, etc.) German people are usually quite friendly, polite and very loyal. There is a saying that if you have a German friend you will have him/her forever. Oh and of course I do appreciate their variety of beers! Why did you decide to relocate to Germany? Actually, I have moved for love to Frankfurt! I moved due to my partner who found a great career opportunity and relocated to Germany a year before me. After living apart for a year, I eventually made the decision to relocate to Germany as well. I came without any career perspective, started an intensive German course and found an amazing opportunity in Marketing. Which are the places that you recommend to visit in Germany? There are a lot of interesting places to see in Germany, both in the northern and in the southern part of Germany is also a strategic place to travel around Central Europe. You can easily reach France (Paris is a 4 hours train trip away), the Netherlands or Switzerland. For sure you should make a visit to Berlin: known for its numerous cultural institutions, the diversity and a trendsetting atmosphere. Munich near the Bavarian Alps, is a city that revels in its contradictions. Modernity driven by technology and innovation and tradition. All combined with a stunning architecture, culture, history, beer gardens and a wonderful countryside. Besides the two cities Berlin and Munich, you can find lots of little charmed towns that are surrounded by rivers and castles. For Example: Rothenburg/Tauber or Heidelberg among others. What did you find most challenging about your relocation to Germany? The main challenge is certainly the German language. Although English is widely spoken, it’s still difficult if you have to deal with the German Administration or to navigate day to day life without knowing the German language properly. What advice would you give to anyone relocating abroad and starting a job in a new country? Make sure to learn the language! In my case, although Germans are proficient in English and even if you work in an international company in English, most of my colleagues are Germans. Knowing the local language will make your adaptation easier and your local contacts and colleagues will appreciate the effort.