How people and companies in Jena live interculturality
Every year, the i-work Business Award recognises companies in Jena that are exemplary in promoting intercultural openness in the business environment. The many practical examples from the i-work competition present the companies where integration succeeds in everyday working life and show how people at the workplace and beyond are committed to the cooperation of cultures. Would you like to learn more about how arriving in Jena and in your new job can be a success? Our blog series presents many interesting examples.
Meet Ivan and Jeff here
Ivan Diachuk
Ivan comes from Ukraine and has been working as a nurse in out-of-hospital intensive care at Linimed GmbH since 2019. There he is also an integration assistant and advises foreign nursing staff and trainees during their first months in Germany. He knows many of the pitfalls from his own experience and tells us more about them in the interview.
Jeff Mercado
Jeff came to Germany from the Philippines and works here as a nurse, also at Linimed GmbH. In the interview, he tells us about the challenges of arriving in Jena and how important family support is for him.
Dear Ivan, dear Jeff, where are you from and what brought you to Jena?
Ivan:
I come from Ukraine. Until I entered the country, I lived in Kiev. I wanted to improve my language skills and complete an education in Germany.
Jeff:
I am from the Philippines. Our company in Mainz recommended Linimed to me.
What do you like most about your company and your work?
Ivan:
Linimed gives me the opportunity to work in Germany as a nurse and supports all foreign nurses.
Jeff:
I like the work very much. I can improve my German because most of the staff are German.
What challenges did you face when arriving in Jena or onboarding at the company? How were you able to overcome these challenges?
Ivan:
My work visa was rejected in 2015. I didn’t give up and filed an appeal so I could start my training on time.
Jeff:
The language is always a challenge. I learn German every day on the internet or by talking to colleagues.
What has your company been particularly good at supporting you with?
Ivan:
I got my driving licence in Germany in the summer. Linimed supported me a bit financially.
Jeff:
Family support is especially important to me. Linimed has helped me with that.
What are the biggest differences in everyday work and life between your home country and Jena?
Ivan:
In Germany, all shops are closed on Sundays. But not in Ukraine, you can go shopping at any time.
Jeff:
I find life and work better in Germany than here. The technology here is advanced.
What is typically German / typically Jena for you?
Ivan:
The punctuality, the beer and the bratwurst.
Jeff:
The directness, the bureaucracy and the punctuality.
Thank you very much for the interesting interview and all the best for you!
Linimed GmbH: About us
Linimed GmbH was founded in 1994 and has its headquarters in Jena. The company specialises in out-of-hospital intensive care and ventilation, primarily in specialised residential groups and flats. Over 500 employees care for patients every day at more than 18 locations.
Visit company websiteWe will advise you individually on arriving and settling in Jena, show you where to start on your career path and find further contacts for you together with our cooperation partners. We look forward to hearing from you!
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