Success story of Mahfouz Abdulla
I come from Syria and am 25 years old. After completing my bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature in my home country, I initially worked as an English teacher and later as a human resources manager for around 70 staff members. This experience showed me what I want to do: guide and support people. I have been living in Hamburg since 2023 and am continuing to pursue this goal. At the moment, I attend a C1 German course twice a week in the mornings and, at the same time, an IT course in web design. From August 2026, I will be undertaking a three-year apprenticeship as an administrative assistant in the public sector for the City of Wedel.
My Start in Hamburg
After making the difficult decision to leave my home country of Syria, I arrived in Hamburg at the end of September 2023. In Syria, I lived under constant pressure, which taught me to be resilient. I had no choice but to carry on.
On one occasion, a bomb struck right next to our university building in Aleppo. A few days later, we had to sit an important end-of-semester exam. Many of my fellow students were unable to do so, either because they were physically injured or emotionally unable to cope. It took a great deal of willpower and determination, but I sat the exams. In the end, I was even one of the top performers.
It is precisely this attitude that I have brought with me to Hamburg. From the moment I arrived here, it was clear to me: a new chapter is beginning and I will give it my all. Or, as they say in German, "ich werde mich ins Zeug legen", which means something like "I will put in a lot of effort"– I really like that expression.
A lot of things were new to me. Not just the language, but also the way of thinking and the procedures. Bureaucracy, for example, plays an important role in Germany. I first had to understand that and learn how to deal with it.
I wanted to focus on learning German, because the language is the key to everything. As I had to share a room with 12 strangers at the reception centre, I spent as much time as possible in libraries.
Today I share a room with four people and, from June 2026, I hope to have my own room in a student hall of residence. I’m really looking forward to cooking maqluba there soon, for example – a popular dish in Syria. Or going for a jog to explore the new neighbourhood.
My personal tip for anyone starting out
Just get started! I believe in hard work, discipline, willpower, and in the importance of believing in yourself. A counsellor once told me that there’s a difference between what you dream of and what reality is. She was trying to discourage me, but it didn’t work.
Talk to Germans, but also to people from other countries. I myself have made friends in Hamburg from Germany, Turkey, Brazil, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Switzerland. Communication is important; tolerance towards others is important.
Learn German. Get out and about. Apply for jobs, even if you think you don’t meet all the qualifications. Just do it. Over and over again.
My path to the job: How the HWC made it easier for me to get started
In 2024, I first heard about the Hamburg Welcome Center through a friend’s recommendation. Shortly afterwards, I had my first meeting with an advisor from the Hamburg Employment Agency. He took me seriously and kept telling me: “I believe in you” and “You’ll definitely manage it!”. His advice was pragmatic, logical and very specifically tailored to my qualifications. I like that. He is now a role model for me. I want to be that sort of advisor myself once I’ve finished my training.
I was able to attend an integration course, which I successfully completed. In the final exam “Leben in Deutschland”, I achieved full marks, which still makes me very proud today. This was followed by a B2 vocational language course with the support of the Hamburg Employment Agency. I also passed the final exam “Deutsch-Test für den Beruf B2” with almost the maximum score; I was just three points short. I studied for twelve hours a day for this exam.
The advisor also drew my attention to other services offered by the Hamburg Welcome Center, including the Central Recognition Office (ZAA). The ZAA advisor provided me with comprehensive information about the recognition process for my Bachelor’s degree in English and my Syrian Abitur, and showed me exactly what I needed to do.
In addition, I was referred to the Job and Training Service Point by AWO AQtivus. My advisor there repeatedly encouraged me to send out lots of applications. She gave me honest and constructive feedback, even when I received a rejection. From her, I learnt that you can grow and gain experience through rejections. Within three months, I had written 100 applications in 70 German cities. The hard work paid off and I was able to secure an apprenticeship place as an Administrative Assistant with the City of Wedel. Just two days after the interview, I received the offer.
Then another team joined us at the HWC at a very difficult time. Just three days before my B2 exam, I received a letter from the Immigration Office announcing my deportation. I was stunned, as I had applied for asylum. It was stressful. I had to study and deal with this letter at the same time. The advisor from the Job and Training Service Point by AWO AQtivus immediately referred me to the team Legal Counseling and Clearing Office for Foreign Nationals.
The team was able to sort everything out: I now have a temporary suspension of deportation until July 2027 and am very hopeful of receiving a residence permit for the purpose of vocational training.
Unlike the one advisor who once told me I wouldn’t find a decent job in Germany, the people at the Hamburg Welcome Centre were open and encouraging. Without the HWC, I wouldn’t have received the offers for the training. The HWC prepared me and supported me with everything that was important and everything I needed.
As a pragmatic, logical person, I am convinced that nowhere else have I received such structured support as at the Hamburg Welcome Center.
What the HWC means to me
Please note: This is a translation of the interview. It was originally conducted in German.
