Customer stories

Alena and Alexander, 26 and 31 years old. Relocation through the Federal Volunteer Service program (BFD)

2026-05-13 23:12 Success stories
Jobs before relocation: Kindergarten teacher and legal department employee
German language level: A0
Russian citizenship, visa application submitted from Kazakhstan
First interview one month after starting work with us
Due to personal circumstances, the relocation process took more than 1.5 years
Alena and Sasha received placements at a center helping people with disabilities integrate into society
At the beginning of our work together, they had zero knowledge of German. But they had a strong desire to grow and find their path (author's spelling and punctuation preserved):
When we arrived in Kazakhstan two years ago, we felt lost. Everything was unclear and stressful. The jobs we used to do no longer brought us joy. We wanted only one thing — to start a new life. We wanted to study and try ourselves in something different. But in Kazakhstan it was very difficult to achieve this: we worked a lot and were limited financially and in terms of time.
However, they were also worried and concerned:
  • Would they be able to relocate together?
  • Would they work in the same organization and live together?
  • How would the host organization react?
  • What if the placements were in different cities?
But we reassured them, because organizations are usually happy to take two volunteers at once if they have multiple open positions. In fact, it can even be easier for them this way! And indeed — the real difficulties turned out to be elsewhere…
Their first interview was scheduled just one month after starting work with us. However, their German was still very weak. In addition, due to personal circumstances, the couple paused their search for some time.
More than a year later, they returned to active searching and received contracts in different branches of the same organization + shared housing! In total, this required only 5−7 interviews. But the adventures did not end there 😰
This happens very rarely with couples, but Alena’s visa was approved after 26 days, while Alexander received a refusal. The consulate was not convinced that he would return after the program, which is an important nuance for the visa. Yes, even despite the fact that you are officially allowed to stay in Germany after participation in the program.
Naturally, we were not going to give up!
We prepared all the documents again, expanded the motivation letter for the consulate, and most importantly — advised them on how to properly maintain communication with the organization so they would definitely wait for them. All of this is included in our standard support service. And the result exceeded all expectations — Alexander also received his visa!
And honestly,
Guys, this is shocking.
We found you completely by accident two years ago and now everything worked out.
You are so wonderful, and we love you so much and always speak warmly about you.
You are magicians.
*author's spelling and punctuation preserved
In March, both of them arrived in Bavaria, where they now live together in a house with a cozy terrace. They were given an entire floor with a private bathroom and kitchen:
As volunteers, they work at a center for people with disabilities that helps them integrate into society. Alena works in production, where they package car parts. She meets and accompanies her group of 20 people, who are fairly independent. She also ensures that all parts are packaged and arranged correctly.
Sasha has a small group of 4 people. They have limited mobility, and many use wheelchairs. Sasha meets them when they arrive by bus, helps with daily tasks, and organizes leisure activities. After lunch, they may listen to music, sing, set up an outdoor café, and invite people from other groups.
As we remember, volunteering in Germany is NOT unpaid work, so both of them receive:
  • Comfortable housing and meals
  • Medical insurance and paid sick leave
  • A travel pass for free transportation
  • 30 days of paid vacation per year
  • 25 days of educational courses per year
  • "Pocket money" for personal expenses, which is tax-free
Total funding for the two of them: € 2,636 per month.
But most importantly — this opened huge opportunities for their future development in Europe (author's spelling and punctuation preserved):
Sometimes we still can’t believe that everything worked out. Now we live in Bavaria. We have the opportunity to travel, build a new life, and start a new professional path. We are preparing for the language exam and plan to enroll in an Ausbildung (dual vocational education in Germany) after volunteering. For the first time in a long while, we feel like we are where we belong. We can make plans, and that is priceless :)

Thank you for your professionalism!

I wouldn’t be lying or exaggerating if I said that you help people fulfill their dreams ❤️
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If you also want to find the right placement for yourself or together with your partner — simply message us for a free assessment of your chances!

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