Make successful integration stories visible and accessible
Show your success story
Many people come to Berlin in search of themselves, but not that many people eventually decide to stay. How I Built My Life in Berlin is a live talk series with people who came to Berlin from different countries and backgrounds, discussing how they built careers and identities in Germany and what made them stay. Presented by Copernicus Berlin NGO.
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How I built my life in Berlin
Berlin is one of the most international cities in Europe. Today, more than one third of Berlin residents have a migration background, and people from over 190 nationalities live in the city. International professionals play a critical role in Berlin's economy, innovation ecosystem, cultural life, and academic excellence. At the same time, thousands of newcomers arrive every year facing the same questions:
- How do I build a career in Germany?
- How do I find a community?
- How do I understand a new culture and language?
- How do I turn a new place into home?
Through honest and inspiring conversations, we explore the personal journeys behind professional success: the challenges, cultural adjustments, pivotal decisions, failures, relationships, and opportunities that shaped their lives in Germany. Each episode is a story about belonging, ambition, resilience, and what it truly means to build a life abroad.
Why we are doing this
Berlin is one of the most international cities in Europe. Today, more than one third of Berlin residents have a migration background. People from over 190 nationalities live in the city, facing the same questions:
- How do I build a career in Germany?
- How do I find a community?
- How do I understand a new culture and language?
- How do I turn a new place into home?
As a Berlin-based organisation, our team reflects the city itself: every member of our community comes from a different part of the world. Despite our different backgrounds, we share a common experience of choosing Berlin as a place to grow.
Podcast goals and Impact
Through this podcast, we aim to document and share the stories of people who have successfully built their lives in Berlin and make this journey more visible, accessible and human. Beyond the podcast itself, we hope to inspire conversations, partnerships, mentorship opportunities and community initiatives that strengthen Berlin's role as an open, diverse and internationally connected European capital.
Podcast values
We believe that diversity is a strength. Different perspectives, cultures, and experiences enrich communities and drive innovation. We keep our microphone open to everyone, actively hosting guests from various industries, countries, and walks of life to ensure every voice has a seat at our table.
About us
Copernicus Berlin e.V. is a Berlin-based nonprofit creating scholarships, international projects, training courses, internships, and exchange opportunities for students, youth workers, and civil society actors. Since 2000, we have awarded 300+ scholarships to participants from 31 countries across 100+ specialties, supported more than 200 internship placements and delivered over 300 international training projects involving 3,000+ participants, while also developing local initiatives in Berlin.
Our main websiteWant to become our guest?
Have you built your life in Berlin? We'd love to hear your story.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, researcher, artist, professional, community builder or simply someone with a unique journey, we are always looking for inspiring guests for future episodes.
Share a few words about yourself in the form below, including your background, your connection to Berlin, and what makes your experience worth sharing with others. You may also include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, portfolio, or social media account to help us learn more about your work and journey.
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