Before coming to Bremen, the only thing I really knew about the city was The Town Musicians of Bremen. I had no idea what to expect—except that it was going to be a new adventure. What I didn’t expect was for Deutsche Bahn to make my arrival extra special by taking my luggage away, assuming it was abandoned. So, my first day was spent not sightseeing or getting to know the city, but rather trying to track down my suitcase. Not the best start, I have to admit.
But things took a much better turn once I stepped into the Bremen Parliament. Even though I was the very first volunteer there, meaning nobody quite knew how this was supposed to work—including me—everyone was so nice and welcoming. They already knew a lot about me and were genuinely excited to have me there. What made it even better was that many of them tried to speak English just for me, which was honestly adorable. I don’t know enough German yet to have full conversations, so their effort made me feel really included.
One of the things that really touched me was how supportive the parliament has been in helping me adjust. Knowing that I don’t speak much German, they actually covered the costs of my German courses, so I wouldn’t feel completely lost—especially during plenary sessions when things get more serious. It was such a kind gesture, and it makes me feel like they genuinely want me to be part of everything, not just a bystander. Slowly but surely, I’m picking up more words and understanding more, which makes me feel a little less stupid when everyone around me is deep in discussion.
Of course, adjusting to life in Germany hasn’t been without its challenges. Some things, like sorting the trash into a million different categories or navigating endless bureaucracy, still feel overwhelming. But at the same time, there are so many amazing things about being here. I’ve made friends from all over the world, each with their own stories, perspectives, and languages. I’ve traveled to different cities, seen fairy-tale-like castles straight out of a Disney movie, and, of course, eaten my fair share of delicious German sausages—which, unfortunately, have also resulted in a couple of extra kilos. But honestly? It’s worth it. Every day, I feel like I’m becoming more and more involved in this new culture. I’m slowly picking up the rhythm of life here—learning to appreciate the small things, like the Sunday quiet (which at first felt eerie but now feels peaceful) or the fact that people genuinely respect bike lanes (unlike in many other places I’ve been). Even the way people casually sit in parks with a beer, enjoying life without any rush, is something I’ve come to love. While I still get confused by some things, like why cash is still king in so many places, I’m embracing it all—one sausage, one castle, and one new German word at a time.
Getting back to my work part, at first, I wasn’t exactly sure what my place would be, but little by little, I found my role. Now, I’m fully involved in public relations and international connections, helping to build bridges between the parliament and Bremen’s diverse communities. One of my proudest achievements has been organizing the first-ever guided tours of the parliament in Ukrainian and Turkish, making it more accessible to the city’s multicultural population. I’ve also had the chance to attend conferences and parliamentary sessions, helping to foster dialogue and understanding on a broader scale. One of the most surreal moments was preparing detailed notes for the President of Bremen’s Parliament for his meeting with different ambassadors—it felt like I was playing a small but real part in international diplomacy.
More recently, I’ve also become a bit of a star—at least within the parliament! I was interviewed for their official social media pages about the ongoing war in Ukraine, sharing my perspective on what’s happening and what it means for people back home. It was a huge honor, and seeing so many people engage with the post made me realize just how important these conversations are.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to take part in European Weeks, where I’ll be working on projects showcasing the diversity of Bremen’s national communities. This city is filled with different cultures and perspectives, and I want to help create spaces where people can share their stories and experiences.
One of the projects I’m really looking forward to is an artistic and cultural exchange between children in Bremen and Odesa. The idea is to connect them through simple yet meaningful postcards, letting them share a piece of their city with someone far away. It’s just one of many things I’m working on that’s teaching me creativity, networking, and—most importantly—how to stay persistent when bringing ideas to life.
For any future volunteers reading this, a little heads-up—Bremen is basically the perfect set for a Twilight movie with all its rain and cloudy skies. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of living in eternal overcast, welcome! Just make sure to stock up on vitamins because the sun is a rare guest here. That being said, I’m already counting down to summer, when I can travel more, go to concerts of my favorite bands, and finally bring some of my project ideas to life. Rain or shine, there’s still so much ahead!
When I think about how things started—the lost luggage, the uncertainty of my role—I can’t help but laugh a little. Now, I feel completely different. I’ve met incredible people, made amazing friends, and found meaningful work that I genuinely love. This experience isn’t just helping me grow professionally, but it’s also showing me just how much impact one person can have.
Karyna is hosted by Bremische Bürgerschaft on our project co-funded by the European Union.
