Starting over on a new continent: Marina’s journey

In an apartment in the northern part of Munich, I meet Marina Barbosa, my 25-year-old Brazilian friend. At 22, she experienced a burnout during her demanding full-time job in São Paulo, leaving her exhausted and questioning her life. Seeking a fresh start, she travelled almost 10,000 kilometers to work as an au pair in Munich.

Now far from home, she navigates a new culture, language, and daily routine. I want to find out how she has adjusted to life in Germany, culturally and personally.

How did the idea of becoming an au pair abroad first come to you?

“Being an au pair was never my first plan. I wanted to live abroad for a year and maybe study. The main goal was to get away, so I started searching for jobs and different options. I felt “old” in a way, like I needed to get more life experience and I didn’t care how, I just wanted to try everything. Becoming an au pair became the most realistic way to actually move.”

How did people from home react when you told them you were going to move?

“I did the whole process in secret and didn’t tell anyone until everything was done. When I told my little sister, she started laughing and crying at the same time. My parents were not surprised, they knew I wanted to leave. They were sad, of course, but also very supportive. My friends, on the other hand, were super sad. One friend nearly fainted when I told her.”

What were you most nervous about before you left? Did it turn out the way you expected?

“I love being alone, so that part didn’t scare me. But I had never been alone for that long in another country. I was nervous about making friends. I am very extroverted, but it’s still not easy for me to reach out to new people. I was nervous about the family, because you never really know what it will be like. But everything turned out way better than I expected. The family gave me such a warm welcome, and people, like you, reached out to hang out.”

What are the biggest differences you notice between São Paulo and Munich?

“Everything! First of all, here everyone walks a lot. In São Paulo it’s all about cars and public transport, and I don’t even know how to ride a bike. The working hours are also shorter here, and people seem to care more about quality of life, in terms of exercise and family time. And everything closes at 8pm, which is very different. The food habits differ too, in Brazil we don’t snack during the day, we eat proper big meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I miss that.”

What do you miss the most from Brazil, and is there something you have started to really like about Germany?

“That’s tricky. Don’t get me wrong, I really love where I’m from. But I don’t necessarily miss my life in Brazil. I miss my family and friends a lot, and I miss being able to relax my brain and speak my native language. And of course I miss the weather. But a huge thing I really value about Germany is that I feel very safe here.”

Have you changed as a person since you moved here?

“It’s my first time living alone, so every day and every situation teaches me something. I can now clearly see which things I used to do just because someone told me to, and which things I do because I truly want to. Through all the small things in my day, I’m getting to know myself better, what I like and what I don’t. I don’t feel like I’ve changed completely, but I understand myself better and I feel more independent.”

How has this experience influenced your future plans?

“I know I don’t want to live in Brazil. Or, let me paraphrase that, at least not in the same way as before. I want more quality of life, which I feel is a bigger priority here. If I go back to Brazil, I won’t repeat my old lifestyle. But if I stay in Europe, I will not live somewhere with this winter. I’m not built for this darkness and cold.”

So, was it worth it?

“It really was. It’s been a rollercoaster, of course, but I’m so happy I did it. I would recommend it to anyone who wants or needs to break their current lifestyle.”