Nursing in Germany: Sheeba’s Journey | TERN Success Stories

“I came alone. But I was never alone.”

When Sheeba left her home in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, she carried more than just luggage and career aspirations. She carried questions. Will I be able to adapt? Will I be alone? Will it feel like home?

Like many Indian nurses, Sheeba had trained and prepared for years to work abroad. She studied German at the Western European Language Institute and joined a group facilitated by TERN, hoping to find a stable healthcare job in Germany. But despite the preparation, the move felt daunting.

Fast forward three years, and Sheeba is now working in a German hospital, thriving both professionally and personally.

“The ward I’m in is manageable, and the staff are really friendly,” she shares. “Everyone has been supportive since day one.”

Her apartment, just across from the hospital, came fully furnished—even the kitchen was stocked. “We didn’t miss a thing—not even a pressure cooker!” she says with a laugh. That kind of attention to comfort and readiness meant her transition was smoother than she ever imagined.

But what really made the difference wasn’t just the logistics—it was the people.

Despite arriving alone, Sheeba quickly found her circle: a roommate who was kind and welcoming, friends from Tunisia, fellow Malayalees, and a strong community of international nurses all navigating the same journey. What began with nervous anticipation became a deeply rooted sense of belonging.

“I’ve had no problems at all,” she says. “When we come this far from home, it’s natural to feel nervous. But there’s really no need to worry—everyone here is helpful.”

Support at every step

Sheeba credits much of her confidence to the preparation and backing she received through TERN—not just during the job placement process, but also throughout her transition into life in Germany.

“The staff who supported me were extremely helpful. They motivated me during the interviews and made sure everything was in place. I’m very grateful to them.”

Her message to other aspiring nurses from India, especially those feeling unsure?

“Don’t overthink it. If I can do it, you can too. There’s a whole community here ready to welcome you.”

Watch Sheeba share her story in her own words below!

From a Solo Flight to a Shared Future

Sheeba’s story may not have the dramatic arc of defying social norms or overcoming economic hardship. But it offers something just as powerful: a window into what’s possible when the journey is well-supported, the community is warm, and the fear of going alone is replaced by the reality of being embraced.

For other aspiring nurses from Kerala and beyond, her journey proves that you don’t have to do it all on your own—and with TERN, you won’t.

Inspired by Sheeba’s story? Check out more such success stories here!

Are you ready to take your first step abroad?

Join Sheeba and hundreds of other nurses who’ve started new lives and careers in Germany Ready to take the first step?

• Contact us on WhatsApp: Message us here to start your journey.
• Sign up on our platform: Visit our AI-powered platform to create your profile and explore opportunities.
• Fill out our form: Apply now by filling your details here!

Want to join the TERN team? Check out our available jobs here. Whatever it is, don’t wait—your dream career is within reach with TERN.