What is it like to move to Germany as a Health Tech Field Service Engineer?

After over a decade of professional experience in India, working first with Allengers Medical Systems for six years and then Siemens Healthineers for another six, my journey took a new turn in April 2023 when I relocated to Germany. It was a major decision as it was moving not just my career, but my entire life across continents. What followed has been a whirlwind of change, learning, and growth.

How to move to Germany as a medical engineer

A Career Shift Across Borders from India with move to Germany

My first job after my move to Germany was with Medser GmbH in Frankfurt, a role that, unfortunately, didn’t turn out as expected. While the company had potential, the fit wasn’t right. But rather than seeing it as a failure, I took it as a stepping stone. Soon after, I moved to the beautiful city of Friedrichshafen, in the south of Germany, nestled near Lake Constance. Here, I found a more fulfilling role as a Production and Service Engineer and now Product Manager for SternMed GmbH. In this role, I currently contribute to both assembly and technical support for medical equipment.

Cultural Shock and Surprises

My move to Germany from India came with its fair share of culture shock. In India, workplace interactions are often warm, informal, and relationship driven. In Germany, things are more structured, punctual, and direct. It took time to adjust, but over time I’ve grown to appreciate the efficiency, clarity, and work-life balance that the German system offers.
What surprised me the most about my move to Germany? Shops closing at 8 PM, Sundays being completely closed (even grocery stores!), and how quiet the streets get in the evenings. It’s peaceful, yes, but very different from the 24/7 buzz of Indian cities.

Food

Indian food is rich in spices, flavour, and diversity. While Germany has its own charm with sausages, breads, and beer, I deeply missed the comfort of home-cooked Indian meals. Thankfully, over time, I found Indian grocery stores and began cooking more myself.

Childcare

Finding childcare for my son was another challenge. Family life and childcare provision in Germany is very different to India. I needed to learn the differences and then find him a place.

Climate

The climate was another big adjustment. Coming from India’s generally warm weather, Germany’s cold winters with snow and temperatures well below zero were challenging at first. But over time, I’ve grown to enjoy the seasons, especially the picturesque autumn and spring.

Learning, Growing, and Sharing Knowledge

One of the highlights of this journey as an expat moving from India to Germany has been upskilling. I embraced the opportunity to not just grow technically, but also to become a trainer, delivering online training for X-ray basics to professionals and students. This role has given me a new dimension in my career, teaching, and mentoring, which is something I hadn’t done before.

I also took on the challenge of learning German. While most people in the workplace speak English, knowing the local language makes a big difference. Whether it’s handling local paperwork, communicating with local trades people, or simply building better connections with colleagues and neighbours, it’s easier and better in German.

Setbacks and Personal Growth

Like any relocation, my move to Germany hasn’t been without setbacks. Leaving behind family, friends, and a well-established professional network was tough. There were moments of loneliness, miscommunication, and uncertainty. But each challenge taught me resilience.
Perhaps the most rewarding part of this move has been the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. I’ve met engineers, healthcare professionals, and students who each have their own stories, perspectives, and experiences. It’s widened my worldview and helped me grow not just professionally, but personally.

Looking Ahead

My move to Germany from India has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It wasn’t always easy, but it’s been worth it. I’ve learned to adapt, to teach, to listen, and to grow. As I continue my journey here in Friedrichshafen, I remain excited for what lies ahead: more learning, more connections, and more ways to contribute to the ever-evolving world of medical technology.

More about the author, Varun Sharma

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If you work in Germany or plan to move to Germany you can network with The Field Engineer community members in our Germany Country networking group. You will need to register as a member to access the group.

Further information on being expat and working globally

Support for your Relocation

Intercultural Success has been Creating Confidence to work with the World for over 25 years. The company is owned by our Community manager Caroline Gregory and our Founder Tim Robertson.

To learn how Intercultural Success could help with your relocation, and help you working interculturally members can message Caroline Gregory within the Community.

Non-members can contact Intercultural Success via the website by clicking on the link

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Further reading

Relocating, life working offshore, playing football in the snow