In this episode, we sit down with former integration officer Jhon whose own journey spans the Philippines, Germany, and now Switzerland. Drawing from over a decade of experience living abroad and working within the healthcare system, he shares an honest and nuanced perspective on what it really means to integrate—not just assimilate—into a new society.
Whether you’re an international yourself, working in integration, or simply curious about the human side of cultural adaptation, this conversation offers valuable insights—and a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, patience, and communication.
Get to know Jhon -
Jhon, who many of you know as The German Brownie is originally from the Philippines, became a naturalised German, and has just recently moved to Switzerland. His journey started 12 years ago when he came to Germany on a scholarship to do his master’s degree. The plan was to stay just six months after finishing, but that turned into more than ten years. During that time, Jhon worked in academia, the NGO sector, and later as an Integration Officer at a private hospital chain in Hamburg, where he spent almost four years helping foreign medical professionals find their footing in a new workplace. Along the way, he started The German Brownie page to share his own experiences and offer practical advice on immigration and labour issues in Germany. His story is really about taking chances, finding opportunities, and helping others do the same.
Join us for this fun conversation :D!
00:00 Journey from the Philippines to Germany
02:56 Navigating cultural challenges in a new country
05:43 From surviving to thriving abroad
08:52 The role of an integration officer in healthcare
11:45 Integration vs assimilation
14:40 Importance of language in integration
17:42 Creating a supportive environment for internationals
20:33 Emotional burnout
23:40 Advocating for others
25:38 The need for mutual effort in integration
30:58 Setting expectations in cultural adaptation
33:00 Navigating cultural challenges and communication
36:13 The importance of communication
39:12 Unlearning hierarchy
41:31 Finding common ground in cultural practices
43:37 The emotional aspect to integration
46:31 Understanding context
50:12 Role of organizations in integration
53:39 The parting message
