The truth about life as a refugee in Germany: Ali's story

I’m excited to share with you the incredible story of my friend Ali, a refugee from Iran who grew up in Germany, found his passion in golf, and went on to study in South Texas (puro pinche 956) on a scholarship. In this episode, Ali and I dive deep into the realities of fleeing a homeland, adapting to refugee life in Germany, and the resilience it takes to forge a new identity across continents. Hear about his journey from living in a converted hospital refugee home, learning German as a child, facing racism in school, to becoming a national-level golfer and playing college golf in at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Ali also shares insights into the challenges refugees face today in Germany, the power of community and sports, and how work-life balance in Munich feels like the perfect home for this chapter of his life. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to start over as a refugee in a new country, or you want an unfiltered view of growing up between cultures, this conversation is for you. Ali’s story reflects hope and determination!!! His grind never stops 😎If you like my new YouTube thumbnails that have helped my last videos pop off, consider hiring him to do yours too! https://ytjobs.co/talent/profile/410967-Howdy und Servus!! I’m Paulina 🙂Welcome to The Pod Abroad, your go-to podcast for inspiring and honest conversations with internationals here in Munich! I’m originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for almost 9 years. I moved here for a master’s in sustainability and ended up building a home (and podcast!) abroad. Every week, I share real stories about moving, adapting, and thriving in a new culture.🎧 What you’ll hear in this episode:- The journey from Tehran to Germany via multiple countries - Life inside a refugee home and learning German as a kid - Overcoming barriers through soccer and later golf - Making it to golf nationals and playing for the Iranian national team - How Ali ended up in South Texas college golf and his experience there - The challenge of transitioning back to life in Germany - Views on refugee politics and integration today in Germany - Words of wisdom for young refugees arriving in a new country - The joys and challenges of life in Munich after years abroad ⏱ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro & how we met

02:15 – Fleeing Iran & arriving in Germany

13:15 – Life in a refugee home as a kid

24:30 – From soccer to golf (and citizenship through sport!)

34:20 – Playing for the Iranian national golf team

40:50 – Golf scholarship to South Texas

46:45 – Culture shocks & favorite foods in the Valley

53:10 – Returning to Germany & finding a new path🎧 FOLLOWSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OK Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast More platforms: https://linktr.ee/thepodabroad 📌 CONNECTInstagram → @thepod.abroad TikTok → @thepod.abroad Email → [e-mail] 🎥 PRODUCTION Video, Audio & Music: Tim ter Huurne Branding: Ali Khazanbeik @alikhazanbeik https://ytjobs.co/talent/profile/410967#refugeestory #immigrants #livingabroad #germanlife #germanyvlog #munichlife #immigrantstories #golfersofyoutube #southtexas #collegegolf #lifeabroad #podabroad #culturaldifferences #movingtogermany #expatlife