Last year, in December, we had the opportunity to welcome representatives from the Medizinische Universität Lausitz – Carl Thiem (MUL-CT) for a multi-country visit across India and Indonesia.
Together with Mrs. K. Pischon and Mrs. J. Bayer from MUL-CT’s education and integration team, we spent several days meeting nurses, visiting partner institutions, and discussing what successful preparation for a professional future in Germany really requires.

At Hanseatic Connect, our role spans the entire process — from recruitment and German language training to integration and long-term career development in Germany. This trip placed a spotlight on what matters most in that process: clarity, realistic expectations, and the people behind every application.

The journey began in Mumbai, where our local Hanseatic Connect (HC) and Hanseatic Connect Academy (HCA) teams welcomed the delegation. Face-to-face interviews set a very real, down‑to‑earth tone, allowing candidates to speak openly about:

• their experience in clinical settings
• expectations of working in Germany
• concerns around language, adaptation, and career progression

The delegation also met nurses already enrolled in German language classes, offering a chance to compare preparation needs with the realities learners face every day.

A visit to Gleneagles Hospital provided additional insights. Walking through the catheter lab, patient wards, and highly modern facilities — particularly within organ transplant specialties — MUL-CT representatives saw firsthand how many competencies Indian nurses already bring with them. Many workflows and responsibilities mirror those in German hospitals, reinforcing the importance of recognizing transferable skill sets early in the recruitment process.

The second stop brought us to Kochi, where we operate our second Indian office. Here, additional interviews took place, supported by our Kochi team, who guide candidates through every step of the recruitment and preparation process.

The visit also offered a broader look into the Schulte Group’s local ecosystem. At MariApps, the software development arm of the Group, the delegation gained insight into how digital solutions are built and scaled — from maritime operations platforms to data-driven tools used across the global network. It was a strong reminder of the technological expertise present in Kochi and how deeply innovation is rooted within the Group.

To round off the visit, we were welcomed at one of the Schulte Group’s training centers (MTC), where the delegation had the chance to experience the ship handling simulator. What started as a lighthearted, fun activity — navigating the approach to the Port of Hamburg — quickly turned into an engaging moment of discovery. The simulation showcased how immersive environments can support orientation, situational awareness, and decision-making.
And while designed for maritime professionals, it sparked an interesting thought: with the right adaptation, similar simulation concepts could one day support training in healthcare contexts as well.

Across both Mumbai and Kochi, one theme remained consistent: successful recruitment depends on clear communication, realistic expectations, and a genuine understanding of each candidate’s personal situation. Clinical experience is essential — but so are motivation, adaptability, and long-term career goals.

These exchanges ensured that both MUL-CT and HC could assess not only who is qualified, but who is fully prepared for the journey ahead.

The second part of the journey took us to Bali, Indonesia, where we met our local teams and visited partner institutions.

At Poltekkes Kemenkes Denpasar Nursing College — one of our official cooperation partners — students engaged in a lively Q&A session with the MUL-CT delegation. Questions focused on German nursing standards, what employers expect, and how daily life changes after moving abroad. A tour of the training hospital followed, where students demonstrated practical scenarios reflecting their curriculum. For the MUL-CT team, it became clear how closely Indonesian nursing education aligns with European professional standards.

A session with our HCA provided further insight into language preparation. Beyond vocabulary and grammar, students practiced role plays and workplace scenarios — the kind of communication nurses rely on daily once they begin working in German hospitals.

The visit to Prof. Dr. IGNG Ngoerah General Hospital added yet another perspective. Alongside modern clinical departments, such as emergency care, orthopedics, physiotherapy, pediatric ICU, and general wards, the delegation also learned about complementary and holistic approaches integrated into patient care. This offered an interesting lens into how other health systems combine modern medicine with additional therapeutic practices.

To close the visit, the group enjoyed a warm welcome from the local team, including traditional Indonesian dishes prepared specially for the delegation — a gesture that reflected the hospitality and openness encountered throughout the trip.

Throughout India and Indonesia, the interviews followed a consistent method: listen first, understand second, evaluate third.

For MUL-CT representatives, meeting candidates in person, learning about their backgrounds, ambitions, and everyday realities was essential. Recruitment doesn’t end with signing a contract. It continues during language learning, relocation, professional adaptation, and ultimately the moment a nurse feels fully integrated into their new workplace.

Seeing how nurses in both countries prepare, practice, and take ownership of their career path was one of the strongest takeaways of the entire visit.

This trip was more than a partner engagement. It demonstrated how ethical international recruitment works when transparency, collaboration, and realistic preparation are prioritized.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Medizinische Universität Lausitz – Carl Thiem , Mrs. K. Pischon, Mrs. J. Bayer, our local teams in Mumbai, Kochi, and Bali, our partner institutions — and especially the nurses who shared their experiences with such honesty.

As we continue to build pathways for international nurses to work and grow in Germany, our focus remains unchanged: connecting people, aligning expectations, and supporting long-term success.