Bridging Cultures
Samira's Path from Iran to a new life in Lower Austria
We spoke to Samira, who shared her journey of integrating into life in Lower Austria. She told us how she successfully adapted to her new home and the crucial role the volunteer fire department played in her integration.
What motivated you to move from Iran to Lower Austria?
My husband has been working at a globally renowned construction company since 2007, initially as managing director. When the branch in Iran closed in 2019, his employer offered him a position in Austria, which led to our move.
What were your first impressions of Austrian culture and rural life when you arrived?
One of the first things I noticed was the lack of traffic jams, which was a nice surprise. Coming from Tehran, where you can do your shopping almost 24/7, it was an adjustment to get used to shops closing after 6 or 7 PM. But it’s manageable; I can reorganize my life. However, the biggest shock was the language barrier.
You mean the dialect?
The dialect is no longer a problem. We learned German from books, and then I started talking to people. At first, it felt like another language, but now I understand it. I remember a situation that happened about 10 days after we arrived in Austria. I had to resolve an issue with a bill that had been caused by our previous tenant. I will never forget the way I was treated at the responsible office. I felt so bad and was so sad afterward that it took me a long time to gather the courage to approach any public offices again.
That was anything but an easy start. Aside from that, how do you remember your first months here?
At first, I felt a certain reluctance from people. For many, Iran seemed far away or was often associated with stereotypes that didn’t apply to us. I’ve also noticed that certain topics, such as money or health, are not discussed as openly here as they are in Iran. But I’m a very communicative person, and once people got to know who we were—that we both work here, have good jobs, and live here—there was a noticeable change in how they treated us. I never felt uncomfortable, but the way we were perceived shifted. That’s okay. We moved to this country, so we should try a bit harder to have a good life.
"If you want to live here you need something to do regularly"
And now you’re doing something very typical for locals—you’re both part of the volunteer fire department. How did that come about?
We were looking for more connection, especially for the children, because we don’t have any relatives here. If you want to live here, you need something regular to do. That’s why we joined the fire department. We enjoy it, and the people are very friendly.
Was that first experience, when the language barrier became so obvious to you, the reason why you now teach German to women from abroad?
Yes, my involvement in politics came about by chance. I wanted to start a German course for women living here, many of whom had never been to school. The women in the local party were very supportive, and now I help out whenever I can. Another project I am passionate about is STOP Violence, which focuses on domestic violence.
“Stay motivated. Be pushy.”
Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give to someone just starting their integration process in Austria, and what hopes do you have for your future here?
Language is the first thing, and it’s crucial to stay motivated. If you want something, find a solution—be pushy, because nobody will tell you these things. For example, we didn’t know for a long time that there is something like the NÖ card, a family pass, or the “Familienbeihilfe Plus.” Or that you can have certain things credited towards further education. Serdar from the ecoplus Expat & Relocation Service was a huge help. I can highly recommend the Expat & Relocation Service from ecoplus International.