Eight years ago, Nesar Ahmad Aliyar, 22, found himself between hope and uncertainty. His first days in Germany, from his place of origin – Afghanistan, he had to adapt himself to a new context. “As a refugee, I was grateful for the opportunity. I strived to adapt myself to a new culture and to learn the German language. I was worrying about my future.”

For Nesar, the only son of his parents, language was a barrier in his way, and it was crucial for his studies. “I dedicated a lot of my time to reading German books and conversing with native speakers.”

Nesar is currently a medical student at Charité Medical University. Nevertheless, in the beginning, the complexity of the education system challenged him – something to overcome. Pursuing his dream to become a doctor, Nesar foresaw himself finishing his medical studies, focused on cardiology, “I aspire to become a cardiologist, contributing to the realm of cardiovascular medicine and helping to save lives.”

Nesar values the democratic principles, the prevailing peace, and the strong commitment to human rights in Germany. Furthermore, he appreciates the commitment of the government to education and the opportunities for personal and professional growth. Nevertheless, he does not like the bureaucratic processes, “It can be overwhelming, especially in matters related to residency and work permits. Simplifying the procedures would make the integration process smoother for new arrivals in Germany.”

Nesar has supportive German friends, “Integrating into German society helps by actively participating in various social activities, joining student groups and volunteering. Building this network requires openness and a genuine interest in cultural exchange,” he explains.

“To fellow Afghans in Germany, and other people of different nations who are new here, I would say to focus on education, be persistent, and actively engage in the local community. Language proficiency is advantageous and critical to integration and success.”

In addition to his studies, Nesar started an experimental medical research project six months ago. In this project, he is investigating heart failure and studying the effects of various medications.

He is proud of achieving high academic success within a short timeframe.

“Despite the challenges I faced as a refugee, I attained a grade of 0.8 in high school (Abitur), and I am currently studying at one of the world’s well-known universities. I am proud to represent my country and the Afghan people positively in German society. I put in all my efforts to counter against the negative stereotypes about refugees. My goal is to emphasize that many refugees, like myself, are earnestly striving to integrate, contribute to the community and enrich the land that has provided us with such opportunities.”

When Nesar finds himself in a difficult situation, “I maintain a clear goal, seek support from mentors, and understand that challenges are part of the journey and contribute to building resilience,” he adds.

He remembers from his home, “Afghanistan’s cultural richness is vivid in my memories—the hospitality, traditional celebrations, and the strong sense of community. These aspects have shaped my values and the way I approach developing relationships.”

And if he had a magic wand, “I would use it to eliminate barriers to education for refugees worldwide. Every individual deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams and contribute to society, regardless of their background or circumstances, I would use my powers to put an end to war and hunger, and strive to create a more peaceful world.”