I was not familiar with the training program until 2017 when I saw some of my friends preparing to participate in the program. After talking with them about the program, I became interested in participating because I thought it would be a good opportunity for my career and future. I began learning more about the training in Germany by attending seminars, watching presentations and vlogs on YouTube. Among the many training specializations in Germany was the hospitality industry. Because I had been interested in this area for a long time, I thought it was the right time to start proper training.
2. How did you prepare? And how was the application process?
When I decided on the hospitality industry training, I began a German course at the Goethe-Institut Jakarta and achieved a B2 certificate upon graduating. Meanwhile, I applied to various training centers. When I found an interesting job in a hotel, I sent an application with all the necessary documents and waited about 2 weeks for a response. While I was waiting, I asked the company about the next steps and the entry process. After I passed the selection phase and received an employment contract and other documents, the next step was applying for a visa. To apply for a visa at the German Embassy in Jakarta, it is necessary to arrange an appointment on the Embassy’s official website. I nearly missed being able to apply for a visa because the appointment schedule was booked out until the beginning of 2020 and my departure was scheduled for the end of 2019; but then, happily, I was offered an available appointment in November 2019. One week after the application was submitted, my visa was finally approved. I arrived in Germany in December 2019.
3. What personal and professional requirements do you think are important for this occupation?
I think the following skills are crucial for a hotel professional: diligence, friendliness, patience, ability to work in a team, and being able to work under pressure. The most important occupational skill is communication in German, since this is what we do every day. We also need to know a lot about service. We learn this is in the school and at work.
4. What are your tasks in the hotel?
Since I’m still in my first year of training, my work is in the restaurant, in service and sometimes in housekeeping. My tasks in the restaurant include cleaning tables and cutlery, carrying food and drinks, sweeping, wiping, even serving as a waiter in the bar. During the pandemic my responsibilities were expanded to include disinfecting tables and chairs after the restaurant closed. I am satisfied with these tasks and see that this is a process to become more professional in the hospitality sector. In my second year I will work in reception and housekeeping. In my third year I will organize events and take on administrative tasks.
5. What tasks do you enjoy most and why?
My favorite task is to clean up the room. I ask the guests: "Did you like the meal?" And then they often say with a smile: “Yes, great! Super.” It makes me very happy because I get positive energy and enthusiasm from them.
6. What do you learn in the vocational school? How often do you go there?
I’m currently studying in the block teaching system, that is, studying a full month at the vocational school and then working two months in the hotel. I have block lessons three times in one year: August-September, February-March and June-July. In school I learn about service, nutrition, mathematics (calculation of food quantities, food supply, etc.), economics, social studies, sports, English, electives (philosophy or religion) and French. There are often small daily tests. Sometimes the teacher gives a heads-up in advance that there will be tests and sometimes not. For this reason, reading the school material prior to class is mandatory.
7. What tips do you have for Indonesians interested in this training?
My first tip is to be physically and mentally strong—German-speaking teams are known for discipline, speed and punctuality. It is essential to be a studious German learner and achieve at least language Level B1. Having a German friend as a communication partner is advisable so that we can practice speaking before going to Germany. Apart from that, diligence, initiative and creativity at work are all crucial. Always keep your goal in mind. Don’t let things that could be harmful distract you; we are in another country and far from family.
8. And after the training? What professional goals do you have?
After completing the training I would like to return to Indonesia and work as a German teacher. I would like to integrate the catering sector into the educational sectors because I think Indonesia has great potential in tourism. Every year German-speaking tourists from Germany, Austria and Switzerland come to Indonesia. I would like to contribute to learning German as a foreign language in Indonesia with reference to tourism. I hope to help the next generation of young Indonesians to enter the world of work as skilled workers.
