I want to express my deepest appreciation and enormous gratitude for the significant and most sincere support, inclusion, kindness, and friendship throughout my 4 years in Berlin. I was proud of sharing those moments with so many WiB members. Meeting, having encountered so many special and inspiring individuals in all spheres of diplomatic life was the best thing that happened to me/to us here on our posting in Germany. That's a gift worth sharing and remembering.

Sandra Pöysäri - Finland

I have seen several interesting and beautiful places in Germany through the friends I met from Willkommen in Berlin.

Sri Lanka

Discovering Berlin’s many facets such as meeting new friends from around the world in WiB and sharing unforgettable moments with them was truly a remarkable experience. Thinking back on my time with WiB always fills my heart with warmth and fond memories.

Hisae Taguchi - Japan

I was a member of Willkommen in Berlin, from 2011 to 2019, and it was one of the highlights of my time in Berlin. The club offered a rich variety of activities, from discovering different federal states to exploring fascinating places within Berlin itself. Everything was exceptionally well organized, making each event a true pleasure to attend. I thank Willkommen in Berlin for lasting friendships and many wonderful memories that remain close to my heart.

Gulnaziya Nussupova - Kazakhstan
Embaixatriz do Cazaquistão

 

In Berlin angekommen, wurde ich sehr schnell von Mitgliedern des WIB kontaktiert. Das Angebot an unterschiedlichsten und überaus interessanten Aktivitäten war großartig, egal ob Kultur, Sport, Gesellschaftliches oder vieles anderes, es war immer eine kompetente und freundschaftliche Begleitung. Besonders geschätzt habe ich die vielen Freundschaften, die über die WIB entstanden sind, dank derer ich unglaublich viele nette Menschen kennenlernen und wunderbare Momente erleben durfte. Herzlichen Dank für alles!

Silvia Linhart - Österreich

It has been more than five years since I left Berlin, yet I feel deeply connected to my fellow members of WiB. During the pandemic, we shared walks through Berlin with meaningful conversations, leaving me the chance to continuing the architectural lectures on Zoom during my next posting (still locked down period). Then years later, welcoming visits from our WiB friends’ children. I sincerely hope these beautiful connections will continue for many years to come.
To everyone who supports and sustains WiB, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Yoko Matsuda - Japan

My life experience in Berlin wouldn’t have been the same without the WIB. Thanks to all the friends I met there, I had the opportunity to know better Germany, its culture , arts, food and charming people, ready to introducing me, giving me new opportunities and making my everyday life easier. Thank you so much WIB!

Stefania Mattiolo - Italy

Wilkommen in Berlin was a lifeline during our posting in Germany, especially as we arrived in the middle of the pandemic. Through this remarkable group, I quickly connected with wonderful fellow diplomats and inspiring, diverse, and thought-provoking women from Berlin society. Despite the restrictions at the beginning and throughout our posting, the Presidium thoughtfully organized meaningful activities and visits that allowed me to discover Berlin through the eyes of locals. I made deep connections and especially cherished the German language class, Spanish club, book club and the architectural walks, which remain some of my fondest memories.

Laura Yaryura de Caraballo - Dominican Republic

 

From 2014 to 2020, while living in Berlin, I actively participated in many of the club’s interesting activities and events. These offered great opportunities to meet people from around the world and discover Berlin and German culture. The club has a very vibrant and welcoming community. I can strongly recommend joining!

Petra Walter - Österreich

My experience at WIB not only enriched my life in Berlin, but the friendships I made are still precious to me. It's been almost 10 years since I left Berlin, but I still occasionally meet former WIB members in other country and also here in Vienna! 

Tomomi Iwama - Japan

The wonderful, engaged and enthusiastic members of WIB made our stay in Berlin even more memorable. With many activities at offer as well as immense personal dedication and attention, they contributed to making Berlin a piece of home. Beautiful memories were created and valuable longstanding friendships were born. Thank you!“

Jelena Vujačić - Montenegro

Unfortunately we only stayed 2 years in Berlin, but the "addons" I got through WiB cannot be overrated. Through local connections you find hidden gems and otherwise not know places, and things to do. The international mix - of locals and temporary members also enriches all activities and offers much appreciated space for conversation and making friends from all over the world.

Louise Åkerblom - Luxembourg

I have found Wilkommen in Berlin to be an excellent platform for the diplomatic community to gain valuable knowledge and broaden their global perspective. Through its cultural programs, seminars, and social activities, I have been exposed to diverse traditions and ideas. Overall, the organization has played an important role in helping me understand German culture while also providing strong networking opportunities within diplomatic families and the wider international community in Berlin.

Sartika Oegroseno - Indonesia

Before arriving in Germany, I already knew WiB would be an important part of my experience in Berlin. It truly felt like an umbrella; a warm, welcoming community that builds bridges, encourages cultural exchange, and creates genuine connections. My time with WiB in Berlin was filled with meaningful moments, real friendships, and memories I’ll always cherish.

Reem Yacoub Alsharrah - Kuwait

We recall very fondly the wonderful moments spent together with so many friends at the various WIB events and other encounters. Apart allowing us to feel at home in Berlin it also helped us to forge friendships that remain strong even now that we have left Germany. Diplomats posted in Berlin are very lucky to have an organisation such as WIB which provides so many opportunities to discover more about the country, the people, the culture and the food among many of the various aspects of living in such a vibrant city.

Charlò Baldacchino - Malta

WARMHERZIGEN Empfang nach einer langen Zeit außerhalb Europas
INTERNATIONALE Freundschaften, die sich bis heute innig und vertraut anfühlen, - auch über unsere Zeit in Berlin hinaus.
BESTÄNDIGE Aktivitäten in den Bereichen Kunst, Kultur und Politik in unserem Gastland Deutschland.

WIB machte unser Posting in Berlin nicht nur zu einer wunderbaren Erfahrung, sondern half uns auch dabei, uns wirklich mit der Stadt und ihren Menschen zu verbinden!

Gabriele Andersson-Kasper - Sweden