TERN Success Stories
June 9, 2025
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Kajal, a single mother from India, faced immense challenges while raising her daughter and pursuing her dream of becoming an international nurse. With unwavering determination and the comprehensive support of TERN, she transformed her life, securing a nursing position in Binu, Germany. This blog, part of TERN's Success Stories series, celebrates Kajal's inspiring journey, highlighting her resilience, the power of TERN's recruitment platform, and the opportunities it creates for healthcare professionals. Listen to Kajal voice her story in her own words to feel the resounding impact - of her resilience and TERN's end-to-end guidance - an unstoppable combination!
Click here to hear her story in her own powerful words.
As a single mother, Kajal balanced significant responsibilities, including caring for her daughter and sharing a home with another woman, Money. Her demanding job left little time for rest, yet she remained committed to her goals. "I used to work and take classes from 9 to 4, sleeping only two hours," Kajal recalls. Despite exhaustion, she passed her classes with the highest marks, showcasing her dedication and ability to thrive under pressure.
Kajal's journey was not without moments of doubt. "I used to get demotivated, saying, 'I can't do it,'" she admits. However, TERN's team provided the encouragement she needed, treating her like family. "They were like my father and mother," she says, emphasizing the emotional support that kept her motivated. This sense of community helped Kajal push forward, even when the path seemed daunting.
Learning German was a significant hurdle, but Kajal embraced it with enthusiasm. Starting from scratch, she cleared her A2 level and, during this phase, impressed interviewers with her confidence. "I spoke German confidently, even with someone who had 40 years of experience," she shares. Within three and a half months, she cleared her second phase, performing a mock scenario in German with ease and authenticity. Her ability to connect personally, sharing stories of her travels and life as a single mother, all in German, left a lasting impact.
Within four months, Kajal achieved her B1 certification, a remarkable feat that typically takes longer. "I speak like I'm B2 level, even if it's not perfect," she says proudly. Her ICU background gave her a strong foundation, and during her medical interview, she answered basic questions while weaving in personal experiences, all in German. TERN's language training, combined with her hard work, enabled her to integrate German into her daily life: "Eat, drink, sleep-everything in German." This immersion not only improved her fluency but also boosted her confidence, preparing her for professional interactions in Germany.
TERN's support was pivotal to Kajal's success. From adjusting her work shifts to providing personalized mentorship, the team ensured she could focus on her studies. "Ninety percent of my success came from their support; only ten percent was my effort," Kajal acknowledges. Mentors like "P" guided her through critical milestones, helping her clear the "P-Block" module and prepare for interviews. When self-doubt crept in, TERN's team was there to lift her spirits. "They told me, 'You have to do it,' and things opened up for me," she recalls.
The emotional support was as crucial as the academic guidance. Kajal faced personal challenges, including moments of discouragement and even issues with her appearance, but TERN's team treated her like family, pushing her to persevere. "When you leave your mother behind, this place becomes your second home," she says. This support culminated in Kajal securing her offer letter, with her flight to Germany scheduled for January.
Kajal's experience in Germany highlighted the warmth of its people. "The better you treat them, the more they respond," she observes. During interactions, she was struck by the humility of professionals, like the nursing director who greeted her warmly, standing to say hello despite the heat. This cultural connection reinforced her commitment to her role. TERN's preparation, including mock scenarios where Kajal performed confidently in German, ensured she was ready for professional and cultural integration.
Kajal's advice to aspiring nurses reflects her journey: "Start from the beginning with interest, and it becomes easier." She emphasizes loyalty and hard work, qualities Germans value. "Give your 100%, and they'll give back even more," she says. Her ability to speak German fluently, even surpassing her English performance, opened doors and boosted her confidence. "In English, I didn't get marks, but in German, I did!" she shares, highlighting how her dedication paid off.
Kajal's journey is about more than personal achievement; it's about securing a stable future for her daughter. "I have to settle my life and set my daughter's future," she says, her determination fueled by love and responsibility. Despite moments of feeling overwhelmed-"I cried, but I kept going"-Kajal's perseverance and TERN's support made her dream a reality. Her selection during the A2 phase, followed by her B1 certification and offer letter, marked the culmination of her hard work.
Now, as she prepares to board her flight to Binu in January, Kajal feels empowered and optimistic. "You people are lucky," she tells aspiring nurses. "Study well, and don't let demotivation stop you." Her story underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and honoring the support system that makes them possible. TERN's commitment to empowering healthcare professionals like Kajal ensures that dreams of global careers become reality.
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