A new home in Bonn
Thousands of “expats” live in the Federal City of Bonn where they work for the United Nations or other international organisations and companies.
Cecilia Gervasi never thought she would live in Bonn as long as she has. Fifteen years ago, she came to Germany from Peru with her son to work at the United Nations. Today, she is an assistant at a non-governmental organisation (NGO) where she prepares conferences. “I feel very much at home here in Bonn,” says Gervasi. “The city is clean and safe; I like that.” According to estimates, at least 3,000 expatriates live in Bonn. They work at the United Nations, Deutsche Welle, consulates, international companies or one of the roughly 150 international NGOs. Since the Federal Government and the parliament moved from Bonn to Berlin in 1999, the Federal City has lost none of its international flair, says Harald Ganns, retired ambassador and United Nations consultant. On the contrary, Bonn is building on its internationality and is proud of the people from all over the world who live there.
Help for new Bonners
“Anyone new who comes to Bonn soon makes contacts,” says Cecilia Gervasi: “We do a lot together, go hiking or to a museum…” The city has published a Newcomer Guide on the Internet that helps people find apartments, doctors and recommendations for excursions. “And we offer Staff Advisors for all employees of the United Nations or international NGOs,” emphasises Bonn’s Mayor Jürgen Nimptsch. Staff Advisors are volunteers who help newcomers find their way around in Bonn. Nevertheless, Cecilia Gervasi can still think of a few improvements: “On public transport and in public buildings, information is usually only provided in German. Information in English would perhaps be helpful here.” These are just minor details, says the Peruvian. “For me it’s clear: I’m staying here forever.”
