It’s been an enriching journey since I arrived in Germany for my internship at one of the largest cooperative farms under the Van Asten Group. While I initially faced a few challenges, I’m happy to say that everything has been sorted out, and I’m truly grateful for this unique opportunity to learn at an international farm.

Working with livestock has been nothing short of mesmerising and fulfilling. Each day brings new experiences, and it feels incredibly rewarding to know that I am gaining valuable hands-on knowledge. My employer has been fantastic—always checking in to ensure I am comfortable and satisfied with my experience. I’m especially encouraged by their interest in bringing more South Africans to the farm in the future.

What has made this experience even more exciting is the chance to collaborate with people from all over the world—Germans, Romanians, Mexicans, and Venezuelans. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about their cultures, and I’m also taking a German class to further integrate into the local community.

A highlight of my internship so far was attending EuroTier, one of the largest agricultural exhibitions in Europe. It was an inspiring and educational experience, giving me insight into the latest innovations in agricultural technology.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the Future Farmers Foundation for making this life-changing opportunity possible. I hope that more South Africans will have the chance to experience what I have and that doors will continue to open for others in the future.