We often make decisions subconsciously and without a sense for the far-reaching sequences. The decision to go abroad after graduation fell in the summer of 2017. We just spent a month in Tunisia doing research on social media in the Arab Spring and on Libyan migrants in Tunisia. We enjoyed the semester break, although laborious, but spent adventurously in another country. And talked about the great uncertainty that awaits us after graduation.

Yet, surprisingly, this uncertainty did not pose any threat to us, but was much more of a huge opportunity that we wanted to pursue at all costs. Instead of fear of the future, a first impatience and an awakening of the adventurous spirit swung in the summer.

Intuitively, our interest quickly moved towards South Africa and Asia, as South Africa was new territory, but Asia meant expansion of the already known. At the same time we wanted to finally face the “blind spot Africa”, but quickly realized that we lack any points of contact. Asia was more like an extension and deepening of experiences in Nepal, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea.

In a rare strategic approach, we finally overlapped the locations of the German foundations and tried to find interfaces. Surprisingly, it was possible to find hubs that suggested a high density of international organization. And that’s when a country caught our eye …

Myanmar directly had a certain sound, which exerted an amazing attraction. Several months have passed since then, but the decision was never really questioned. Much to the amusement and irritation of many others, we have been researching about emigration, preparation and job hunting in Myanmar’s capital Yangon. Because one thing is clear: three months will not suffice for us there!