WDR features TalentOrange as a positive example

How can you actually tell whether an agency is doing a good job? WDR recently answered this question in a report on the recruitment of nursing professionals from abroad. The film followed three nursing professionals from Colombia as they tried to arrive and settle in Germany. Two had entrusted themselves to agencies that do not hold a quality seal and only support language training up to level A2 or B1. These two young women faced numerous problems in Germany: a basement room without a bathroom or kitchen as accommodation, no support with further language learning, and communication difficulties at work. One candidate failed the recognition process, the other became psychologically unwell. Several times, she was close to returning to her home country to her two children. During the three years she needed for recognition, her marriage broke down. In contrast, the film shows a professional (OTA) who was supported by TalentOrange. A positive example is Adriana’s case. The employer, Evangelisches Klinikum Bielefeld Bethel, took exemplary care of integration at the new place of residence and onboarding.

It was very helpful for Adriana that she had already passed the B2 exam in Colombia and was able to speak fluently upon arrival. We prepared her for the exam at our language school in a full-time, in-person language course. Despite our thorough preparation, the administrative process stalled several times—among other things, Adriana had to wait more than two months for the German embassy in Colombia to issue her visa. We followed up repeatedly until Adriana was finally able to depart. We also provided close support upon her arrival in Germany and continue to be available for any questions. Adriana is now happy on her ward, and recognition of her qualification is already within reach.

Filmmaker Sonja Kolonko accompanied our Managing Director Dr. Tilman Frank to Colombia in summer 2024. The film shows in detail how we select our candidates. Using the three examples, it becomes clear what fair recruitment means—and what severe consequences recruitment below language level B2 can have for young professionals. They may not pass the recognition exam, work for a long time as assistants below their qualification, and return home disappointed, without ever having had the chance to truly arrive.

Here is the link to the media library: the story: The imported nurse: From South America into Germany’s bureaucracy madness

Thank you, dear Sonja Kolonko, for this impressive film!