Sofia had always dreamed of living abroad. When she received a job offer in Germany, she could not believe her luck. The company was located in Munich, a city she had never visited before. Sofia spent weeks preparing for the big move. She sold most of her furniture and packed her belongings into boxes. Saying goodbye to her family was the hardest part. Her mother cried at the airport, but Sofia promised to call every week. The flight to Munich took three hours. Sofia looked out the window as the plane descended through the clouds. She felt excited and nervous at the same time. At the airport, a colleague named Thomas was waiting for her. He held a sign with her name and greeted her with a warm smile. Thomas drove her to her new apartment in the city center. The apartment was small but cozy, with large windows that let in plenty of light. Sofia unpacked her suitcases and tried to make the place feel like home. Her first night in Munich was strange and lonely. She lay in bed listening to the unfamiliar sounds of the city outside. The next morning, she walked to the office for her first day at work. Everyone in the team spoke English, which made communication easier. However, Sofia knew she would need to learn German to truly settle in. She signed up for evening language classes at a local school. The classes were twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. German grammar was more difficult than she had expected. The articles and cases confused her at first. But she practiced every day using language apps on her phone. Shopping at the supermarket was one of her biggest challenges. All the product labels were in German, and she had to look up many words. Gradually, she memorized the names of common groceries. Making friends was another struggle that Sofia had not anticipated. Her colleagues were friendly but already had their own social circles. Sofia decided to join a hiking club she found online. Every weekend, the group organized hikes in the Bavarian Alps. During her first hike, Sofia met a woman named Lena who became her close friend. Lena was originally from Austria and understood what it felt like to be an outsider. They started meeting for coffee after work and exploring the city together. Winter in Munich was much colder than Sofia was used to. She bought a thick winter coat and warm boots to survive the freezing temperatures. Despite the cold, she discovered that she loved the Christmas markets. The smell of roasted almonds and mulled wine filled the air. She wandered through the stalls, admiring handmade crafts and decorations. For the first time since moving, she felt truly happy. Six months passed quickly, and Sofia's German improved significantly. She could now have basic conversations with shopkeepers and neighbors. Her boss complimented her on how well she had adapted to the new environment. Sofia received a promotion and was given more responsibilities. She called her mother to share the good news. Her parents were planning to visit her in the spring. Sofia was excited to show them the city that had become her second home. She made a list of all the places she wanted to take them. The English Garden, Marienplatz, and Nymphenburg Palace were at the top. One year after her arrival, Sofia reflected on everything that had changed. She had gone from feeling lost and lonely to confident and connected. The city that had once seemed foreign now felt like home. She had learned not just a new language, but also a new way of life. Moving abroad had taught her to be independent and resilient. She had discovered strengths she never knew she had. Of course, there were still difficult days when she missed her family terribly. But video calls and regular visits helped bridge the distance. Sofia had also started writing a blog about her experience as an expatriate. Many readers sent messages saying her stories had inspired them to take similar leaps. This feedback gave Sofia a sense of purpose beyond her daily work. Looking back, Sofia realized that moving to Germany was the best decision she had ever made. It had not been easy, but the challenges had shaped her into a stronger person. She now understood why people said that growth happens outside your comfort zone. Sofia had stepped far outside hers, and the rewards had been immense. As she walked through the streets of Munich one evening, she felt truly at peace. The sunset painted the sky in shades of orange and pink. She stopped to take a photograph, wanting to remember this moment forever. This was her life now, and she would not change it for anything in the world. Sofia smiled and continued walking toward home.
English Story (B1)Moving to a New Country
This B1 English story is designed for intermediate learners. Click any word for instant translation and build your vocabulary as you read.
aboutStory
Sofia accepts a job offer in Munich and moves to Germany, leaving her family behind. She faces challenges learning German, making friends, and adapting to a new culture. Through language classes and a hiking club, she gradually builds connections and finds her place. After a year, she realizes that stepping outside her comfort zone has transformed her into a stronger, more confident person who now considers Munich her second home.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Where did Sofia receive a job offer?
2
How did Sofia meet her close friend Lena?
3
What did Sofia discover she loved during winter in Munich?
4
What did Sofia realize after living in Germany for one year?
Vocabulary
39 words from this story
