In 2012 Birgit Flamma left her job at Sparkasse Essen (Essen Savings Bank) to work for two years as Sparkassenstiftung’s resident long-term expert in Ghana. This was quite a change and a challenge, and she asked herself: How will it be to work abroad in a foreign country? Will I cope with adjusting to the working routine and everyday life in Africa? Will I be able to fulfil my role as Sparkassenstiftung’s resident expert on site in Ghana?

These and other questions accompanied the head of department for education and further training of Sparkasse Essen on her way to Africa.

By the end of this year, Ms. Flamma’s assignment in Ghanawill be concluded. Then she will return to her former working place at Sparkasse Essen. In a personal report, Ms. Flamma gives an insight into the experiences and impressions she has gained during her assignment abroad and what impacts such a change of jobs might have.

Her article “Leaving the comfort zone” can be accessed <link file:543 _blank>here ( in German language only)

Contact partners:

Christina Heuft / Carina Lau
Sparkassenstiftung für internationale Kooperation
Simrockstraße 4
53113 Bonn / Germany

Phone: +49 228 9703 618/608
Fax: +49 228 9703 613