“I have learned never to take Singapore for granted.” SG Mum of Two in Bavaria

“Singapore offers convenience and privileges to its citizens—things that other countries often cannot match.”

Singaporean Anidtha Koczian lives in a small town called Alzenau in Bavaria with her German husband Alexander and their two daughters: Alina, 13, and Amelie, 11. Anidtha raves about the stunning nature that surrounds her from mountains to lakes and she is appreciative of the general quality of life from good salaries to an affordable cost of living. However, time abroad has made her appreciate Singapore and all that it offers even more. Read on for her full interview.

Read more Overseas Mama interviews here.

When did you move to Bavaria? 

We moved to Bavaria around March 2018. My husband left his job in Singapore because he felt he needed a change in environment after living there for eight years. He wanted the children to learn another European language in addition to English—which we speak at home—and to understand what it is like to live in Europe.

Favourite aspect about living in Bavaria?

My favorite aspects are the general quality of life and the economic conditions. Almost everywhere in Bavaria, you can find a mix of hills, forests, rivers, and lakes right at your doorstep, all while living in a beautiful historic town with modern amenities. Additionally, jobs are abundant and salaries are among the highest in Germany, while the cost of living remains quite affordable—with the exception of Munich.

And the worst part?

While not specific to Bavaria, the fact that there is no equivalent to a KopiTiam down the block and that getting anywhere usually requires one to drive, often for 15 minutes or more is something which is a drawback anywhere in Europe save for the biggest cities.

How did you meet your partner?

We met in Singapore shortly after he moved there to start his first job as a lawyer. It felt as though we had waited our whole lives to meet each other, and we have never looked back since.

How do you think parenting (and schools) in Bavaria differs from Singapore? What do you appreciate most about it?

The schools here are definitely different from those in Singapore. All subjects are taught in German. Primary school only lasts for four years; thereafter, children move to schools that suit their academic results. I prefer the Singaporean education system because the German system differs from state to state and is not standardized throughout the country.

What do you find is the hardest part of being a parent living in a foreign country?

The hardest part is trying to help the children with their studies, overcoming language barriers, and being extremely “kiasu”. Bavaria is a state with a very high level of education, and children must strive to do their best to achieve their goals.

Have you managed to integrate with the local community?

I have successfully integrated by learning the language and making friends with the neighbors. I go out for breakfast and join activities with other mothers. It took some time to make friends, but I’ve learned that patience is important.

Tell us about your career pre- and post-kids?

Before having kids, I worked for a professional civil engineer, handling technical government submissions and various administrative matters. After having kids, I became a housewife, devoting most of my time to them.

Is there something that you do to keep your children in touch with their Singaporean roots?

Every summer, the children and I return to Singapore for four to six weeks to catch up with family and friends, my husband joining for two weeks every other year. Otherwise, my mother comes to visit us for a couple of weeks during late spring.

On raising a multilingual child

The children are now fluent in both German and English. Every now and then, I speak Tamil to them. They understand most of it, but they usually reply in English.

What is the first thing you do each time you come back to Singapore?

One of the first things I do is buy all the hawker food I’ve missed throughout the year. I also go shopping for products that I cannot find in Germany.

What do you always bring back from Singapore for yourself and for your child?

I always buy spices, various food products, and traditional clothing for the children and myself.

Top five places in Bavaria that you would recommend to parents travelling with kids and why.

Nuremberg: the castle and sausage restaurant, Bratwursthäusle“ at the height of winter – because of its fantastic and cosy atmosphere during the cold season.
Munich in spring: because it really is an exciting and beautiful city with much to offer in terms of food as well as culture.
Lake of Constance during summer: as it has pristine clear water with a breathtaking setting with the Alps as horizon.
The Bavarian Alps: in general for hiking and mountain scenery – often cheaper than the options in Austria and Switzerland.

But most and foremost: Any small hill when it snows in winter for some sledging and building a snow man.

What’s the one thing you would miss if you moved away?

I would definitely miss experiencing the four seasons.

What do you dread and look forward to most if you were to move back to Singapore?

One thing I dread is the climate but I am willing to suffer to spend more time with my family.

What has been the most important thing you have learnt from living overseas?

I have learned never to take Singapore for granted. It offers so much in terms of convenience and privileges to its citizens—things that other countries often cannot match.

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