Introduction
We initially began with the idea of a “Student Buddy”, a platform to support
international students. Through research, interviews, and contextual analysis,
we realized that the core challenges students face extend far beyond university
life. Many international students eventually transition into part-time jobs,
full-time employment, or arrive in Germany directly through pathways
such as the “Opportunity Card”.
This insight led us to evolve the concept into “German Buddy”
- a broader, more sustainable platform that supports not only
students, but anyone new to Germany. While students remain the primary
focus in the initial phase, the platform is designed to grow with the user and
remain relevant throughout their journey in Germany.
Initial Research
Research shows that many international students and international working
professionals face significant challenges beyond academics or employment,
including language barriers, complex bureaucratic and administrative systems,
cultural adjustment stress, and difficulties navigating financial, housing, and
employment structures in a new country.
Language Barriers Exist
Complex Administrative Systems
High Mental Load
Fragmented Information Sources
Unclear Work Rules
Cultural Adjustment Stress
Lost Productive Time
Interviews
Qualitative
We are exploring international students’ experiences and frustrations with administrative tasks and employment challenges
Interviews
Qualitative
We are measuring how often these challenges occur and their impact on stress and time through surveys and ratings
Key findings
International students spend significant time and energy on administrative tasks such as bank accounts, registrations,
and documentation.Many struggle to track multiple tasks, processes, and deadlines effectively.
Completing tasks correctly requires extra effort to find reliable and understandable information.
Language barriers make it difficult to interpret official documents, follow instructions, and navigate university
or government systems.Students face challenges in finding part-time jobs, understanding wages, and complying with employment regulations.
Working professionals and opportunity card holders experience similar difficulties when managing administration
and employment requirements.These challenges lead to increased stress, confusion, and reduced time for academic or professional growth.
Problem Statement
International students and working professionals in Germany face stress and loss of productive time because administrative
and employment processes are complex, fragmented, and difficult to understand due to language and information barriers.
DIRECTION (Mobile app)
We will develop an application to help international students and international working
professionals manage administrative tasks, academic deadlines, and personal responsibilities
more efficiently. The platform will aim to:
Reduce stress
Save time
Overcome language barriers by simplifying information
Provide easy access to accurate, trustworthy guidance
Lean Canvas
Key Challenges
International students and newcomers to Germany face several recurring problems:
Administrative Overload
Significant time and energy are spent on tasks
such as:
Opening bank accounts
Filling out official forms
Managing residence permits and documentation
Information is scattered across multiple platforms and websites
Poor Task & Deadline Management
Students struggle to track:
Appointments
Deadlines
Required documents
There is no single system that brings everything
together in one place
Language Barriers
Official documents and instructions are often difficult to
understandLanguage issues make it harder to:
Navigate government systems
Communicate with authorities
Understand university or job-related processes
Employment Challenges
Difficulty finding part-time jobs
Confusion around:
Wages
Working hours
Legal regulations for international workers
Emotional & Academic Impact
These challenges lead to:
Increased stress and anxiety
Mental exhaustion
Reduced time and energy for academic work and
personal growth
Onboarding | SignIn Signup
User Flow
Journey STUDENT
Journey EMPLOYEE
Wireframe
Onboarding screens
Home screen
Profile & Verification
Home screen after verification
You land in after verification
You can see pending files and
Deadlines
Document screen
You can change the language to
german for clarification
Personalized Onboarding
Core Features designed to simplify life in Germany!
Tailors guidance for students,
professionals, or newcomers.
Verified Guidance
Step-by-step instructions for
admin, work, and daily life.
Verified
We verify your identity with
proper documents and information.
Pending Tasks & Deadlines
Track tasks with reminders
and alerts.
Document Section
Organized by mandatory, work,
study, and other categories.
Document Scanner & Reader
Scan, understand, and extract key
info from documents. Store them in
one place.
Life in Germany Guidance
Tips for work, housing, transport, healthcare, and culture.
© 2023 by Salyna Chhorm.
(+49) 17660034858
Chhormsalyna@gmail.com