University: History/ Politics/ Mediascience – Technical University & University of Arts Braunschweig Blog: afghanxperience.blogspot.com Company: PAIWASTOON Networking Services Ltd. Job Description: Deputy CEO - The manager of an Afghan Internet startup managing a team of 5 high potential locals to deliver Afghanistan's first native languages webmail system, mobile internet services, and applications to support organisations / businesses / government. Time in Afghanistan: 4 month in summer 2006

What did you think before coming? 

One year before, Afghanistan was one of 4-5 countries in the world, I never could imagine to go to. By talks to friends of the german “Building up AIESEC in Afghanistan”-Team, I changed my mind. Because I was at a point in my life were I was looking for a real challenge, Afghanistan suddenly was the change I was waiting for. The only problem was, how to tell my family. But this wasn’t as difficult as I expected – today they are very proud of me.  

What was your time in Afghanistan like? 

When I arrived in Kabul it felt really strange.  

Suddenly I was in Afghanistan, this place far away, synonym for war and disorder. I felt like in another world, but in a world with friends. Of cause I also felt the danger all around, shown by guards with weapons and military anywhere. But this was different than I expected it. There was no fear. Everything was working somehow in this society. It was not on the level I was used to from Europe, but it was working – there was no anarcy. 

Most impressive was, to be part of a country which is in the process of nationbuilding. 

You really have the feeling, to do something which makes sense, even if it is just a small step. You have an impact on a whole nation, by supporting the private sector.  

I think I never met that much interesting people in such a short time, as in Afghanistan. The people, if they are Afghans or internationals, are full of experiences, of ideas and of dream. Maybe you can find this dense of personality but also diversity just in a country like Afghanistan, were you need a mixture of courage and vision to work there.. Some of them are in very important positions some are fighting there fight on their own – but all of them have been inspiration for me and my future.  

What would you say to someone thinking of coming to Afghanistan? 

Be aware of your personal values, but don’t try to be a missionary of them. If you are interested in discovering a different world and if you are prepared to except this world just like it is, to use it as a mirror to your own culture, Afghanistan will be a place of massive learning for you.