Perhaps the most important aspect that stands out in interviews with refugees is their strong desire to work in order to become financially independent. Many respondents perceive dependence on social benefits as unpleasant or even shameful. Many stated that they would prefer to invest their time and energy in work rather than 'sit idle.' Besides the factor of financial independence, respondents see work as an opportunity to establish social contacts, learn German, and 'give something back to society.'
According to researchers, some refugees also hope that their chances of obtaining a residence permit in Germany will increase if they begin vocational training. Although the desire to work is clearly expressed, many of the 62 respondents from Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Albania, Kosovo, and Macedonia could not say exactly how they intend to resolve the issue of their professional future.
As Deutschland.de notes, many refugees complain about social isolation. Often they only know representatives of official agencies and volunteer helpers, without having personal contacts with Germans.