Revealing the Struggles of South Asian Students in Germany | Aju John | HOSTWRITER PRIZE 2025
Episode notes
In this episode, Dheeraj Tyagi and Aju John open up about the hidden struggles faced by South Asian students—from financial hardship and visa uncertainty to exploitation, isolation, and broken promises. 🇮🇳🇩🇪
About Dheeraj Tyagi: Dheeraj was a Master’s student in Germany, working as a delivery rider for Uber Eats. Disturbed by the company’s unfair payment policies and poor working conditions, he chose to lead a protest alongside his co-workers. As a result, he was dismissed the very next day — leaving him unemployed for months. His story reflects a harsh reality that many South Asian students in Germany fear but rarely talk about.
About Aju John: Aju is a lawyer and activist who closely engages with the struggles of South Asian communities across Germany. His work focuses particularly on the exploitation faced by delivery workers and the systemic injustices within the gig economy. Aju also documents the challenges many South Asian students face during their initial years in the country — from legal hurdles to cultural adjustment.
🎧 Hear firsthand what life really looks like for Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and other South Asian students abroad—beyond the glossy brochures and Instagram reels.
🚨 This is not just one story. It’s a growing crisis.