The openness of the Dutch, the sea air of Zeeland, poffertjes and making surprises: there is much that our international colleagues appreciate about the Netherlands. What is it like to work as an international colleague at HZ and live in the Netherlands? Luca Martins, researcher at the Aquaculture in Delta Areas lectorate, shares his experiences.
He arrived at Schiphol in winter with three bags and a surfboard. Despite his thick coat, he was still cold. During his first period in the Netherlands, he lived in Kortgene, right in the middle of the COVID crisis. That took some getting used to. Now, four years later, he and his Dutch girlfriend are receiving the keys to their new home. Meet the cheerful Luca, who loves bringing a bit of South Africa to Zeeland.
Fascination with water
From a young age, he has felt at home on and around the water. “My father took me to the sea, where I played in the waves. We went sea kayaking at an early age, which was quite special. We also loved fishing.” At 18, he went to study in Stellenbosch. “It’s a real university town, full of students. I chose the marine field, which really suited my interests. During my studies, a classmate and I set up an aquaculture laboratory. It was new, and there was little funding. With creative solutions, we built the lab. I gained a lot of experience and built a strong network in South Africa.”
SEA-Lab
“I wanted to specialize further in aquaculture. That’s how I ended up at Kingfish in the Netherlands, at the foot of the Zeeland Bridge. I knew nothing about the Netherlands. But during online job interviews, my experience appealed to them. I landed at Schiphol in winter with three bags and my surfboard. I got a house in Kortgene, right at the start of the COVID period. Upon arrival, I had to quarantine for two weeks. During those first months, I doubted my choice.”
A good balance
At Kingfish, work continued 24/7. “I started looking for another job and found HZ University of Applied Sciences in spring 2024. Until then, I only knew HZ through our interns and graduates.” He found his place in the Aquaculture in Delta Areas lectorate. “Here, I can focus on my passion. I coordinate the Sealab across the street, which aligns with my experience. I enjoy working with students on research projects. Plus, I appreciate the work-life balance at HZ.”
Plat Zeeuws
Just four more lessons, and he will complete his Dutch course at HZ. “I understand Dutch well; it’s similar to South African. As a research group, we’re closely connected to the mussel and oyster sector. We go everywhere, and I have many contacts with people from Zeeland. Sometimes, they speak Plat Zeeuws (the Zeeland dialect). By now, I understand it quite well. It’s great to communicate effectively with clients. And if we’re out on the Oosterschelde and words fail, we can always resort to sign language.”
Outdoor life
He built his social life around the international group of colleagues from his previous employer. He met his Dutch girlfriend at work. “She’s an accountant. Funny enough, she’s afraid of fish,” he says, laughing. Just like in South Africa, he enjoys the outdoor lifestyle here. “I love surfing the Zeeland waves or kayaking together. Zeeland is also a great base to explore the rest of Europe. For example, I like to go surfing in Portugal, my father's native country. I’ve also been to Italy with my parents, where my mother is from. In December, my family is visiting the Netherlands. Celebrating Christmas in the cold will be an adjustment.”
A new home
Something typically Dutch that makes him happy? “Poffertjes, delicious!” Dutch birthday parties, where everyone sits in a circle, are still something he finds strange. “I didn’t understand why all the guests congratulated me as a visitor. The first time at a family birthday, I just kept saying ‘thank you, thank you’ to everyone. My girlfriend found it hilarious.” In September, he and his girlfriend are moving into their new home. “It’s an old house from 1900 in Kloetinge, with a big garden. I’m really looking forward to it. And of course, there will definitely be a braai!”
More than just work
Working at HZ is more than just work. It is a close team that is there for each other every day. Together with around 600 employees and 5000 students, we dedicate ourselves, through innovative education and research, to our mission of contributing to a better world.
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