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? Pavlos Tarasanski, lecturer International Business, shares his experiences.
Every working day, he walks to HZ from Vlissingen's old city centre. He already speaks five languages and in a year's time he expects to speak Dutch to colleagues and students. He loves the sea and Dutch fries. He likes the energy at HZ and thinks he has been warmly received here. Meet Pavlos, a Greek colleague with a positive outlook on life.
From Greece to Egypt
He landed in the Netherlands in February and is already feeling right at home. Born in Athens, Pavlos has already seen a lot of Europe. ‘I grew up in Greece, moved to Moscow with my family for six years and then we chose to live in Finland. There I attended high school, studied International Business at a University of Applied Sciences and got a master's degree in Entrepreneurship. I then went to work as a student recruiter for Finnish University and later moved to Egypt to set up a real estate company.’ Pavlos doesn't stop learning either. ‘This year, I hope to finish my PhD in Entrepreneurship at the University of Jyväskyläin in Finland.’
Wow!
‘I have made great steps in my career. My next wish was to become a lecturer. The Netherlands was high on my wish list in my search. At HZ, I found a vacancy that matched my experience perfectly.’ His job interview was online. ‘I immediately had a good feeling about it. As many as four international colleagues joined, which I had not experienced before. I thought, ‘Wow, this is a place for me!’ After this interview, I was invited for a demo lesson. In December, I travelled to the Netherlands to give it. I liked that, because that way my future colleagues and students could get to know me and I them. After that, everything was quickly arranged. In February I landed in the Netherlands and started.’
Very welcome
Pavlos feels very welcome at HZ. ‘I have been very well received by my programme manager Paul van ‘t Veer and my team. That consists of about 15 colleagues and together we represent about 10 countries. Furthermore, I was soon invited to a welcome morning for new employees and a meeting with international colleagues. As far as I'm concerned, my start could not have been better. I also really appreciate the fact that English is spoken a lot at HZ. My colleagues approach me in English and all the information I receive is in English. I haven't experienced that before.’
It doesn't feel like work
‘What I love at the HZ is that our offices are right next to the classrooms. That's fantastic and something I've never seen before. You are at work, there are groups of students walking down the corridor and that gives a huge energy! It's never boring here.’ Pavlos finds it important to inspire his students. ‘I like to use the Socratic method in my classes. My students are very smart, but I also notice that they are sometimes insecure about sharing their ideas or making mistakes. I challenge them, teach them to dare to ask critical questions. I want to teach them not to take it for granted that they are studying in such an international environment. It is a privilege. You know, my work doesn't feel like work, that's how much I enjoy it.’
In the old centre
Every working day, Pavlos walks from his home in Vlissingen city centre to the HZ. ‘That really feels like a luxury. It's also great to clear my head at the end of the day. I was helped well in my search for a house. I looked at one house in Middelburg and one in Vlissingen. I immediately fell in love with the latter, a house in the old town centre, around the corner from the Bellamypark. I thoroughly enjoy the fresh air, the surroundings and I love the sea.’ There is more he loves in the Netherlands. ‘Dutch fries, I love Dutch fries,’ he laughs.
At home in the Netherlands
‘I have been to the Netherlands several times with my parents and brother. We have always appreciated and admired this country. Recently, I started taking Dutch lessons. In a year's time, I want to be able to speak Dutch. I feel at home here. This is the fifth country where I live, but it is my intention to stay here. I am sure my father, who is no longer alive, would have loved this.’
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.
Check the vacancies