"At HZ I learned how business success and positive change go hand in hand"

Samuel wants to contribute to a sustainable car industry with his studies at HZ

During his bilingual gymnasium in Slovakia, Samuel became curious about other cultures. This triggered his interest in studying somewhere else in Europe. He visited the HZ Open Day to learn about the International Business study programme. He felt right away that he was in the right place! "I got all excited about the entrepreneurship, the international opportunities and studying with people from other cultures.”

Feeling home

Already in his first weeks at HZ, Samuel noticed that students, teachers and study coaches were dealing with each other in a personal way. "I felt instantly at ease. As a student from abroad, it's quite exciting in a new environment, with a different culture and school system. At HZ, that kind of tension was soon to disappear. I never felt like I was alone. If you simply want a moment with someone to talk or if you struggle with something, teachers, coaches or even student psychologists are there for you. I have also benefited a lot from fellow students, they helped me find my way around school and the city of Vlissingen. I wish that to every student and that is why I became a Student Ambassador myself." Samuel helps prospective international students during open days, gives tours of the school and is available to answer any type of question by fellow students. Even for fun activities outside school hours, you can count on him.

Positive change

At HZ, Samuel works exclusively on projects for real companies, which he sees as a big plus. "In Slovakia, education is very theoretical, while I prefer to make an impact directly," he says. Especially assignments around sustainable innovation appeal to him. HZ made him realise how entrepreneurship can contribute to a better world. "Business success and positive change go hand in hand. I feel happy when I work with people or companies that share the same values. That is what I will be looking for during my studies."

Personal growth

But before he starts his working career, he wants to learn a lot. About finance, management, marketing and working together across borders, for example. Thanks to the international environment at HZ and the global focus of International Business, Samuel has already greatly expanded his knowledge in the latter. And also as a person, he has evolved. He has become more empathetic and less quick to judge. Working with people from other cultures has taught him to see world problems, differences in customs or personal struggles from different perspectives. "When you really get to know each other, you learn to understand each other," he says. "Thanks to the lessons and participating in projects, I have really grown in this."

Dreams and opportunities

How Samuel envisions his career? That exploration is still in full swing! Dreams galore: "Since childhood, I have had a passion for cars. With my study programme, there are many opportunities experience all different sides of the profession. I’m dreaming of setting up a business of my own. As for the automotive industry, I would sure like to devote myself to innovation and coming up with sustainable solutions." Samuel makes good use of his time at HZ and takes every opportunity to develop himself. For example, he is currently making efforts to pursue a minor in Panama. He would like to acquaint himself with Latin America and brush up on his Spanish. "I'm thankful that HZ's offers me these kinds of life-changing opportunities. It's up to me to make the most of them."

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