"Hasan moved from Lebanon to study Water Management at HZ University of Applied Sciences in Middelburg, the Netherlands. After graduating, he chose to continue living and working in the province of Zeeland. Now he's responsible for the operations of the wastewater treatment plant of food processing company Lamb Weston."
Why did you choose to study Water Management at HZ in the Netherlands?
Before coming to the Netherlands, I studied Biology and Life Sciences in Lebanon, which focused on biology and chemistry. I wanted to continue in that direction, and Water Management was a great fit. I wanted to come to Zeeland because I have family living in the area, and my parents wanted to start their own business here.
What's Water Management about?
I studied Water Management with a specialization in Aquatic Eco Technology. The program covered topics like water quality, water quantity, flooding, aquatic life, salinity gradients, nutrients, bacteria, and wastewater treatment. We also learned how to filter water before it flows into rivers.
Did you like the practical approach of the study programme?
It was a very nice experience. We didn’t just focus on theory, but also gained practical skills. I travelled a lot with my class, including trips to Lithuania. In my third year, I went to Surabaya, Indonesia, for my internship in Coastal Engineering. I also spent a semester for my minor in Istanbul, studying Civil Engineering.
What did you do after graduation?
After graduating, I started working in the wastewater treatment sector on cruise ships. I learned a lot, traveled all over Europe, and gained valuable experience. A year ago, I moved to Lamb Weston, where I am responsible for the operations of the wastewater treatment plant. The water goes to the Westerschelde, a river in the province, but first, it is filtered in our wastewater treatment plant. Otherwise, we would be polluting the environment.
Why did you decide to stay and work in Zeeland after graduating?
I like it here. It feels like home. I have been living here for eight years now, and I have family and friends in the area. The people are nice, it’s clean, and it’s quiet. I come from a big city in Lebanon, so I wanted to experience village life.
Was it difficult to find a job in Zeeland?
At first, I thought it would be difficult because I’m international. But by my fourth year, I could speak Dutch and passed my language exams. I even applied for my Dutch passport. That made it easier for me to find a job, and things moved quickly.
What advice would you give to students coming to the Netherlands?
Learn Dutch as soon as possible. When I first came here, I thought I didn’t need to learn Dutch because I knew English. But later, I realized how important it is for daily life and job opportunities. I learned Dutch, and it made everything easier. Besides that: be patient. It’s not easy to reach the top. You have to take it step by step, set goals, and work toward them. Life is full of ups and downs. My journey wasn’t easy, but I have achieved a lot, and I still have many goals I want to reach.
How was it for you to adapt to life in the Netherlands?
At the beginning, it was hard to make friends because I come from a different cultural background. But after that, it became easier. Everyone was nice, and I was in an international class with Dutch students as well. We had a lot of excursions and traveled together, which helped us get to know each other better.
What was the biggest cultural difference for you?
Cultural differences are always there, but if you want to live here, you have to adapt. You need to accept and respect the culture, and in return, people will respect you as well.
What is the strangest food you’ve tried?
For me, frikandel. It was something new for me, I had never heard of it before coming here. I tried it once, but I don’t eat it often!
Read more about the Water Management study programme at HZ