Real stories

Alexandra Tokoutsi is 30 years old and comes from Greece. She moved to Belgium with her husband, who came here for work, and she also found a job for herself. She is currently working as a technical design engineer at Logi-technic.

"I have been living in Belgium since November 2022. Since it is a member state of the European Union, I didn’t have to go through an extensive procedure to move here. When I arrived, I just had to apply for a Belgian identity card and open a bank account. I think that only took about a month. The recruitment agency that found the job for me, CTRL-f, helped me a lot with that.

It only took 2 months to find a new job here. In Greece, I had the same position. A lot depends on the sector you work in. For me, as an industrial design engineer, it wasn’t difficult to find a job, either in Greece or in Belgium.

Dutch is definitely a barrier, as I haven’t mastered it yet. I also find it challenging to connect with the local culture, although my colleagues in my current company do their best to make me feel part of the team. Of course, I miss my family, the weather, and the food."

Krzysztof Kęsicki (30) comes from Poland. He works as a Quality Engineer at the metal company Fomeco in Zwevegem, where components are produced for the automotive industry. In addition to the production site in Zwevegem, the company also has another site in Brazil and a sales office in India. He is single and came to Belgium on his own.

I came here mainly for economic reasons
"Life in Poland is not always easy. In big cities, the minimum income is around 750 euros net, while the rent for a one-bedroom apartment is 650 euros. Engineers with some experience earn between 1,250 and 1,800 euros. In Belgium, I’m better off.

Anastasiya Rybina is from Ukraine but moved to Italy at the age of 17. After that, she lived in Germany, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia, eventually move to our country. She works as a UX/UI designer for Nipro Digital Technologies Europe in Bruges, where she lives with her husband and their daughters, aged 11 and 9.

"I have a creative background as a graphic designer, but here I truly contribute to people's lives. Nipro, headquartered in Japan, is a world leader in kidney care. At Nipro Digital Technologies Europe, we develop process-driven dialysis software called Nephro Flow Product Suite. It offers a complete range of modules that can be configured to meet the increasing digital needs of each dialysis department. My grandmother passed away from kidney failure; she was unable to receive dialysis. This job gives me a lot of fulfillment.

I appreciate that Nipro is an international work environment, as I find interacting with people from different backgrounds incredibly enriching. I see myself as a global citizen. Having moved so many times, I have noticed that I can integrate into new places quite easily. I always learn the language right away to connect with the people. I focus on the positive aspects of a country and look for similarities rather than differences.

I have always been a fan of Belgians, but since the war in Ukraine broke out, I truly feel love for them. My father and his wife were still in Ukraine at the start of the conflict. The HR manager of our company encouraged and helped me evacuate them to Belgium. My father was an electronics engineer and is now working as a cleaner in a nursing home. He and his wife have since integrated well into Jabbeke. They have received so much support from strangers who have since become friends. I am extremely grateful for that.

Bruges is a beautiful city. Walking or cycling through it feels like a fairy tale, thanks to the swans, flowers, and top-notch art. I even enjoy the many tourists in the Market Square because they radiate so much happiness as they walk around. I am happy to pass on cultural experiences in my children's upbringing. Belgium also excels in providing good and affordable education.

I have been living in Belgium since 2011, with a two-year break. Belgians are generally polite and friendly. They are kind people who care about the feelings of others—even at work. Perhaps that is why companies here are so focused on employee well-being, offering flexible hours and many social benefits. The only downside is that three months of maternity leave is quite short compared to many other European countries."

Since July of last year, Salvador Fernando Rojas Olvera from Mexico has been living in our country with his wife. He works as a production engineer at Tremec in Zedelgem, which develops mechatronics and software & hardware for dual-clutch transmissions.

"I worked for Tremec in Mexico for six years. I had to prepare a lot of documents and translations to obtain a work permit for Belgium, as well as a visa to relocate. The entire process took almost six months.

The way of working in the company is largely the same. However, I enjoy the company culture at Tremec Belgium. They take good care of their employees here. It's nice to meet people outside of work and engage in extra activities with colleagues. As an expat, that is truly pleasant.

We are still adjusting to life here. Belgium operates differently than Mexico, but my colleagues provide me with the necessary advice. They are very approachable and helpful. My wife is studying Dutch to find a job here. I also plan to learn Dutch myself, as it's important for full integration.

What do I miss? 
Mexican food and, depending on the day, the weather (laughs). I can't really say what else I miss; it's still too early for that. Adjusting remains a process, but every beginning is difficult."