Live and work in Amsterdam after studying at KEDGE

• CLASS OF: 2013
• POSITION: CRM Manager
• COMPANY: Belvilla
• LENGTH OF TIME LIVING ABROAD: 8 years

INTERVIEW:

Hello Hélène! Please say a few words about yourself.

My name is Hélène HICKEY, I’ve lived in Amsterdam for six and a half years now and currently stay in Zaandam, which is just outside Amsterdam. My husband is English.

What degree did you get at KEDGE? What do you remember from the school?

I got an MSC in Management specialising in marketing at KEDGE, which I was already interested in at the time. I really remember the social side of the school. I found a great group of girlfriends, was part of the "Lunel" dance troupe, and the BDA competitions were great! I had a lot of fun.

Why are you now living in Amsterdam?

I met my husband in Athens, who got his master degree in Amsterdam. We were supposed to meet up in London when his schooling finished, but at the time I didn't like what I found in London, and the pay was not enough at all. So I joined him for a holiday in Amsterdam, and after two weeks I decided to stay. I found a job within a month. He decided to stay, too, and we moved in together.

According to you, what are the “must-sees” of Amsterdam?

I love to walk around and discover every corner of the city on foot. It's a lot more fun than biking, and also less dangerous. The first few times on 2 wheels can be difficult here. As far as food is concerned, there are a lot of bars and breweries in the city where you can discover and drink national and, especially, local beers. There are also a lot of restaurants with cozy atmospheres that offer small brunch menus or lunches.

In terms of cultural activities, I recommend two membership cards. The Museum Card, which costs 60€ per year, gives access to all museums for free or at a reduced price. There is also the Indiestadpas, which costs 26€ per year and gives access to 52 concerts by small, unknown bands in many different venues in Amsterdam. It's a great way to discover good bands and have a good time.

What is your favourite place?

My favourite place is Jones bar, located in the centre of Amsterdam. It’s a very nice place, with old-fashioned decor and a relaxed and festive atmosphere.

What can you tell us about the culture?

Everything here is much more relaxed, both personally and professionally. In terms of working hours, I arrive at the office at 8.30 am and leave at 5 pm. My father and my sisters laugh when I call them when I'm off work. "So you’ve taken the afternoon off?”

The Dutch have a place a high value on quality of life, which makes a difference. A lot more people do sports and have hobbies outside of work. In short, life is easy - nothing like buying a house for, example. On the other hand, the country is very flat. I miss hills a little from time to time! (Laughs)

What do you envision for the future?

It's hard to say because originally I came here for just a year. That turned into three years, then ten years, and we finally bought a house last year. We could say ten years from now because we have good jobs and a good circle of friends, but the future can change at any moment.

I would love to go back to France - more particularly to Normandy (my native region) - but that would be difficult in regards to career prospects.

I would also like to live in Italy or return to Greece. We could also go to England, but Brexit has complicated things, and it’s very expensive to live there.

So I can’t see that happening for the moment.

What do you think of your life as an expatriate?

I’ve never really worked in France, and I’m married to an Englishman so, other than the fact that most of my family is in France, I don’t really see myself as an expat. That said, it takes me less time to get to Normandy from Amsterdam than it does for my sister, who is in Toulouse.

The only criticism I have is the language – Dutch - which I haven’t mastered yet.

But I really encourage students and graduates to try an experience abroad! 

Interview conducted in Amsterdam by Damien, “Kedge Alumni Travel" Northern European Pro-Act student.

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