I am coordinating a project in the field of artificial intelligence in finance

Introduce yourself in a few sentences. What does your work involve as daily commitments?

My name is Valeri Andreyev. I was born and raised in Sofia, but in 2021 I moved to the Netherlands to study Business Information Technology at the University of Twente. After completing my bachelor's degree in 2024, I continued my education with a master's in the same field specializing in Data Science & Business. For the last three years, I have been working as a coordinator on several university projects, including one for the largest European consortium in the field of artificial intelligence in finance (MSCA Digital Finance). My work encompasses a wide range of activities – from budgeting, event organization, and administrative coordination to data analysis and making recommendations for closer collaboration between the academic and business environments in the Netherlands. At the same time, I am engaged as an assistant in programming and business courses, where I grade exams, conduct exercises, and actively support students during lectures. In addition, I prepare and publish scientific papers focused on innovative approaches and research. Sometimes the workload requires flexibility and long working days, especially under tight deadlines and high expectations.

In which country and city do you currently live and how did you end up there?

I currently live in the Netherlands, in the city of Enschede - a relatively small town near the German border. I chose the University of Twente because it offers one of the best multidisciplinary programs in business and information technology in Europe. An additional incentive was the university's focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration with industry, which aligns with my personal interests and professional ambitions.

What were the biggest challenges you faced at the beginning of your stay?

The most serious challenge was undoubtedly the climate. The lack of sunshine for weeks on end and the constant rain had a serious impact on my mood and concentration at the beginning. Although over time I began to accept it and stopped giving it so much serious thought, it is undeniable that the weather conditions remain one of the factors I could not adapt to.

How did you overcome the language barrier (if there was one)?

In the Netherlands, there is hardly a language barrier in daily life, as a large part of the population speaks English at a high level. The real challenges arose in more informal situations, where after a few drinks people naturally switch to their native language. This initially created a sense of isolation, but over time I began to orient myself in conversations based on context, even though I do not speak Dutch.

What resources or networks (local communities, colleagues, organizations) helped you adapt?

Being part of a multicultural academic environment with a strong sense of community played a crucial role. I joined the university tennis association right at the beginning of my studies. There I met other tennis enthusiasts and "made" new contacts. My social character connected me with colleagues from similar fields with interests close to mine, and the community of Bulgarian students also turned out to be a valuable source of support.

What are the main differences between the work culture in your current country and that in Bulgaria?

Although the work environment is international, the Dutch culture clearly dominates. I like the direct style of communication, the strictness regarding deadlines, and the clearly expressed individual responsibility that my colleagues exhibit. In Bulgaria, there is often an emphasis on ekpiniya trud, while here individualism is encouraged. This creates a different dynamic both in how work is done and in decision-making.

What values and practices in the workplace impressed you the most?

I was most impressed by the practical approach to work. In the Netherlands, efficiency is valued, and there are no unnecessary meetings; everything is purposeful and has a clear outcome. Strict hierarchy is more of an exception, and decisions are often made by those directly involved in the work itself. This creates a sense of autonomy but also requires high personal responsibility.

Have there been situations where cultural differences have challenged you?

Yes, the clash with cultural differences is inevitable, especially when you are active in an international environment. In the Netherlands, there is often an emphasis on functionality and final results, while I am used to paying necessary attention to details as well. Two years ago, I participated in a summer school in China together with colleagues from the Netherlands. During those weeks, I encountered serious differences in the communication style and approach to work between me, the Dutch, and the Chinese. In order to avoid misunderstandings, quick adaptation was required and most importantly, patience, which has never been one of my strengths. I had to learn when to react and when to remain silent, a truly valuable lesson both professionally and personally.

How does finding a job differ in your current country compared to your homeland?

In my opinion, the process of finding a job in the Netherlands is more structured compared to that in Bulgaria. Especially when it comes to students who want to start their professional path. Of course, recommendations and networking are important, but young people are hired not only based on their academic results but also on their social skills and motivation.

Did you have to go through any additional qualification courses?

No, I did not have to. In an entrepreneurial university like mine, your academic engagement and participation in the community are sufficient. My major, which is a combination of business and information technology, allowed me to meet professors from various departments and receive offers and recommendations for job positions. From there on, success depends on self-discipline, attitude, and hard work.

Have you encountered prejudices or barriers because of your foreign origin?

Yes, the barriers for me manifested in missed opportunities caused by the language barrier. The fact that I do not speak Dutch limits participation in projects related to government institutions, because the documentation is not subject to translation.

What would you advise people who want to take a similar step?

To be active, social, and consistent. Participation in university clubs, additional initiatives, and discussions creates valuable contacts. These networks often prove decisive in finding opportunities for future development.

If you could go back, would you choose the same path?

Absolutely. The decision to go to the Netherlands allowed me to combine academic training with practical work on international projects. Moreover, I had the opportunity to attend a summer school in China, an academic visit to Australia and Japan, and I met professors, students, and specialists from leading universities and companies. This palette of opportunities, in my opinion, is one of the greatest positives of Dutch education - practical orientation and a multitude of opportunities for further development.

What do you miss most from your homeland professionally and personally?

Professionally, I miss the opportunity to develop my own activity related to consulting and web development. In the Dutch market, this is impossible without mastering their language. Personally - the absence of loved ones and the feeling of belonging to the place where you grew up. No matter how long I live abroad, Bulgaria remains "home" for me.

Have you considered returning and under what conditions would you do it?

Yes, I have even taken concrete steps in this direction. After I finish my master's degree, I plan to return to Bulgaria. I maintain commitments on projects in the country and consider developing my own business or joining the family company. I see it not as a compromise, but as an opportunity for real contribution. Another personal motivation for me is that many of my friends who chose to study abroad have already graduated and returned to Bulgaria. All of them feel good as young professionals and have excellent opportunities for career development.

What do you think about money? What is its influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

Money is an important tool for independence, but not an ultimate goal personally for me. I strive for financial stability because it allows me to choose and live peacefully. At the beginning of my master's program, I had the opportunity to participate in a two-month study visit to Japan and Australia, where I visited both leading universities in Osaka and Melbourne, and the offices of global companies like Amazon. These visits gave me the opportunity to see firsthand the mindset with which labor, compensation, and the importance of the balance between professional and personal life are considered. This broadened my worldview and helped me realize that money should be viewed not just as a goal, but as a means to achieve a fulfilling life.