Profiles •
Get connected Four expats tell us about their lives in Belgium
Benedetta Dentemaro “ These days I value the basic things that make us human”
Benedetta is from Puglia in Italy and lives in Brussels
“I came to Brussels in 2005 to live the European dream. I’m an EU civil servant: it’s a competitive and demanding environment but very stimulating and rewarding. I feel part of the EU integration process. Before the Covid-19 restrictions, I enjoyed Brussels’ nightlife, cinema in the original language and the capital’s connections with the world. I love multicultural events and I organise the annual Grand Bal d’Italie gala, which promotes “Italianness” within the international community in Belgium. But during lockdown, I have been struggling. As I live on my own, my job tends to fill the space normally occupied by social relations and sport. When you’re teleworking, you have to draw a line between professional and private, which is tiny if you don’t have family here. And not everyone feels comfortable meeting in person, even outdoors. I’ve had enough of video chats and online gym classes. Of course, I die at the idea of jumping on a plane or on the dance floor. But these days I value the basic things that make us human and decent, like a haircut or breakfast at a cafe with a friend.”
Bartek Matczak
“ Before Covid-19, I loved walking to the office and simply watching people” “At university, I did internships in Germany, Finland and Liechtenstein. Then, after graduating, I joined an American company’s office in my hometown, Warsaw, and enjoyed a secondment to Italy. In 2014, I took a long-term assignment in Dubai. After almost five years, I decided to find a job in Europe. I was approached by ING Belgium and a few months later we arrived in our new host country. I’m the bank’s senior process advisor. It’s a very satisfying job; I’m able to learn and undertake rewarding projects that impact on customers’ experience. I like to challenge the status quo. While some Belgian colleagues find comfort in the things they know, we are able to find common ground. Having multiple perspectives in the room really helps to determine the best solution. Before Covid-19, I loved walking to the office and simply watching people. The hardest thing about working full-time from home is the lack of that moment between finishing work and going home. Having rituals like virtual coffee with colleagues, dressing up as if it was a regular day in the office and a clearly defined agenda have helped me adopt the new reality. Still, I am looking forward to freely travelling without PCR tests and without the need to wear a mask. Last year, we had to postpone a camping trip to Scotland. So maybe in 2021, we will finally be able to go and see if Nessie is still there!”
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• expat time • summer • 2021
Bartek, from Poland, lives with his wife, Paula, and sevenyear-old daughter, Maria, in Etterbeek
