Meet the

Zuidas is best known as Amsterdam’s business district, chock-a-block with skyscrapers and scores of offices. More recently, however, the district has grown into a veritable urban neighbourhood and a great place to live and hang out. Many businesses have also discovered Zuidas, and with their arrival, the district has added a wide range of services and amenities, including shops, schools, fitness centres and places to drink and dine. Powering each of these establishments are entrepreneurs and employees with their own special, personal stories that we’re eager to share with you.

Hannah Bailon

VU STUDENT

Native Filipino and English-speaker Hannah Bailon is doing a master’s degree at VU Amsterdam. She also has a job as student manager of the VU Green Office, a sustainability platform for students. Hannah told us how she likes life as a VU student and what brought her to the Netherlands.

You are from the Philippines, so what brought you to the Netherlands? “I’d long been wanting to go to the Netherlands more than anywhere else, mostly because some of my family live here. That also made my moving abroad two years ago easier for my parents. This branch of my family showed me around here in Holland and explained how everything works. Now I live with my boyfriend in Amsterdam.” You are doing an MA in Societal Resilience. What made you choose this programme and university? “Back when I was looking at universities, I applied to two different ones: the University of Amsterdam and VU Amsterdam. I wound up choosing VU Amsterdam because they offered me a grant. Students feel welcome at VU, they’re not made to feel like a number. If I want to research something new, there’s always someone willing to support me and help me along. In my case, someone connected me with the Red Cross. I’ve been working there for a year now, because I can utilize my skills and do research there. VU Amsterdam has helped me to advance, be heard and represent my people and country.”

What kind of job will you be looking for after graduation? “I would like to do something involving data. Analysing data for a company sounds very interesting. A job in Zuidas would be brilliant, as they’ve got the power and influence to make a massive difference. And I’d like to be a part of that movement. I want to make a big social impact myself, as well, by living more sustainably. My work for the VU Green Office is part of that. As a student at VU Amsterdam, I am connected to Zuidas, since the university has partnerships with a ton of companies here. Students can often make only a small impact, but these partnerships with Zuidas significantly improve your odds of success.”