What do you do at Foreigners.cz
I am Office Coordinator. I am responsible mainly for smooth work of the whole office, including redirecting all incoming information to where it is supposed to go.
When did you start working at the agency? How do you remember your first days?
I started at the end of April 2015. The first days were a bit tough as they always are when one learns something new. My colleagues made it very clear from the start, though, that it is ok to ask them anytime about anything, and in general the environment was very welcoming and supportive.
What part of your job is your favourite?
The favourite part is the feeling when everything matches: when we offer something people want and need at the same time, and everyone goes home satisfied.
And the least favourite?
The least favourite part of the job is probably that it “never ends”. I cannot go home and think the job is finished, as there are instant changes, new questions, new challenges. There is no time to take a break, I always have to be 100% ready at the “here and now”. I am getting used to the fast pace and going with the flow, though, so I do not see at as “least favourite”, but as a perk I am supposed to learn how to deal with:)
What did you actually want to become when you were a child?
Uh, actually, one of my first dreams was becoming a combat pilot. Rather funny since I first flew (as a passenger) only half a year back. And guess what, I loved it!
Where are you from? Have you ever lived outside the Czech Republic?
I am from the Czech Republic, from Liberec. But Brno has a lovely soul, I got enchanted and decided if I would live in the CZ, I would definitely live here in Brno. So, here I am. I spent 7,5 months in Sweden in Lund as an intern at Humanities Lab at Lund University. It was definitely the best thing I have done in my life!
What is your favourite country? Why?
My favourite country… that is a tough one. I have not travelled much. But being in Sweden changed my perspective a lot, so I guess for now Sweden is my favourite country. I learned people can be very polite and considerate to each other. It helps in all aspects of life to carry this sense of politeness.
What is your favourite spot in Brno?
Right under Špilberk, with the viewpoint of Petrov. I love to go there after it gets dark. Whole Brno receives a magical atmosphere with all the dominants in the spotlights.
Can you share a funny story from your workplace?
There are funny stories from almost every day! But most of them are of the “you would have to be there to understand” kind! 😉
What do you like to do outside the office?
So many things… I like to study on my own, anything to do with cognitive linguistics or science in general. I like to read books, talk to people, go for walks in the woods, play a bit of guitar.. and, the activity I do most of the time in my free time – going to tea houses, to chill out, recharge and play some board games.
Is there anything you absolutely cannot live without?
I cannot live without putting my mind to work, without developing myself and working on myself – both on the professional and personal skills. With time one learns that all of these skills are actually of one kind, the kind that makes your journey through life easier. “Be strong to be useful” – not only to yourself but also to your environment.
Is there a language that you haven’t learned but you would love to do so?
Oh yeah. I have grown very fond of Arabic. I already took two semesters of basic crash-course in Arabic, but forgot most of it while I was in Sweden. Arabic is one of the languages I will go back to and learn properly from the start. I am in general a language lover, so there surely will be other languages coming in the queue. I feel sad about not giving any attention to Swedish whatsoever while I was there, so Swedish might be one of my aims also!
