Hello, my name is Adrian, from Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, and this is my story:
Working in Greece as a kitchen assistant in an all-inclusive hotel was both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. My main task was preparing food for the guests, with a particular focus on salads. Although the work had a slightly monotonous rhythm, once I learned all the tasks, I began to appreciate the creative side of it, such as making vegetable decorations. A relevant example would be an experimental salad I made, composed of oranges, grapefruit, mozzarella, cheese, and an unexpected dressing. Although it wasn't the most appreciated in terms of taste, it contributed to my understanding of combining ingredients and the importance of visual presentation.
Regarding relationships with my colleagues, our different schedules offered few opportunities to meet outside of work hours, but our collaboration was excellent. Although we were assigned to separate teams—another colleague and I in the kitchen, and the rest of the girls in the restaurant—we managed to develop a system of mutual support where I provided snacks from the kitchen, and they rewarded me with drinks. My relationships with international colleagues were also positive. The older cooks treated me like a true family member, always concerned about my well-being. This warm attitude created a pleasant and friendly work environment.
I quickly learned that mastering the local language can make a big difference. The effort to learn Greek helped me not only at work but also in my personal relationships, with colleagues being more open and eager to include me in various activities. This experience taught me that in any international work environment, cultural integration and communication are essential for harmonious collaboration.
My work schedule in the kitchen, from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, left my mornings free, although I didn’t have much to do during this time. Even though the sea was cold, I took every opportunity to enjoy it. I visited popular places in the area that deeply impressed me, such as the fortress in Rethymno and the night walks through the streets of Chania. However, the most captivating place was Lake Kournas, which exceeded my expectations. Here, I had moments of relaxation, swimming alongside turtles or sitting on the beach in the company of adorable ducks.
This experience taught me many things, the most important being that wherever I go, it’s essential to try to understand people as best as I can, to look beyond their public appearances, and to listen to their stories and concerns. This lesson is crucial for my future career, as I aspire to become a Public Servant. In this field, especially in Romania, it’s vital to listen to and understand citizens' problems and to seek the best solutions.
My opinion of Greece is extremely positive. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a summer that passed as quickly as this one. Greece has captivated me so much that even when I go to work, I’m happy. Honestly, I don’t have enough words to describe how wonderful and meaningful this experience has been for me. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to replicate my experience because Greece is truly a place where work and pleasure blend uniquely.